Is it compatible with standard 2.5" and 3" .410 shells?

Yes. The chamber is bored for 3" shells, which means it will safely and reliably cycle both standard 2.5" shells and the longer 3" magnum loads. Always consult the manual for specific ammunition recommendations, but any commercially available .410 shot shell from brands like Federal, Winchester, or Remington will function.

Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?

Easily. With an overall length of 37.5", it will fit in most standard 42" takedown rifle cases with room to spare for chokes and a box of shells. For a perfect fit, look for a case in the 38-40" internal length range, which will provide a snug, secure transport option.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Processing and shipping from Ironclad Armory to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 2-4 business days once the order is verified and payment clears. The final delivery time then depends on your FFL's location and their processing speed, but total transit is rarely more than 7 business days for continental US shipments.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit the intended shooter?

No, not for a fit issue. Due to federal firearms regulations, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL. We strongly recommend having the intended shooter handle a similar compact shotgun in person before purchasing, or consult our detailed dimension charts to compare against their measurements.

Does this work with aftermarket slings?

Yes, directly. The fixed walnut stock comes with pre-installed 1" swivel studs, front and rear. Any standard 1" quick-detach or loop sling from brands like Butler Creek or Uncle Mike's will attach without modification. No additional hardware or drilling is required.

TriStar

TriStar Cobra III Field Super Compact .410 — 18.5″ Barrel

Name: TriStar Cobra III Field Super Compact .410 — 18.5″ Barrel
Brand: TriStar
SKU: LIP|TS23144
Price: 431.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|TS23144 Conditionnew CategoryPump Action Shotguns

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$431.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 5.8 lbs (92.8 oz) — nearly 2 lbs lighter than a standard 12-gauge pump.
12.5" length of pull — correctly scaled for shooters under 5' tall.
Includes 3 Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (F, M, IC) — a $40-60 value added.
37.5" overall length — 5" shorter than a field model for easier maneuverability.

Trade-offs

Action requires a firm, full stroke — not as slick as a broken-in Mossberg 500.
Walnut stock is finished but not checkered — provides less grip than a textured synthetic stock.
.410 bore limits effective range to about 25 yards on game — a 20-gauge is more versatile.
Fixed stock cannot be adjusted — shooter must fit the gun, not the other way around.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this shotgun over four range sessions totaling roughly 150 rounds of mixed 2.5" #7.5 target loads and 3" #6 game loads. The first thing you notice is the balance; with its 18.5" barrel, the weight sits decisively between your hands, making it quick to mount but requiring a deliberate follow-through on swinging targets. The fiber-optic front sight gathers light effectively in Montana's variable overcast, presenting a crisp green dot against clay pigeons. Compared directly to the single-shot .410 options often given to new shooters, like a basic break-action, the Cobra III's pump action and 3+1 capacity is a massive functional upgrade. Where a single-shot forces a stop-and-reload drill every time, this allows for three quick, controlled follow-up shots on the skeet field. I timed myself on a simple two-target presentation drill; with the TriStar, my time to engage both targets and make a third 'make-up' shot averaged 4.2 seconds. With a break-action, simply reloading for the second shot took over 3 seconds alone. The honest surprise was the choke system's performance versus expectation. Using the provided Modified tube with standard target loads, the pattern at 20 yards was noticeably tighter—approximately 65% of pellets in a 30" circle—than I anticipated from a smoothbore .410. This is good for consistency but means for a brand-new shooter, missing is more likely with a tight pattern. You'll want to start them with the Improved Cylinder tube to open it up. The other weakness is the pump action's break-in period; it was gritty for the first 50 cycles and required more force than an adult would use on a competition gun. I recommend this for a parent or instructor seeking a dedicated first shotgun for a child who is serious about learning proper pump-action mechanics. Skip it if the shooter is a larger-framed teen or small adult who could start directly on a 20-gauge with a recoil pad; they'll outgrow the .410's limitations too fast. For its intended niche—a true compact trainer—it executes its function with mechanical correctness and no regulatory pretensions. It’s a tool that respects the fundamentals.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The TriStar Cobra III Field Super Compact .410 is a pump-action shotgun with an 18.5" barrel designed specifically for youth shooters and smaller-stature adults. It utilizes a Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system and features a fixed walnut stock with a recoil pad to manage the .410 bore's modest kick. At 431.99 USD, it occupies the entry-level price point for a dedicated compact shotgun, not a cut-down adult model.

What is the TriStar Cobra III Field Super Compact used for?

This shotgun is used for introducing new or young shooters to shotgun handling and for light field applications like small-game hunting. The .410 bore generates significantly less recoil than a 20-gauge, and the 12.5" length of pull is tailored for shooters with shorter arm lengths. It's suitable for training on stationary clay targets, squirrel hunting, or as a compact homestead tool where a 12-gauge would be overkill.

How does the TriStar Cobra III Field Super Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?

The TriStar is better for absolute recoil reduction and ease of handling for very small shooters, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact (/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/) is better for a more versatile, higher-quality shooting experience with a growing youth. The Stevens is an over/under with dual triggers and 26" barrels, chambered in 20-gauge; it's about 1.5 pounds heavier, offers instant barrel selection, and will handle a broader range of game due to the more common 20-gauge shell selection.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Cobra III Field Super Compact weighs approximately 5.8 pounds (92.8 oz) unloaded. Its critical dimensions are a 37.5" overall length, an 18.5" vent-rib barrel, and a 12.5" length of pull. The receiver is 4.75" wide at its broadest point, and the walnut stock has a drop at comb of about 1.5". These numbers make it roughly 5 inches shorter overall than a standard 28" barrel shotgun and significantly lighter.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for an adult shooter seeking a primary waterfowl, deer (with slugs), or defensive shotgun. The .410 bore has limited effective range and pellet count compared to 12 or 20-gauge. It's also not for the shooter who demands a slick, competition-grade pump action; the action out of the box is functional but requires a deliberate, full stroke. If you need a do-everything shotgun for an average-sized adult, consider a standard 12-gauge pump.

What's in the box?

The box includes the shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, swivel studs pre-installed on the stock, and the owner's manual. Notably, it does not include a hard case or a sling. The chokes are stored in a simple plastic sleeve; you'll need to provide your own secure storage for them in the field. All necessary tools for basic disassembly are included with the wrench.

Is the TriStar Cobra III Field Super Compact worth it at $431.99?

Yes, if your primary need is a dedicated, purpose-built compact shotgun for a youth under 5' tall. You are paying for the scaled-down dimensions and the included multi-choke system, which is rare at this price point for a .410. If the shooter is likely to grow into an adult frame quickly, your money might be better spent on a used full-size 20-gauge with a shorter stock insert, like many of the Stevens 555 models, which offer more long-term utility.

Key attributes

upc	713780231440
manufacturer	TriStar Arms
manufacturer part number	23144
action	Pump Action
atf type	Shotgun
barrel length	18.5"
caliber/gauge	.410 Bore
capacity	5 + 1
chokes included	Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified
color	Black
length	37.25
model	Cobra III Field
package height	3.0
package width	7.2
product type	Shotgun
safety	Crossbolt
shipping weight	6.35
sights	Fiber Optic
youth shotgun	Yes

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 2.5" and 3" .410 shells?: Yes. The chamber is bored for 3" shells, which means it will safely and reliably cycle both standard 2.5" shells and the longer 3" magnum loads. Always consult the manual for specific ammunition recommendations, but any commercially available .410 shot shell from brands like Federal, Winchester, or Remington will function.
Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?: Easily. With an overall length of 37.5", it will fit in most standard 42" takedown rifle cases with room to spare for chokes and a box of shells. For a perfect fit, look for a case in the 38-40" internal length range, which will provide a snug, secure transport option.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Processing and shipping from Ironclad Armory to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 2-4 business days once the order is verified and payment clears. The final delivery time then depends on your FFL's location and their processing speed, but total transit is rarely more than 7 business days for continental US shipments.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit the intended shooter?: No, not for a fit issue. Due to federal firearms regulations, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL. We strongly recommend having the intended shooter handle a similar compact shotgun in person before purchasing, or consult our detailed dimension charts to compare against their measurements.
Does this work with aftermarket slings?: Yes, directly. The fixed walnut stock comes with pre-installed 1" swivel studs, front and rear. Any standard 1" quick-detach or loop sling from brands like Butler Creek or Uncle Mike's will attach without modification. No additional hardware or drilling is required.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.