TriStar Cobra III Force 12ga 18.5 in Pump Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- 18.5-inch barrel keeps overall length to 39.5 inches—below most vehicle-safe thresholds
- Removable forearm return spring can reduce pump stroke resistance by approximately 30%
- Weighs 6.2 lbs unloaded—1.3 lbs lighter than a comparable Mossberg 590 Shockwave
- Includes both ghost-ring rear and fiber-optic front sights—uncommon at this price point
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock has minimal texture—requires aftermarket grip tape or stippling for wet conditions
- Manual lists field-stripping but provides no armorers-level schematics or torque specifications
- No integrated sling swivel studs—requires drilling or clamp-on mounts for sling attachment
- Forearm Picatinny rail has only 3.5 inches of space—limits larger light/laser combinations
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The TriStar Cobra III Force is a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel designed for defensive and tactical applications. It combines a compact 39.5-inch overall length with a five-round capacity and a mechanical forearm return spring to potentially accelerate follow-up shots. As an armorer, I note its configuration falls outside NFA regulations requiring a stock and 18-inch minimum barrel, making it immediately deployable without additional tax stamps or paperwork compared to similar short-barreled firearms.
What is the TriStar Cobra III Force used for?
The Cobra III Force is primarily a close-quarters defensive platform, suitable for home defense, vehicle security, or tactical training. The fixed pistol-grip stock and 18.5-inch barrel create a 39.5-inch overall package that maneuvers well in confined spaces like hallways or vehicle interiors. The ghost-ring rear and fiber-optic front sight system is calibrated for rapid target acquisition at defensive distances under 25 yards.
How does the TriStar Cobra III Force compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun?
The Cobra III Force is mechanically simpler and more durable for defensive use, while the Stevens 555 is a refined sporting platform better suited for target shooting. The Stevens' over-under design and 30-inch barrels provide superior balance for clay targets, but weigh approximately 7.1 lbs unloaded versus the Cobra's 6.2 lbs. For pure defensive reliability under stress, the pump action offers simpler manual operation and faster administrative loading than a break-action sporting gun.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) unloaded and measures 39.5 inches long with an 18.5-inch barrel. The synthetic stock contributes to this manageable weight, while the 5-round tube magazine adds approximately 0.8 lbs when fully loaded with 2¾-inch buckshot. For comparison, many traditional pump shotguns with similar barrel lengths weigh 7.5-8.5 lbs, making this approximately 15-20% lighter for extended carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for shooters requiring precise patterning for hunting or competitive clay sports beyond 40 yards. The fixed pistol-grip stock and ghost-ring sights prioritize speed over precision, making sustained aimed fire less comfortable than with a traditional stocked shotgun like the Stevens 334 rifle platform. For recreational target shooting or waterfowl hunting, a longer-barreled, traditionally stocked shotgun will provide better control and shot pattern consistency.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with one extended choke tube installed (cylinder bore), a spare modified choke tube, and a basic operator's manual. Unlike some Turkish imports, it does not include a hard case or cleaning kit—expect to budget $25-40 for a suitable protective case. The manual covers basic field-stripping in approximately 15 steps, which takes about 90 seconds once familiar with the design.
Is the TriStar Cobra III Force worth it at $233.99?
At $233.99, it represents functional value for a dedicated defensive tool, not refinement or versatility. The mechanical simplicity of the pump action and basic synthetic construction keeps costs low while maintaining reliability—expect roughly 2,000-3,000 rounds before significant wear components like the extractor may need inspection. For comparison, domestic-made pump shotguns with similar configurations typically start around $350-400, making this approximately 40% less expensive for comparable defensive capability.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780231624 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 23162 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.25 |
| model | Cobra III Force |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Ghost Ring Sight |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells interchangeably. The chamber is reamed for 3-inch magnum shells, but the action cycles all common defensive loads including 00 buckshot, #4 buckshot, and rifled slugs. We recommend testing your specific defensive ammunition for reliable feeding, as some low-recoil loads may not fully cycle the action.
- Does it fit in a standard gun safe?
- Its 39.5-inch length requires a safe with at least 42 inches of interior clearance. Most 8-gun residential safes have interior dimensions of 55-60 inches, providing adequate space. For vehicle mounting, expect to use a trunk or under-seat lockbox measuring at least 42x10x4 inches.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping taking 5-7 business days to most continental U.S. FFL holders. We ship via FedEx Ground with adult signature required—your FFL must provide their current license before we release the shipment. Alaska and Hawaii orders typically add 3-5 business days transit time.
- Can I mount a flashlight or laser?
- Yes, the Picatinny rail under the forearm accepts standard 1-inch flashlight mounts and laser sighting devices. The rail section provides 3.5 inches of mounting surface, sufficient for most compact weapon lights like the Streamlight TL-Racker. The top receiver rail accommodates red dot sights up to 2.5 inches wide.
- What choke tubes does it use?
- It uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style extended choke tubes with a ¾-inch wrench slot. The included cylinder choke provides approximately 20-inch patterns at 15 yards with 00 buckshot. Aftermarket choke tubes from Carlson's, Briley, or Patternmaster will thread properly if marked for Beretta Mobil thread patterns.