Description
The TriStar Cypher O/U Shotgun 12ga 28in 3″ Chamber Blued is a dependable field and sporting arm that delivers honest performance without the fancy price tag. This over/under breaks open smoothly, chambers 3-inch shells, and comes with color-coded extended choke tubes for quick pattern changes. Whether you’re working a dove field or punching paper at the range, this shotgun gets the job done.
| Manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Cypher |
| Material | Steel barrels, alloy receiver (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | 12-gauge 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells |
| Finish | Blued barrels and receiver |
| Weight | Approximately 7.2 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 28-inch Steel Barrels — Why it matters: The longer sight radius helps you swing through birds and targets more naturally, giving you a smoother follow-through on crossing shots.
- Fiber Optic Front Sight — Why it matters: That bright red dot grabs your eye fast in low-light conditions, like early morning dove hunts or late afternoon on the skeet field.
- Tang-Mounted Safety — Why it matters: You can reach it with either thumb without breaking your grip, making it safe and quick to engage when the birds are coming in hot.
- Extended Color-Coded Choke Tubes — Why it matters: You can spot which choke is installed at a glance — no squinting at tiny markings — and swapping tubes takes seconds with the included wrench.
- Break-Open Action with 3-inch Chamber — Why it matters: That extra chamber length lets you shoot heavy magnum loads for geese or turkeys, while still handling standard 2¾-inch shells for clays and doves.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for the bird hunter who wants a reliable over/under without spending a month’s mortgage payment. It’s also a fine choice for the occasional sporting clays shooter who needs a gun that points well and patterns consistently. If you’re looking for a field gun that won’t break the bank, the Cypher fits right in.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Affordable entry point into the O/U market — you get a solid shotgun for under nine hundred dollars.
- Pro: Comes with five extended choke tubes (IC, M, IM, F, and a spare) so you’re ready for any game or target load right out of the box.
- Con: The trigger pull is a bit heavy on the second barrel — some shooters may want to have a gunsmith lighten it for competition use.
Comparison
| Feature | TriStar Cypher | Stoeger Condor | Mossberg Silver Reserve II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ~$887 | ~$500–$600 | ~$900–$1,100 |
| Barrel Length | 28 inches | 28 inches | 28 inches |
| Chamber | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Choke System | Extended color-coded tubes (5) | Standard flush tubes (3) | Standard flush tubes (5) |
| Finish | Blued | Blued | Blued |
| Weight | ~7.2 lbs | ~7.5 lbs | ~7.3 lbs |
| Action | Over/Under, break-open | Over/Under, break-open | Over/Under, break-open |
FAQ
Does the TriStar Cypher come with a case or hard case?
No, the Cypher ships in a cardboard box with the choke tubes, wrench, and manual. Many shooters pick up a soft or hard case separately for transport and storage.
Can I shoot steel shot through the TriStar Cypher?
Yes, the steel barrels are proofed for steel shot, but you should use the appropriate steel-rated choke tubes. The included extended tubes are marked for steel use — just check the markings before loading up.
What is the trigger type on the Cypher?
The Cypher uses a single selective trigger. The barrel selector is built into the tang safety — push the safety to the left for the top barrel first, or to the right for the bottom barrel first.
Is this shotgun suitable for left-handed shooters?
The TriStar Cypher has a right-handed cast-off stock, but the tang safety and ambidextrous handling make it shootable for lefties. A left-handed shooter may want to try it before buying to check the fit.
According to TriStar Arms specs, the Cypher is built on a lightweight alloy receiver to keep the overall weight manageable for all-day carry in the field. Over 40% of new O/U buyers choose a budget-friendly option like this one, according to industry sales data from 2025.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
See more options in our Over Under Shotguns category, or browse all shotguns and hunting gear.
Last updated: April 2026
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