Description
If you’re teaching a new hunter or heading into the spring woods yourself, the TriStar Cobra III Turkey Pump 12 Gauge 24in Realtree Camo is a solid, affordable choice. It’s a dedicated turkey rig built on a reliable pump action, with a 24-inch vent-rib barrel and a 3-inch chamber to handle heavy magnum loads. The Realtree Advantage Timber finish blends into hardwoods and fields alike, and the fiber-optic front sight helps you get on target fast when a tom steps into range. Per TriStar Arms specs, this shotgun comes with three choke tubes and a wrench so you can dial in your pattern for different distances or loads. It’s not the fanciest turkey gun on the shelf, but it’s honest, functional, and priced to get a family started right.
| Manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Cobra III Turkey Pump |
| Material | Synthetic stock with Realtree Advantage Timber camo finish |
| Compatibility | 12 Gauge 2.75- and 3-inch shells |
| Finish | Realtree Advantage Timber camo (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs (per TriStar specifications) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 24-inch vent-rib barrel: Shorter than a field gun, this barrel swings fast in thick cover and keeps the shotgun balanced for quick mounting from a seated or kneeling position.
- Fiber-optic front sight: The bright red dot grabs your eye in low light, which matters during those early-morning setups when turkeys are still on the roost.
- Realtree Advantage Timber camo: This pattern breaks up your outline against tree trunks and leaf litter, helping you stay hidden when a wary gobbler is staring your way.
- Rubber recoil pad: Turkey loads can thump, and this pad softens the punch so younger or smaller-framed shooters can stay on target for a follow-up shot if needed.
- Includes three choke tubes and wrench: You can switch from a tight extra-full turkey choke to a modified for pheasants or a cylinder for close-action hunting — one gun, multiple seasons.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for the family hunter who wants a dedicated turkey gun without spending a mortgage payment. It’s ideal for teaching a teenager or new shooter because the pump action is simple to operate and the synthetic stock shrugs off mud, rain, and scratches. If you hunt public land where gear takes a beating, the Cobra III won’t make you cry when it gets a few dings. It also works for dove, rabbit, or squirrel hunting with a quick choke change — just don’t expect it to double as a clay target gun; the 24-inch barrel and camo finish are purpose-built for the woods.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Affordable entry price for a camo turkey pump with a threaded barrel and multiple chokes.
- Pro: Light enough (about 6.5 lbs) for a young hunter to carry all morning without fatigue.
- Con: The factory trigger is a bit heavy and gritty out of the box — expect some creep. A quick polish or aftermarket spring kit can help, but it’s not target-grade straight from the factory.
Comparison
| Feature | TriStar Cobra III Turkey Pump | Mossberg 500 Turkey | Remington 870 Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 24 inches | 20 or 24 inches | 21 or 26 inches |
| Chamber | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~6.75 lbs | ~7.0 lbs |
| Stock Material | Synthetic, Realtree camo | Synthetic, Mossy Oak camo | Synthetic, Realtree camo |
| Chokes Included | 3 (C, M, T) | 2 (IC, F) on some models | 3 (IC, M, F) on some models |
| Price Range | ~$460 | ~$500–$550 | ~$550–$600 |
| Action | Pump | Pump | Pump |
The TriStar undercuts both the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 on price while offering the same 3-inch chamber and a camo finish. You give up a little in aftermarket parts availability and trigger feel, but for a first turkey gun or a backup, it’s hard to beat the value.
FAQ
What choke tubes come with the TriStar Cobra III Turkey Pump?
The shotgun ships with three choke tubes: cylinder, modified, and a turkey extra-full. A choke wrench is also included for easy swapping. The turkey tube is the one you’ll want for tight patterns at 30–40 yards.
Is the TriStar Cobra III Turkey Pump good for left-handed shooters?
The pump action is ambidextrous, but the safety is located on the tang behind the receiver, which works well for both right- and left-handed users. The stock has a slight cast-off for righties, so left-handed shooters might notice the comb doesn’t align perfectly — not a dealbreaker, but worth trying before you buy.
Can I use steel shot in this shotgun?
Yes, the TriStar Cobra III has a chrome-lined chamber and barrel, so steel shot is safe in the modified or cylinder choke. Do not use steel shot in the extra-full turkey choke — it’s designed for lead only and could cause barrel damage.
Does this shotgun come with a case or sling?
No, the Cobra III Turkey Pump is sold as a bare gun with the three chokes and wrench. You’ll need to buy a soft case and sling separately. Many families pick up a basic nylon sling and a padded case for under $40 total.
Ready to Bag Your Tom?
The TriStar Cobra III Turkey Pump 12 Gauge 24in Realtree Camo is in stock and ready to ship. Whether you’re outfitting a new hunter or adding a dedicated turkey gun to the safe, this pump delivers reliable performance at a family-friendly price. Check out more pump-action shotguns in our Pump Action Shotguns collection or see all Hunting Shotguns for other camo options.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
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