Meet the Cobra III Field Super Compact
As with all the third-gen Cobra Compact pump actions, our test gun is well appointed for practical use. The shorter length of pull measures 13 inches to the end of the rubber recoil pad. There’s a chrome-lined chamber and barrel, and the latter is threaded to accept Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes. Three included choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full) are packed in a small black hard case along with a wrench. The barrel wears a ventilated rib with a matted sight plane and front fiber-optic sight.
Because these field guns are suited to hunting, there’s a five-shot magazine plug included, but the plug uses TriStar’s Quick-Shot removal system that’s accessed by removing the magazine cap. Though the shotgun shows small metrics overall, the forend is extended for easy operations, and the slide release is an easily accessible oversized lever located just forward of the trigger guard.
The Super Compact measures the same LOP as the others in its lineage, but the shorter barrel makes its weight considerably less. Even dressed in attractive walnut, it weighs 4.3 pounds. Retail price on the Super Compact is set by the manufacturer at $455.
Field Notes
Almost every time you buy a shotgun these days, the short box means the gun is broken down for shipping and requires assembling the barrel to the receiver and forend. In the case of this Super Compact, though, the little shotty is all ready to roll right out of TriStar’s cardboard box.
When I received the gun for field testing, I thought a Super Compact would be awkward, though my preferred LOP tends to be shorter than 14 inches. To be fair, any average shooter can shoot a shorter LOP better than one that’s too long, and this piece was no exception. The quick-throw slide proved simple, fast, and more comfortable than many others in its class.
The Turkish walnut on our test gun rates above average in terms of grain, finish, and feel. The checkering is decently clean, especially for a budget gun. Though the slide release is unconventional in shape and oversized compared to many others, we quickly came to appreciate its ease of use and tactile access.
This piece would excel when wearing thick hunting clothing, bulky cold weather gear, in heavy cover, or in a cramped blind. We could see any of the Cobra III Compacts making themselves right at home in a closer-range turkey blind or roaming the small game woods and bird fields. The line can be had in both .410 and 20 gauge, though this length of barrel is only on the Super Compact .410.
Range Time
Though we didn’t experience a single issue, it’s always wise to be aware of a firearm’s guarantee. Warranty notes from TriStar’s included manual: “TriStar will repair or replace any unserviceable parts for one year from date of purchase and further supply free parts (wood not included) for an additional four years.” A very clear exploded diagram and parts list is included in the manual, which is a welcome addition these days.
The Cobra III family is geared toward field use, so our test gun offers a 3-inch chamber. We shot clays and knocked down targets, but the majority of our time was spent running different types of rounds through the gun on the range. We were pleased to find not a single issue with reliability.
The included lineup of interchangeable choke tubes is nice, opening the possibility on the gun to everything from personal defense with the IC choke, to turkey hunting with the Full, and ample opportunities for baby bore clays, range fun, or multiple types of hunting with the Mod. The slide throw is smooth, short, and quick. Most importantly, the gun never missed a beat.
A Class of Compacts
Those in the market for other shorter shotguns will find multiple options from the Turkish-built brand with U.S. headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. TriStar caters to “the compact shotgun market” with a website tab for easy access to its family of abbreviated LOP scatterguns.
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The company also catalogs Compact variants on the Viper G2 and Raptor Field platforms, both gas-operated autoloading designs. The same 13-inch LOP covers the other .410 bore and 20-gauge Cobra III Compacts, albeit with lengthier barrels.
