TriStar’s new 12-gauge magnums with standard black and Realtree camo finishes. (Photo: TriStar)
TriStar is adding four new guns to their catalog, a pair of shotguns with magnum 3.5-inch 12-gauge chambers along with a set of all-steel CZ Compact-style pistols in 9mm Luger and .40 S&W. Like all TriStar guns, these new additions are priced to move with very competitive MSRPs.
The new Cobra Mag shotguns extend the Cobra line of pumps, offered with a standard black synthetic furniture or Realtree Max 5 camo finish. They’ve got extended, ribbed handguards, raised, ventilated ribs and fiber optic front sights.
The 28-inch barrels are threaded for Beretta/Benelli Mobile-pattern chokes and each shotgun comes with three chokes, one improved cylinder, one modified and one full choke. Combined with the magnum chamber these shotguns can shoot a wide range of ammo types, with easy-to-control patterns.
See Also: TriStar’s Raptor ATAC – New Shotgun Review
They’re not ultralight at 6.9 pounds but that’s not a bad thing when shooting heavier payloads, and they’re not so heavy that they will be a burden in the field. Each shotgun has a set of swivel studs for use with a sling, one on the magazine cap and the other on the stock.
“Our Cobra pump line have been some of our most popular shotguns since we launched them a few years back,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Ryan Bader. “We’d heard the calls from our fans for a 3.5-inch pump for a while now, and we’re glad that we can deliver a product that we can proudly put our name on.”
The plain black Cobra Mag has a $395 MSRP and the Realtree model $455, which means real-world prices will be in the mid-$300 range, making them great options for shotgunners on a budget.
TriStar’s new pistols make up the P-100 series, with two all-steel all-purpose compacts that are can be used for self-defense, nightstand duty and the range. While these are mechanically similar to CZs pistols, these guns have a couple of key differences that make them stand out on their own.
P-100 pistols have a railed steel frame, a feature only available on CZ’s more expensive alloy-framed 75 series. At 36 ounces unloaded these guns are still light enough for concealed carry and with a light mounted on the rail they can be capable home-defense pistols.
The 9mm P-100 has a standard 15+1 capacity where the .40 is 11+1. They ship with two high-quality Mec-Gar magazines, have tough Cerakote finishes and slim polymer grips. They are traditional double-action/single-action pistols with a manual thumb safety and can be carried cocked-and-locked.
They’re priced in-line with TriStar’s other compacts with a $490 suggested retail price. Street prices are already listing at right around or below $400, which is very competitive for all-steel double-action/single-action service pistols.
These guns all offer solid value and TriStar is already off to a solid start for 2016.
I think I will stick with my Bersa, tried and true.
YOU LOOK PROMISING……PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR EMAIL LIST…..THANK YOU
The Tristar pistol looks a bit like a compact version of the SAR K2.
GA previously posted TriStar is made in Turkey by Canik 55, a NATO-certified small arms maker that manufacturers small arms for many military and law enforcement organizations. All arms produced by Canik are manufactured to NATO specifications, with all internal parts chrome plated, and each model must pass a stringent 50,000-round durability testing protocol.
I was very interested in the 3.5″ chambered $500 O/U version as a suitable truck gun replacement for hunting the local coyotes that are decimating small stock, poultry, and domestic pets in a shotgun-only county. I heard that one of the local club wannabe hunters bought one and missed his first five shots. I later got the chance to personally pattern his gun. The upper barrel was high left. The lower barrel was low left. Both barrels’ point-of-impact were far enough away from the point-of-aim that any coyote past 35 yards was perfectly safe from any hunter who didn’t do the calculations every time he pulled the trigger. Pointed straight at the coyote, it was just a waste of 3.5″ ammo. Calculations should not be part of snap shooting.
So…. If I were going to purchase any other Tri-Star shotgun, I’d really have to check the exact gun I was buying to make sure it hits the aim point before I laid down my money. I can’t speak to ALL Tri-Star guns, but the ONE gun I fired was not a weapon I could ever recommend to another hunter. What’s that say for NATO certification?
To all readers regarding these Arms described within the above article .I see a inexpensive twosome and not being familiar with the Maker ask for real world pro’s or con’s as a discussion. Thanks.