The TriStar Cobra III Pump 12 Gauge 28″ 5+1 Black Synthetic is a pump-action shotgun built to handle hard field use without breaking your budget. It pairs a 28-inch ventilated-rib blued barrel with a black synthetic stock and a rubber recoil pad, giving you durable, weather-resistant handling for everything from dove fields to turkey blinds. The gun ships with internal choke tubes (F, M, IC), a choke wrench, and a fiber optic front sight, so you can dial in your pattern for different loads and targets right out of the box.
| Manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Cobra III Field |
| Material | Synthetic stock and forend (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | 12 Gauge 2¾” and 3″ shells |
| Finish | Blued barrel, matte black synthetic stock |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 28″ Ventilated-Rib Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The ventilated rib cuts heat mirage and gives you a flat sight plane for fast, accurate swing on moving targets.
- Fiber Optic Front Sight — WHY IT MATTERS: A bright green fiber optic front sight grabs light and helps you acquire your target faster in low-light conditions, like early morning or late evening hunts.
- Three Internal Choke Tubes (F, M, IC) — WHY IT MATTERS: Included chokes let you adjust pattern density for different game and distances — Full for turkeys, Modified for waterfowl, Improved Cylinder for upland birds.
- Black Synthetic Stock with Rubber Recoil Pad — WHY IT MATTERS: The synthetic stock shrugs off rain, mud, and bumps, while the rubber pad tames recoil so you can shoot longer without fatigue.
- 5+1 Capacity — WHY IT MATTERS: A 5+1 tube gives you six total rounds on tap — enough for three-shot strings on clays or follow-up shots on game.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for the tech-savvy shooter who wants a reliable pump-action that doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s for the early adopter who likes modularity — you can swap chokes, add a red dot, or change the stock without gutting your wallet. It’s also for the hunter who needs a weatherproof gun that will still cycle after a season of rain and mud.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Light weight (approx. 6.5 lbs) makes it easy to carry all day in the field.
- Pro: Fiber optic front sight is a huge upgrade over a plain bead — faster target acquisition.
- Pro: Accepts 3″ shells, so you can run heavy magnum loads for waterfowl or turkey.
- Con: The synthetic stock doesn’t have a shim system for adjusting drop and cast — you’ll need an aftermarket stock if you want fine-tuned fit.
Comparison
| Feature | TriStar Cobra III | Mossberg 500 Field | Remington 870 Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 28″ | 28″ | 28″ |
| Chamber | 3″ | 3″ | 3″ |
| Stock Material | Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Front Sight | Fiber optic | Bead | Bead |
| Chokes Included | F, M, IC (3) | F, M, IC (3) | None (ships with Modified only) |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~7.0 lbs | ~7.0 lbs |
| Price | $355.63 | ~$420 | ~$450 |
Per TriStar specs, the Cobra III’s fiber optic front sight and three-choke set give it an edge over the 870 Express, which ships with only one choke tube. The weight savings of about half a pound over both competitors make it a smart pick for all-day hunts.
FAQ
What chokes are included with the TriStar Cobra III?
The shotgun ships with three internal choke tubes: Full (F), Modified (M), and Improved Cylinder (IC). A choke wrench is included for swapping them.
Can this shotgun handle 3.5″ magnum shells?
No. The chamber is rated for 2¾” and 3″ shells only. Do not use 3.5″ shells in this gun.
Is the barrel compatible with other TriStar models?
TriStar does not list barrel interchangeability across models. Stick with barrels specifically marked for the Cobra III to ensure proper fit and function.
Does the synthetic stock have a sling mount?
Yes, the stock includes a sling swivel stud. The forend does not include a stud, but aftermarket clamp-on studs are available.
What is the overall length of this shotgun?
Overall length is approximately 47.5 inches with the 28-inch barrel installed.
Ready to Upgrade Your Field Gun?
This TriStar Cobra III Pump 12 Gauge 28″ 5+1 Black Synthetic gives you a lightweight, reliable pump-action with a fiber optic sight and three chokes — all at a price that leaves room for ammo and accessories. According to NSSF data, pump-action shotguns hold roughly 40% of the U.S. shotgun market, and this model delivers the features that keep them popular. Add it to your cart and get out in the field this season.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — ships to your FFL or home where allowed
✓ Ships 1-2 business days — fast processing from our warehouse
✓ 30-day returns — no hassle if it’s not the right fit
✓ Secure checkout — encrypted payment, your data stays safe
Browse more options in our Pump Action Shotguns category or check out TriStar Shotguns for the full lineup. Also see our Shotgun Chokes for extra pattern-tuning options.
Last updated: April 2026
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