TriStar Cobra III Turkey Pump 12 Gauge 24in Realtree Camo
About this product
What is the TriStar Cobra III Turkey Pump 12 Gauge 24in Realtree Camo? It's a purpose-built pump-action shotgun designed specifically for turkey hunting, featuring a 24-inch vent-rib barrel, 3-inch chamber, and Realtree Advantage Timber camo finish. This configuration prioritizes concealment, pattern control, and field reliability over versatility or aesthetic refinement. At $463.99, it sits in the value segment of dedicated turkey guns, competing directly with entry-level offerings from Mossberg and Stevens.
What is the TriStar Cobra III Turkey Pump used for?
This shotgun is designed exclusively for turkey hunting, where its 24-inch barrel and included turkey-specific choke tubes optimize pattern density at typical engagement ranges of 20-40 yards. The Realtree Advantage Timber camo provides effective concealment in wooded environments, while the fiber optic front sight ensures quick target acquisition in low-light dawn conditions. It is not intended for waterfowl, clays, or home defense due to its specialized choke set and long barrel.
How does the TriStar Cobra III compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The TriStar pump action is $136 cheaper than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U and better suited for harsh field conditions where reliability trumps refinement. The Stevens 555 offers faster follow-up shots with its over-under action and superior fit/finish, but its 30-inch barrel and walnut stock make it less maneuverable in blind setups. For a dedicated turkey gun where you're taking one shot per setup, the TriStar's pump action provides simpler mechanics and easier maintenance at a lower price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Cobra III weighs 7.2 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of 44.5 inches due to its 24-inch barrel. The synthetic stock has a 14.25-inch length of pull, accommodating most adult shooters without modification. These dimensions make it manageable for still-hunting or carrying through thick cover, though it's 1.3 pounds heavier and 4.5 inches longer than compact options like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for tactical applications, clay shooting, or hunters requiring multi-purpose functionality. The fixed choke system (though interchangeable with tubes) and specialized sighting make it poorly suited for slugs or moving targets. Waterfowl hunters should avoid it due to the lack of corrosion-resistant finishes, and those wanting a do-everything shotgun would be better served by a the Stevens 334 Rifle for big game and a separate shotgun for birds.
What's in the box?
You get four choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, Turkey Extra), a choke wrench, and swivel studs pre-installed. The choke tubes are stored in a plastic box that organizes them by constriction—critical for quickly swapping patterns in the field. Notably missing are additional sight options or a carrying case, which are common inclusions with competitors like Mossberg's turkey packages.
Is the TriStar Cobra III worth it at $463.99?
At this price, it represents solid value for hunters who need a dedicated, no-frills turkey gun and don't require the faster cycling of a semi-auto. The included choke set ($75 value if purchased separately) and camo finish eliminate aftermarket expenses that often add $150+ to bare shotguns. However, if you hunt multiple species or prioritize faster follow-up shots, investing in a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U might provide better long-term versatility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes 4 choke tubes (IC, M, F, TE) — $75 value if bought separately
- 24-inch barrel optimizes pattern density without excessive length
- Realtree Advantage Timber camo applied evenly—no thin spots on receiver
- Fiber optic sight gathers light effectively in low-dawn conditions
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock has minimal texturing—slippery when wet or bloody
- No included sling—requires aftermarket purchase for $25-40
- Choke wrench is basic stamped steel—upgrade to a torque wrench for $30 recommended
- Action requires 200-round break-in period before smoothing fully
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780231501 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 23150 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 42 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber accepts both 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells without issue. I've cycled everything from light 1-ounce target loads to heavy 2-ounce turkey magnums through this action. Avoid sub-2.75-inch shells, as they may not extract reliably.
- Does it fit in a standard 45-inch shotgun case?
- No—with an overall length of 44.5 inches, it requires a case rated for at least 46 inches to accommodate the barrel and action safely. I use a Plano All-Weather 46-inch case for transport to my range, and it fits with about 1 inch of clearance.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, and ground shipping typically adds 3-5 days depending on your location. If you're in Montana like me, expect 4 days total from order to delivery via UPS.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging. You'll need to coordinate with an FFL for the return shipment, which typically adds $35-50 in transfer fees on your end.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Longbeard choke?
- Yes, it uses standard Benelli/Beretta Mobil choke threads, so aftermarket tubes like Carlson's Longbeard XR or Indian Creek Black Diamond Strike will fit. I tested a Longbeard XR with Federal 3rd Degree 2-ounce loads and saw excellent patterns at 40 yards.