TriStar Cobra III Pump Shotgun 28″ Vent Rib 3″ Chamber
About this product
The Ironclad Armory TriStar Cobra III Pump Shotgun 28″ Vent Rib 3″ Chamber is a pump-action field shotgun built for versatile ammunition handling across upland, waterfowl, and sporting clays applications. It uses a proven manual action combined with a modular Beretta/Benelli Mobil-thread choke system and an 28-inch vent rib barrel that provides consistent swing dynamics. This configuration is designed for shooters who prioritize choke interchangeability and straightforward mechanical operation over semi-automatic cycling or intricate sporting-specific adjustments.
What is the TriStar Cobra III Pump Shotgun used for?
This shotgun is used for field hunting, sporting clays, and general recreational shooting, particularly where ammunition versatility is required. Its 3-inch chamber accepts a wide range of 12-gauge loads from light target loads to heavier waterfowl and turkey shells, while the included Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes let you pattern from tight 40-yard turkey shots to open 20-yard clay breaks. The 28-inch barrel with a vent rib provides a stable sighting plane for moving targets, making it capable for both field and casual competition use without specialized tuning.
How does the TriStar Cobra III compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The TriStar Cobra III is mechanically simpler and more affordable than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun, but offers less finesse for dedicated clay target shooting. The Cobra III uses a pump action versus the 555's over/under break-action, resulting in a slower practical cycle rate of roughly 2-3 seconds per follow-up shot versus the 555's instantaneous second barrel. However, the Cobra III's Mobil-thread choke system accepts a wider variety of aftermarket tubes than the 555's fixed-choke equivalents, and its 28-inch barrel is 2 inches shorter than the 555 Sporting's 30-inch standard, making it slightly more maneuverable in thick cover. For a shooter prioritizing budget and ammo flexibility over pure competition speed, the Cobra III is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.1 pounds (3.22 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 48.5 inches and a 28-inch barrel length. The vent rib is 8 mm wide with a matte finish to reduce glare, and the receiver measures 7.25 inches from the rear of the tang to the ejection port. This weight and balance point approximately 4 inches forward of the receiver make it stable for swinging on clays or flushing birds, though it is noticeably heavier and longer than compact defensive shotguns like the Mossberg 590 Shockwave, which weighs under 6 pounds.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive trap or skeet shooters who require the instantaneous second-shot capability of an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. The pump action introduces a manual cycling delay that puts you at a disadvantage in registered competitions where split-seconds count, and the synthetic stock lacks the adjustable comb and length-of-pull found on dedicated sporting models. It is also not ideal for home defense due to its 48.5-inch overall length, which is cumbersome in tight quarters compared to an 18.5-inch tactical barrel.
What's in the box?
The box includes the shotgun with a factory-installed Improved Cylinder choke tube, two additional choke tubes (Full and Modified), a plastic choke tube storage box, a combination choke wrench and cleaning rod tip, and the owner's manual. Notably, it does not include a sling, swivels, or a hard case—you’ll need to supply your own for transport, which adds roughly $30-50 to the initial setup cost if you require those items.
Is the TriStar Cobra III worth it at $406.99?
At $406.99, this shotgun is worth it for hunters and recreational shooters who need a reliable, versatile pump-action that can handle different chokes and ammo types without a major investment. You are getting a functional field gun with a proven choke thread pattern and basic fiber-optic sighting for about $200-300 less than a comparable new-production pump from Mossberg or Remington with similar features. If your primary use is clay target competition or you require a shorter barrel for tactical use, invest in a dedicated model like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U or a defensive shotgun instead.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Accepts 3-inch shells — handles everything from 2.75-inch target loads to magnum waterfowl rounds
- Weighs 7.1 pounds — stable for swinging on clays without excessive fatigue
- Includes three choke tubes (Full, Modified, IC) — covers patterns from 40 yards to 20 yards out of the box
- Uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads — compatible with hundreds of aftermarket choke options
Trade-offs
- 48.5-inch overall length — too long for home defense or tight blind setups
- No sling or swivels included — adds $25-40 to configure for hunting
- Synthetic stock is non-adjustable — not suitable for shooters needing precise comb height or length-of-pull tuning
- Pump action requires manual cycling — slower than a semi-auto or over/under for follow-up shots
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780231297 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 23129 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.25 |
| model | Cobra III Field |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, it fits in a standard 52-inch shotgun case with room to spare. The overall length is 48.5 inches, leaving approximately 3.5 inches of clearance in most rectangular soft or hard cases. I recommend a case with internal dividers or padding to protect the vent rib during transport.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads, which are a widely available industry standard. You can use aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's, Briley, or Trulock without an adapter. Just verify the tube is marked "Mobil" or "Benelli/Beretta Mobile" and is rated for steel shot if you plan to hunt waterfowl.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items to an FFL holder, depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Bozeman, Montana. All firearms shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL and are processed through Ironclad Armory's logistics partner, SecureShip Logistics.
- Can I return it if it doesn’t fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of shipment for un-fired, unmodified firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Once the firearm has been transferred to you through an FFL and fired, it is considered used and cannot be returned—you must contact TriStar for warranty service directly.
- Does this work with a Magpul SGA stock?
- No, it does not accept the Magpul SGA stock without significant gunsmithing. The Cobra III uses a proprietary stock mounting system that is not compatible with aftermarket stocks designed for Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 platforms. Your options for adjusting length of pull are limited to add-on recoil pad spacers or custom work.