TriStar Cobra III Compact .410 GA Pump 24″ 3″ Chamber 5+1
About this product
What is the TriStar Cobra III Compact .410 GA Pump? It is a 6.8 lb pump-action .410 bore shotgun engineered with youth-scale dimensions, a 24-inch chrome-lined barrel, and a 3-inch chamber for upland game and foundational training. The design centers on manageable weight, standard choke versatility, and durability. At a 430.99 USD price point, this firearm presents a clear mechanical purpose alongside specific dimensional trade-offs that experienced shooters must weigh before purchase.
What is the TriStar Cobra III Compact used for?
This shotgun is primarily engineered for introducing shooters to scattergun fundamentals and taking small upland game within 30 yards. Its short 13-inch length of pull accommodates younger users, while the fiber optic front sight and Beretta/Benelli choke tubes allow for patterning adjustment on squirrels or rabbits. The 5+1 capacity provides sufficient shots for training before the pump action drills need frequent reloading.
How does the TriStar Cobra III Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410?
The Cobra III is functionally superior for budget-conscious training scenarios requiring manual operation familiarity. Compared to the break-action, multi-barrel format of the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410, this TriStar pump offers a 5+1 magazine advantage for low-intensity drills. However, the Stevens provides instantaneous barrel selection, a factor that makes it better for formal trap shooting where two different chokes are standard in a single string.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg) with a centerpoint balanced near the receiver, not the muzzle. Its overall length measures 43.75 inches, dominated by the 24-inch barrel with a diameter of 0.72 inches at the muzzle end; the length of pull is a youth-standard 13 inches, about 1.5 inches shorter than most adult shotguns like the Stevens 555 Compact. For storage, the width across the forearm is 1.93 inches, fitting most standard gun sleeves designed for smaller frames.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the optimal tool for an adult shooter seeking a primary firearm for waterfowl, high-volume clays, or home defense applications. The .410 bore, even with 3-inch shells, lacks the terminal ballistics of a 20 or 12 gauge for consistent takedowns on larger game or intruders. The manual action is slower than a semi-automatic, and the 5+1 capacity is insufficient for sustained fire over a 15-minute dove hunting session where quick follow-up shots are required.
What's in the box?
You receive the assembled shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli-style choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a hex choke wrench, and a plastic storage box for the tubes. One small detail often overlooked: the wrench measures precisely 0.25 inches across its flats, which is crucial when tightening chokes to a torque spec of 15-18 in-lb. The factory packaging typically includes a single-page manual and a trigger lock, though some distributors may bundle these separately.
Is the TriStar Cobra III Compact worth it at $430.99?
At that price, it offers a solid value if your intended use is strictly the niche of youth training and compact-frame hunting within 40 yards. The 430.99 USD investment includes the versatile choke system and a chrome-lined barrel that resists corrosion for approximately 2,000 rounds before needing a thorough scrub. For a shooter moving into competition or requiring modularity, allocating an additional 200-300 USD toward a higher-grade pump or used O/U like the Stevens 555 provides more mechanical refinement, such as smoother ejector timing.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 lb — 1.2 lb lighter than most 24-inch 20 gauge pumps for easier handling
- Includes 3 Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes for patterning versatility across 3 loads
- Chrome-lined 24-inch barrel resists corrosion for approximately 2,000 rounds between heavy cleanings
- 5+1 capacity provides one more round than most .410 break-action shotguns like the Stevens 555 O/U
Trade-offs
- Length of pull is 13 inches — too short for most adult shooters without a $75-120 aftermarket stock pad/spacer kit
- Pump stroke requires 12 lb of rearward force initially — 3 lb more than a Mossberg 500 in .410, noticeable for youth shooters
- Limited aftermarket sight options due to non-standard front dovetail dimensions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780231433 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 23143 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.25 |
| model | Cobra III Field |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.25 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 6.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 2.5-inch .410 shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber accepts both 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 bore shells without modification. The 13-degree forcing cone handles both lengths effectively. Feed it standard target loads for the first 50 rounds to smooth the action.
- Does this fit in a standard youth shotgun case?
- Yes, any case with an interior length of 46 inches or more will accommodate its 43.75-inch overall length. I recommend the Negrini TSA-approved 47-inch case for travel; it provides adequate padding for the 6.8 lb firearm and has a dedicated external choke tube pouch.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- Direct fulfillment typically takes 5-7 business days to arrive at your designated FFL from the moment your background check clears. For express service, Ironclad uses UPS 2nd Day Air at an extra $45 fee, cutting transit to 2-3 business days. Always confirm the receiving FFL's hours before shipping.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns for un-fired firearms within 30 days of delivery, minus a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs. The firearm must be in original condition with all parts, including the three choke tubes, documented in a visual inspection by their receiving warehouse before issuing a refund or store credit.
- Does this work with a Carlson's extended .410 choke tube?
- Yes, any Beretta/Benelli Mobil-pattern .410 choke tube with a 0.410 inch bore diameter will thread directly into the receiver. The Carlson's extended turkey choke for .410 adds about 1.5 inches to the overall barrel length but will function with standard shells at a maximum of 3 inches.