Industry Insiders: 2021's Best New Shotgun is Tristar's Bristol SxS

The National Association of Sporting Good Wholesalers Expo granted this side-by-side shotgun its "High Caliber" award.

by posted on November 3, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Tristar Bristol Nasgw

There's really nothing in the world quite like a well-balanced side-by-side shotgun; ideal for wingshooting and clay games, this elegant and classic design is often thought of as the province of the wealthy. TriStar Arms set out to change that with its line of Bristol side-by-side scatterguns, which offer luxury form and function without breaking the bank. What's more, America's firearms industry insiders are even more excited about the Bristol SxS than they are about more modern "tactical" shotguns. The proof comes in the form of an "insider" award called the NASGW Caliber Award.

What's NASGW? Well, it's a trade show called the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo, and it's normally not open to consumers. Each year, America's wholesalers and outdoor writers (represented by a group known as the Professional Outdoor Media Association) celebrate the "highest caliber" new products of the year that's just concluded. The NASGW Caliber Award for Best New Shotgun was selected by an independent panel of 18 media and wholesaler professionals. 

The reasons for which the Bristol SxS was chosen are obvious. Available in an English walnut stock with either color case-hardened or silver receiver, this nimble shotgun is perfect for bird-hunting with a 28-inch barrel and gorgeous balance. Built on a true steel frame, the Bristol SxS comes with five Beretta-style choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F). It boasts a selective top tang safety with a left-right barrel selector in the center, brass bead front sight and a single selective trigger. Initially rolled out in four chamberings (12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410 bore), the Bristol SxS has a new 16-gauge version joining the lineup now. 

"We are honored to receive such a prestigious award," said Ryan Bader, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, "TriStar has always strived to deliver well-built, quality products that bring value to the customer. The Bristol SxS is elegant, dependable but most importantly, affordable."

MSRPs from $1,100 to $1,130; tristararms.com

 

Latest

Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao
Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao

It's Time for Your Rifle's Off-Season Check-Up

When fall hunting season is just around the corner, summer is time to make sure your guns and gear are in shape for shooting.

The Armed Citizen® Reload July 18, 2025

A spousal abuser and a registered sex offender met their fate while attempting to carry out their crimes. 

Want to Become an Outdoors Woman? Here's One Way to Start.

The successful BOW program (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) began in 1990 in Wisconsin but its popularity as one of the leading programs for women has propelled its expansion into 38 states.

Winchester Safes Donating to Kerr County Flood Relief

Through July 31, 100 percent of its profits from online sales will go to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

The Headrest Safe Company Introduces Compact Model

Take your firearm, cash, medications and more in your vehicle and relax knowing it will stay out of the hands of kids, valets or intruders.

What’s a Monolithic Bullet?

What do monolithic bullets do, and what are they good for?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.