Discover the TriStar Cobra III Field Pump: Your Versatile 20 Gauge Shotgun Companion

Are you searching for a reliable, adaptable, and user-friendly shotgun that excels in a variety of shooting disciplines? Perhaps you're a new shooter looking for an approachable firearm, an experienced hunter needing a nimble companion for upland birds, or someone seeking a dependable option for home defense. The TriStar Cobra III Field Pump in 20 Gauge, with its 26-inch barrel and classic walnut stock, is engineered to meet these diverse needs, offering an exceptional blend of performance, durability, and value. This full-size, right-hand shotgun, featuring a 5+1 capacity and including three MobilChokes, is a prime example of TriStar's commitment to quality and functionality, making it a highly recommended choice for a broad spectrum of users.

Why Choose a 20 Gauge Pump-Action? The Ideal Balance

One of the most frequent questions potential shotgun owners ask is, "What gauge should I get?" and "Is a pump action right for me?" The 20 gauge is often lauded as the "gentleman's gauge" or the "sweet spot" for its remarkable balance. It offers significantly less recoil than the more powerful 12 gauge, making it far more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, especially for new shooters, youth, or those with smaller frames. Despite its reduced recoil, the 20 gauge remains highly effective for a wide range of applications, from bagging upland game birds like pheasant, grouse, and quail, to participating in clay target sports, and even serving as a potent home defense tool. The ammunition is also generally lighter, which can be a considerable advantage during long days in the field.

The pump-action mechanism, as featured in the TriStar Cobra III, is universally recognized for its unparalleled reliability and robust design. Unlike semi-automatic shotguns that rely on gas or inertia, a pump action is manually cycled, allowing the shooter direct control over ammunition feeding and ejection. This inherent simplicity means fewer moving parts susceptible to malfunction, making it incredibly dependable even in harsh environmental conditions or when using a wide variety of shell types. For many, the rhythmic "shuck-shuck" of a pump action also provides a unique, satisfying tactile experience that enhances the shooting ritual. It's a classic, time-tested design that offers peace of mind and consistent performance, addressing common concerns about firearm reliability.

Unpacking the TriStar Cobra III Field Pump: Key Features and Benefits

Understanding the specific features of the TriStar Cobra III Field Pump helps illustrate why it's such a compelling option for so many shooters. Every component is thoughtfully designed to enhance your shooting experience, whether in the field or at the range.

The Robust Pump Action System

At the heart of the TriStar Cobra III lies its exceptionally reliable pump action. This mechanism ensures consistent cycling of shells, from light target loads to heavy hunting magnum loads. The action is smooth and precise, allowing for rapid follow-up shots when needed, a crucial factor in both hunting fast-moving game and defensive scenarios. For those new to shotguns, the pump action also offers an intuitive and direct way to understand the mechanics of their firearm, fostering confidence and proficiency. This simplicity contributes directly to the shotgun's reputation for being incredibly robust and forgiving under various conditions.

Optimal 26-inch Barrel for All-Around Performance

The TriStar Cobra III features a 26-inch barrel, a length widely considered ideal for a versatile shotgun. For hunters, this barrel length provides an excellent balance, allowing for quick swinging on flying birds while maintaining enough sight radius for accurate shot placement. It's maneuverable enough for dense cover yet long enough to provide a smooth swing in open fields. For clay target shooters, the 26-inch barrel promotes a fluid swing and follow-through, essential for breaking fast-moving clays. This barrel length also helps manage the shotgun's overall length, making it more convenient for transport and storage, and offering a good compromise between a very short defensive barrel and a very long competitive barrel.

Versatile 3-inch Chamber

A significant advantage of the TriStar Cobra III is its 3-inch chamber. This allows the shotgun to safely chamber and fire both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch 20 gauge shotgun shells. The ability to use 3-inch magnum shells significantly expands the firearm's capabilities, providing more payload and increased effective range when pursuing larger game birds or for certain defensive applications where maximum power is desired. This versatility means you're not limited in your ammunition choices, making the shotgun adaptable to a wider array of scenarios and ensuring you can always select the appropriate load for the task at hand.

The Advantage of MobilChokes

One of the most important elements determining a shotgun's versatility is its choke system. The TriStar Cobra III Field Pump comes equipped with three MobilChokes, a highly regarded and widely available system. Chokes are interchangeable tubes that screw into the muzzle end of the barrel, controlling the spread of the shot pattern. By changing chokes, shooters can optimize their shotgun's performance for different distances and targets.

• Improved Cylinder (IC): Provides a wider shot pattern, ideal for close-range targets like flushing quail, fast-moving skeet, or close-quarters defense.
• Modified (M): A medium constriction, offering a balanced pattern for mid-range targets such as pheasant or sporting clays. This is often a go-to choke for general hunting.
• Full (F): The tightest constriction, delivering a dense, concentrated shot pattern for long-range shots on high-flying ducks or distant trap targets.

This inclusion of multiple chokes ensures that your TriStar Cobra III is truly a multi-purpose firearm, ready for any challenge you present it with.

Classic Walnut Stock and Durable Finish

The TriStar Cobra III features a beautiful, classic walnut stock. Walnut is a traditional choice for firearm stocks due to its durability, excellent feel in the hand, and timeless aesthetic appeal. Beyond its looks, the natural properties of wood help absorb recoil, contributing to a more comfortable shooting experience. The stock is designed for right-handed shooters and provides a full-size grip, ensuring a secure and natural hold. The receiver and barrel are finished in a durable black, providing robust protection against the elements and daily wear and tear, ensuring the shotgun maintains its appearance and performance for years to come.

Capacity and Safety

With a 5+1 capacity (five shells in the tubular magazine and one in the chamber), the TriStar Cobra III provides ample firepower for hunting excursions, where a 3-shell limit is common, and for home defense scenarios where quick follow-up shots might be critical. TriStar incorporates essential safety features into its firearms, ensuring responsible operation. As with any firearm, understanding and adhering to fundamental firearm safety rules is paramount to safe handling and operation.

Real-World Applications: Where the TriStar Cobra III Shines

The TriStar Cobra III Field Pump is not just a collection of features; it's a solution designed for specific real-world challenges and enjoyable pursuits. People often ask, "What can I really do with this shotgun?" Here are some answers:

Upland Bird and Small Game Hunting

This is where the TriStar Cobra III truly excels. The 20 gauge's lighter recoil and the 26-inch barrel's excellent balance make it perfect for long days afield pursuing flushing birds like pheasant, grouse, quail, and woodcock. The ability to quickly cycle shells and select the appropriate MobilChoke ensures you're ready for fast-paced action. It's also an excellent choice for hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels, where maneuverability and effective patterning at typical ranges are key. For hunters who appreciate a traditional feel and unwavering reliability, the Cobra III is an outstanding choice.

Clay Target Sports: Skeet, Trap, and Sporting Clays

Looking to improve your shooting skills or enjoy competitive shooting? The TriStar Cobra III is more than capable.

• Skeet: The wide-open patterns achievable with the Improved Cylinder choke are perfect for the close, crossing targets of skeet. The manageable recoil of the 20 gauge allows for extended practice sessions without fatigue.
• Trap: While many opt for a 12 gauge, the 20 gauge with a Full choke can be highly effective for breaking distant trap targets, especially for shooters sensitive to recoil.
• Sporting Clays: Often called "golf with a shotgun," sporting clays presents a diverse array of targets. The interchangeable MobilChokes make the Cobra III highly adaptable, allowing you to fine-tune your pattern for each station's unique challenge.

Home Protection and Personal Defense

When considering a firearm for home defense, reliability is paramount. The TriStar Cobra III's pump action offers legendary dependability, ensuring that when you need it most, it will perform. The 20 gauge delivers significant stopping power while producing less recoil and muzzle blast than a 12 gauge, which can be advantageous in confined indoor spaces and for shooters who might not be accustomed to higher recoil. Its 5+1 capacity provides ample shots, and the positive control of the pump action adds a layer of confidence. The sound of a pump being racked is also widely recognized as a deterrent.

An Excellent Choice for New Shooters and Smaller Frames

For individuals just starting their shooting journey, or those with smaller builds, finding a shotgun that is comfortable and inspiring confidence is crucial. The TriStar Cobra III's 20 gauge chambering significantly reduces felt recoil compared to a 12 gauge, making it much more pleasant to learn on. The full-size walnut stock provides a comfortable and secure grip, aiding in proper gun fit and control. This combination makes it an ideal "first shotgun" that can grow with the shooter as their skills develop, proving itself versatile enough for a lifetime of shooting sports.

Maintaining Your TriStar Cobra III: Ensuring Longevity and Performance

To ensure your TriStar Cobra III Field Pump continues to perform flawlessly for years, proper maintenance is essential. Users frequently ask, "How do I clean my pump shotgun?" or "What's the best way to care for it?" Here are some key considerations:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially if exposed to moisture or dirt, clean the barrel, receiver, and choke tubes. A proper cleaning kit including a bore brush, patches, cleaning solvent, and gun oil is recommended. Pay particular attention to the action bars and internal components to ensure smooth operation.
• Lubrication: Lightly lubricate moving parts with high-quality gun oil. Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dirt and debris.
• Choke Care: Regularly remove and clean your MobilChokes. Apply anti-seize lubricant to the threads before reinserting them to prevent seizing.
• Storage: Store your shotgun unloaded in a secure, climate-controlled environment to prevent rust and damage. A quality gun safe is highly recommended.

Adhering to a routine maintenance schedule will preserve your investment and ensure optimal performance when you need it most.

Making an Informed Choice: Why the TriStar Cobra III Stands Out

In a market filled with options, the TriStar Cobra III Field Pump carves out a niche for itself as an incredibly versatile, reliable, and user-friendly 20 gauge shotgun. It's designed for shooters who value consistent performance, classic aesthetics, and the proven dependability of a pump action. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, an aspiring clay target enthusiast, a responsible homeowner, or introducing someone new to the shooting sports, this shotgun offers a compelling package. Its ability to handle a wide range of ammunition, coupled with the adaptability provided by the MobilChoke system, makes it a true all-around performer. The TriStar brand is known for delivering quality firearms that offer exceptional value, making the Cobra III a smart and trustworthy investment for years of enjoyable shooting.

Availability and Acquisition

For those ready to experience the reliability and versatility of the TriStar Cobra III Field Pump 20 Gauge for themselves, this exceptional shotgun is readily available. You can find the TriStar Cobra III Field Pump, along with a comprehensive selection of ammunition, accessories, and expert advice, at DEGuns. DEGuns offers a seamless purchasing experience, ensuring you can acquire this highly regarded firearm with confidence and ease.

TriStar Cobra III Field Pump Specifications

Feature	Description
Gauge	20 Gauge
Barrel Length	26 inches
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Chamber	3 inches
Action	Pump Action
Stock	Walnut
Receiver/Barrel Finish	Black
Hand	Right Hand (Full Size)
Chokes Included	3 MobilChokes (IC, M, F)
UPC	713780231334