TriStar Arms announced two new models in its Bristol double-barrel lineup this week, both chambered for the venerable and resurgent 16 gauge. 

The Bristol series, which started to be imported last year in 12, 20, 28 ga., or .410 bore, are modern steel-framed SXS shotguns with 28-inch. chrome-lined barrels, Beretta choke tubes, auto ejectors, and oil-finished Turkish walnut furniture. 

"TriStar Arms is known for bringing high-value, quality firearms to market at affordable prices," said the Missouri-based importer and distributor in a release. "A year ago, that talent was expressed with the Bristol side-by-side shotguns which offer the traditional elegance and functionality of a classic side-by-side shotgun at an achievable price that doesn't deter field use. Now the beautiful English-stocked, color case-hardened model and the gold-adorned, laser-engraved Silver model are available in a fifth gauge."

Other features include a brass front sight, and a single selective trigger system-- moving the selector left or right will select which barrel will fire first. The top tang safety slides forward to fire. The five Beretta-pattern chokes included are Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. The weight of the shotguns is a light 6.5-pounds. 

Why 16 Ga?

Here at Guns.com, we have long been preaching the versatility of the 16-gauge shotgun and it seems both gun and ammo makers are responding to increased demand for the vintage hull. For instance, in 2019, Stevens announced a line of new Model 555 over/unders catering to 16-gauge fans to which CZ responded with a Redhead Premier model in the same bore last year.  

Today, dozens of 16-gauge field loads are in production by Browning, Estate, Federal, Fiocchi, Hevi, Kent, Remington, Winchester, and others including those loaded with alternative steel and bismuth shot rather than traditional lead.