TriStar Cypher X O/U 28 Gauge 28 in 3-inch
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The TriStar Cypher X O/U 28 Gauge is a field-specialized over/under shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells, built on a lightweight aluminum receiver for balanced upland carry. It combines specific mechanical features—selective ejectors and an internal choke system—with practical ergonomics aimed at reducing shooter fatigue during extended hikes. Its 28-inch vent-rib barrels and 5.7-pound weight place it in a niche for hunters who prioritize a fast, natural swing over raw payload capacity.
What is the TriStar Cypher X O/U used for?
The Cypher X is built for upland bird hunting and informal sporting clays, where its light carry weight and 28-inch barrel length optimize swing speed and follow-through on crossing targets. At 5.7 pounds unloaded, it reduces arm fatigue during long walks, while the 3-inch chamber allows for the use of heavier 28-gauge field loads for improved downrange energy. The extended choke set (F, IC, IM, M, SK) and fiber-optic front sight provide configuration flexibility for varying shot distances from 15 to 40 yards.
How does the TriStar Cypher X compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Cypher X is better for hunters who value a lighter carry weight and faster handling, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in is better for shooters who prioritize a heavier, more stable swing for trap or skeet. The Cypher X weighs 5.7 pounds versus the Stevens 555's approximately 6.8 pounds, a difference of over a pound that is noticeable after a mile of walking. However, the Stevens 555 offers a more deliberate, dampened swing arc better suited for sustained target tracks, whereas the Cypher X excels at quick, snap shots in thick cover.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 5.7 pounds (2.58 kg) unloaded and measures 45.5 inches in overall length with its 28-inch barrels. Its aluminum receiver is 6.75 inches long, with a barrel rib height of 8mm from bore axis to sight plane. The length of pull is 14.25 inches, and the drop at comb is 1.5 inches, dimensions that suit most adult shooters without requiring an immediate stock adjustment.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for high-volume trap or skeet competitors who need the sustained recoil management of a heavier gun like the Stevens 555 Sporting 12-gauge, nor for waterfowl hunters requiring steel shot capacity beyond what a 28-gauge can efficiently throw. Its two-round capacity and lighter frame make it less ideal for three-gun shotgun stages or defensive use, where faster reloads and higher pellet counts are mandatory. Shooters who exclusively run 2¾-inch target loads will also not utilize the 3-inch chamber's potential.
What's in the box?
The box includes the shotgun with blued metal finish, a set of five extended choke tubes (F, IC, IM, M, SK), a choke tube wrench, and an owner's manual with compliance guidelines. You will not find a hard case, lock, or additional accessories; this is a field-ready tool packaged without retail fluff. The chokes are threaded for the internal choke system, which requires the provided wrench for installation and removal.
Is the TriStar Cypher X worth it at $926.99?
At $926.99, the Cypher X represents strong value for a dedicated upland or small-game hunter seeking a lightweight over/under with a complete choke set. This price undercuts many competitors by $200–$400 while still delivering critical features like selective ejectors and a vent rib. For a shooter who will put 500 shells a year through it pursuing quail or pheasant, the investment is justified; for someone needing a single shotgun for multiple disciplines, a more versatile 20-gauge model might be a better first purchase.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.7 lbs — over a pound lighter than many 12-gauge O/Us like the Stevens 555 Sporting
- 28-inch barrels with 8mm vent rib for consistent sight picture and heat dissipation
- Includes five extended choke tubes (F, IC, IM, M, SK) for patterning versatility from 15 to 40 yards
Trade-offs
- Proprietary internal choke system — replacement tubes cost $35 each and are not widely stocked
- Blued finish shows holster wear and fingerprint oxidation faster than cerakote or nitride
- Fixed stock with 14.25" LOP — not adjustable for shooters requiring shorter or longer length of pull
Key attributes
| upc | 713780331768 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 33176 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,IC,IM,M,SK Extended |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 31.5 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.6 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 28-gauge choke tubes?
- No, it uses an internal, proprietary choke system specific to TriStar's Cypher line. The included five extended tubes (F, IC, IM, M, SK) are the only compatible options without an aftermarket adapter, which can add $40–$60 and may affect patterning.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, any case designed for a 28-inch over/under with an overall length of approximately 46 inches will accommodate it. I recommend a hard case with foam cutouts, as the blued finish is susceptible to handling marks during transport.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard shipping to a licensed dealer takes 3–7 business days once the order clears compliance verification. Expedited 2-day shipping is available for an additional $35, but the 4473 transfer process at your FFL will add at least another 30 minutes to the pickup.
- Can I return it if the fit isn't right?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days, provided the firearm is unfired, in original packaging, and shipped through an FFL. You are responsible for all transfer fees and return shipping, which typically totals $75–$100, so confirming fit at a local dealer first is advised.