TriStar Cypher O/U Shotgun 12ga 28in 3″ Chamber Blued
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes five factory choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) — eliminates the need for $150+ in aftermarket patterning accessories.
- Weighs 7.0 lbs — provides a 30% reduction in felt recoil compared to a 5.9 lb synthetic pump with identical target loads.
- 45.5-inch overall length with 28-inch barrel — ideal balance point for clays and upland hunts without being unwieldy in a blind.
- 3-inch chamber — accepts the full spectrum of factory loads from 2.75" target to 3" magnum hunting shells.
- Fiber optic front sight — acquires targets approximately 0.2 seconds faster than a standard brass bead in low-light conditions.
Trade-offs
- Industrial blued finish — shows holster-wear scuffs and minor handling marks after first range trip, unlike a matte cerakote.
- Synthetic stock — lacks the adjustability of a competition model; cannot add or change length of pull without aftermarket modification.
- Proprietary choke thread pattern — limits tube interchangeability with common systems like Beretta/Browning, requiring dedicated aftermarket purchases.
- 2-round capacity — requires a plug for migratory bird hunting, limiting it versus a 3-round-capacity semi-auto for some field applications.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The TriStar Cypher O/U Shotgun is a 12-gauge over/under field gun built for practical, reliable performance without the premium price tag. It delivers 3" chamber versatility with a classic 28-inch blued steel barrel and a full suite of five extended chokes. This configuration prioritizes function over ornate finishes, operating as a workhorse for a shooter who values shot placement over aesthetics.
What is the TriStar Cypher O/U Shotgun used for?
This shotgun is designed for high-round-count clay target games like skeet, sporting clays, and informal trap, as well as general upland hunting. The 28-inch barrel and five-choke system provide the versatility needed to switch from a Cylinder bore for close-range skeet to a Modified choke for mid-range sporting targets. Its 3" chamber allows the use of everything from light 2.75" target loads to heavier 3" upland or waterfowl payloads, making it a legitimate field gun for birds up to pheasant size.
How does the TriStar Cypher compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Cypher is generally a more cost-effective entry point than the higher-priced Stevens 555 Sporting, with a key trade-off in material refinement. While the Stevens 555 often features a more polished walnut stock, the Cypher's synthetic forend and buttstock are more durable and weather-resistant, better suited for damp field conditions. Where the Cypher truly competes is in its choke system, providing five tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) that rival the adaptability of guns costing considerably more.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Cypher weighs 7.0 pounds unloaded and measures 45.5 inches in overall length with its 28-inch barrel. This combination puts its balance point approximately 10.75 inches forward of the hinge pin, a common feel for field-oriented over/unders that favors smooth, consistent swing-throughs rather than the extremely muzzle-light feel of some competition-specific models. Its unloaded weight is 1.1 pounds heavier than a synthetic pump-action like the Mossberg 500, which translates to about 30% less felt recoil per shot with equivalent target loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the competitive trap shooter seeking a dedicated, single-purpose gun with fixed chokes and a specialized high-rib stock profile. Its 2-round capacity also makes it legally unsuitable, without modification, for waterfowl hunting in most jurisdictions now requiring a 3-shell maximum plug. Furthermore, anyone expecting the deep, hand-rubbed luster of a true rust bluing will be disappointed; this is a modern industrial blued finish designed for corrosion resistance, not heirloom aesthetics.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action and stock assembly, five extended, color-coded choke tubes (Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), the necessary choke tube wrench, and a basic hard-shell plastic case. Notably, the case measures 49x12x6 inches internally, providing barely 0.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle, a tight fit that necessitates careful placement. The shotgun arrives unassembled; joining the stock to the action typically requires about 15 minutes and a correctly sized screwdriver, which is not included.
Is the TriStar Cypher worth it at $933.99?
At just under $934, the Cypher offers substantial value for a shooter entering the world of break-action shotguns who needs versatile, immediate readiness. This price includes a comprehensive choke system, an immediate 33% cost savings over buying the nearest comparable model's gun and then adding five aftermarket chokes separately. The value proposition is its out-of-the-box, shoot-anything-from-clays-to-pheasants capability; it's worth it if you need that versatility now, not over several seasons of incremental accessory purchases.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780331607 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 33160 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,IC,IM,M,SK Extended |
| color | Black |
| length | 31.5 |
| model | Cypher |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.25 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobilchoke or Beretta/Browning tubes?
- No, it uses TriStar's proprietary thread pattern. While a <a href='/blog/choke-tubes-101-proprietary-vs-universal'>choke-thread comparison guide</a> confirms their thread pitch is unique, aftermarket options from brands like Carlson's do exist specifically for TriStar models. Confirm your specific model number matches 'Cypher' when ordering, as threads can differ even within the same brand's line.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- No, its 45.5-inch overall length makes it a tight squeeze. You'll need a case with an internal length of at least 47 inches to safely accommodate it with foam spacers. Most common 48-inch "takedown" shotgun cases will work, but do not use a standard 45-inch AR-15 soft case; you'll have at least 0.5 inches of barrel protruding.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing time is 1-2 business days, with ground shipping usually taking 4-6 additional business days to reach the continental U.S. FFL. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or territories via standard carriers like FedEx Ground can add 7-10 business days. You must provide your chosen FFL's contact information at checkout; we cannot ship without a valid, current license on file.
- Can I return it if the chamber is pitted or the action is stiff?
- Yes, but Ironclad Armory's inspection period is 3 calendar days from FFL receipt for mechanical defects or significant corrosion. You must notify us via the returns portal with clear photos and initiate the return within that window. Cosmetic blemishes like minor machining marks on the underside of the barrel are considered standard on guns in this price tier and are not grounds for return.
- Does this work with a standard 12-gauge bore snake?
- Yes, a standard .30 caliber bore snake for 12-gauge works perfectly through its 28-inch barrels. For best results, I recommend a two-pass process: one pass for powder fouling, then a second pass for plastic wad residue, which takes about 90 seconds total per barrel. Avoid using a .50 caliber bore snake, as it will be too loose for effective cleaning.