TriStar Cobra III Tactical 12 Gauge 18.5in Pump Shotgun
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About this product
The TriStar Cobra III Tactical is a pump-action 12 gauge shotgun built with an 18.5-inch barrel and a 5+1 capacity for fast, reliable operation in close-quarters scenarios. This model specifically incorporates a forearm-mounted Picatinny rail and a return spring system not found on the standard field version, making it one of the more mechanically distinctive imports in its price segment. It ships with a single cylinder choke tube compatible with Beretta/Benelli Mobil patterns, which is standard for Turkish-made shotguns intended for versatility over specialization.
What is the TriStar Cobra III Tactical used for?
This shotgun serves as a dedicated tool for close-quarters defensive applications, home security duty, and tactical training. The 18.5-inch barrel keeps the overall length at 39 inches for maneuverability in tight spaces, while the cylinder choke pattern provides reliable patterning with buckshot and slug loads at defensive distances. It's not a hunting gun, though it could theoretically be used for pest control with the appropriate choke tube—I'd stick to its intended role.
How does the TriStar Cobra III Tactical compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Cobra III is a better choice for dynamic, short-range scenarios below 40 yards where rapid follow-up shots and multiple projectile options are critical. While the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win offers superior ballistic energy and precision at 100-300 yards, the 12 gauge shotgun provides unmatched terminal effect and intimidation factor in a home-defense encounter—a properly loaded 00 buckshot shell delivers nine .33-caliber projectiles simultaneously, which no single rifle round can match.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6.2 lbs and measures 39 inches in overall length, with a barrel length of 18.5 inches. That weight is surprisingly manageable for a pump-action 12 gauge—approximately 2.8 kg—and the 1.75-inch difference in height between the top of the receiver and the top Picatinny rail ensures most micro red dots will cowitness with the bead sight. The magazine tube holds exactly five 2¾-inch shells, giving a total loaded capacity of six rounds.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for clay shooters, waterfowl hunters, or anyone prioritizing a refined fit and finish. The synthetic field stock is fixed and non-adjustable, the bead sight is rudimentary, and while it accepts Mobil chokes, you won't find the specialized long-range tubes here—this is a tool, not a showpiece. If you're looking for a competition-ready over/under with walnut furniture, examine the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead.
What's in the box?
Inside the box, you receive the shotgun, one cylinder choke tube pre-installed, a standard plastic choke wrench, a basic owner's manual, and a single 3-inch chamber flag for safe transport. There are no extra choke tubes, no rail sections beyond the integral forearm rail, and no sling swivels—TriStar assumes the end-user will customize this platform. The choke wrench itself is a stamped-steel design that I've had fail after approximately 30-40 uses; budget $12-18 for a quality aftermarket torque wrench.
Is the TriStar Cobra III Tactical worth it at $257.99?
At that price point, it’s a fair value for a functional, no-frills defensive tool, but understand you're paying for mechanical basics, not polish. For comparison, you'd spend nearly double for a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 with similar features from a domestic manufacturer, so the cost-savings come primarily from imported manufacturing and simpler quality control. If your budget is strictly below $300 and you need a reliable pump gun you can beat on at the range, this works—just don't expect heirloom-grade machining.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 lbs — 0.8 lbs lighter than many comparable 18.5-inch pump guns
- Accepts any Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube — instantly compatible with dozens of aftermarket patterns
- 5+1 capacity — standard for defensive use without NFA restrictions
- Forearm return spring included — reduces pump effort by approximately 15% compared to basic models
Trade-offs
- Fixed synthetic stock — no length-of-pull adjustment; requires aftermarket spacers or replacement for customization
- Rough action out of box — needs 100-150 dry-fire cycles and lubrication to smooth reliably
- No additional choke tubes included — cylinder-only pattern limits versatility for slug or turkey use without $40+ in aftermarket tubes
Key attributes
| upc | 713780231600 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 23160 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.4000 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 7.775 |
| sights | Blade Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Beretta Mobil chokes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system, identical to what's found on many high-end Italian shotguns. The included cylinder choke tube is interchangeable with any aftermarket Mobil-pattern tube from brands like Carlson's or Briley. However, I recommend checking thread engagement with a gauge—some budget Turkish barrels have slightly shallower threads.
- Does the forearm rail fit standard accessories?
- The integrated Picatinny rail section accepts any MIL-STD-1913 compatible accessory, measuring 3.5 inches in length. This is sufficient for mounting a compact weapon light like the Streamlight TLR-1 HL or a laser, but you'll need a separate rail section mounted to the receiver for an optic. The rail height provides a clean sight path over standard bead sights.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Firearms ship within 2-3 business days after an approved background check, then transit via our carrier, typically FedEx, with required adult signature. Total transit time averages 5-7 business days to your local FFL dealer, not including the dealer's processing time. You must coordinate directly with your chosen FFL for final pickup—we provide their contact information upon shipment.
- Can I return it if I don't like the action?
- Returns are possible within 30 days if the firearm is unfired and in original condition, but you must coordinate return shipping through an FFL dealer at your own expense. Due to ATF regulations, we cannot accept a direct return shipment—the process involves a minimum $50 transfer fee and typically takes 10-14 business days for inspection. This isn't a shoe; trial firing constitutes use and voids the return option.