There’s a certain confidence that comes from shouldering a well-built over/under—clean lines, predictable balance, and the kind of reliability that makes every press feel inevitable. Whether you’re pushing through timber for upland birds or sharpening reflexes on clays, the right shotgun should disappear into your movement and let the mission—hit clean, reload fast—take center stage.
TRISTAR ARMS INC. CYPHER steps into that role with the poise of a seasoned partner, blending old-world woodwork with modern engineering that actually pays off in the field.
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Why this Over/Under Works When It Matters
The Cypher series is built to do two things in harmony: present naturally and cycle without hesitation. The standout feature here is the auto ejector system. After the shot, the gun does the work—spent shells clear the chambers aggressively so your reload is nothing but muscle memory. On a fast pair or a surprise flush, that matters. You get brisk reloads without breaking your rhythm or hunting for leverage.
That “disappear into your movement” feel starts with the 28-inch barrels. At this length, the gun settles nicely into a smooth swing, rewarding consistent lead on crossing targets while remaining quick enough for snap shots. It’s a balanced middle ground—long enough for sighting planes to line up cleanly, short enough to stay responsive when the window of opportunity is tight.
12 Gauge, 3-Inch Chamber: Versatility with Authority
Chambered in 12 gauge with a 3-inch chamber, the Cypher scales to your mission. Run 2 3/4-inch light target loads for clays or step into 3-inch shells when the quarry is tougher and the range stretches. That versatility is what keeps this shotgun relevant across seasons and disciplines: one platform, multiple roles, no excuses.
Extended Chokes: Five Tools, One Case
TriStar includes five extended chokes—Skeet (SK), Improved Cylinder (IC), Modified (M), Improved Modified (IM), and Full (F). That’s real capability, not a box-checking exercise. Fine-tune your spread for anything from close upland walks to long crossing birds. Extended tubes bring two tactical advantages: faster changes in the field and better pattern consistency thanks to a smoother transition of shot as it exits the muzzle.
If you’re building a do-it-all loadout, this choke set is the backbone. IC and M will handle most clay work and upland hunts. IM and F give you reach when the air gets thin and the shots stretch. SK turns tight brush or station one into a confidence play.
Craftsmanship You Can Feel
The Deluxe grade Turkish Walnut stock and forearm, finished in oil, are more than a nod to tradition. Walnut absorbs recoil well and communicates feedback—subtle cues that help refine your mount and follow-through. The oiled finish isn’t just aesthetic; it’s easy to maintain and ages with character. In the hands, the wood-and-steel profile balances like a proper over/under should: poised, not nose-heavy, and willing to stay on line through the shot.
Tristar Arms Inc. has a reputation for pairing value with performance. The Cypher carries that torch by emphasizing the fundamentals—fit, function, and reliability—without adding gimmicks. It’s focused where it counts, and it shows on the range and in the field.
Speed, Control, and Practical Advantages
Auto Ejectors for Fast Reloads
Speed isn’t frantic. It’s controlled efficiency. The auto ejectors throw spent shells clear so your hands don’t waste time stripping them out. When you’re running a pair, reloading turns into a simple, repeatable motion: open, load, close, mount. No wasted steps, no fouled timing.
28-Inch Barrels for a Natural Swing
These barrels give you the geometry you want for a smooth, repeatable lead. For new shooters, that inspires early confidence. For seasoned hands, it’s like finding a familiar metronome—everything moves in time, and the gun rewards a clean mount and honest follow-through.
3-Inch Chamber for Mission Flexibility
From light target loads to heavier payloads, the 3-inch chamber means you pick the solution to the problem at hand. Upland birds before lunch, clays after—no platform change, just a different box of shells and the right choke.
Field Notes: Setting Up the Cypher
Fit and Mount
Before the first shot, set your length of pull and practice a dozen dry mounts. The Cypher’s stock geometry supports a heads-up sight picture that keeps your eyes tracking naturally down the rib. When the mount is right, the beads align effortlessly and the gun starts telling you where the bird will break.
Choke Choices by Role
– Skeet and close cover: SK or IC to keep patterns forgiving inside 25 yards.
– General clays or upland: IC/M gives a confident middle ground from 20–40 yards.
– Longer presentations: IM or F when the shot strings out and you need a denser core.
Load Selection
For clays, 1 to 1 1/8 oz target loads will run clean and keep the day easy on the shoulder. For upland birds, step to field loads matched to the species, then use your choke to fine-tune. The platform will handle either, and the auto ejectors keep the pace up without drama.
Value and Category Placement
In the Over Under category, the Cypher distinguishes itself with a real-world feature set and a price that undercuts many competitors while refusing to compromise on essentials. At $891.99, you’re getting auto ejectors, five extended chokes, a 12-gauge, 28-inch barrel configuration, and Deluxe grade Turkish Walnut—an uncommon combination at this price point. For anyone building a serious but sensible kit, that equation makes sense.
Who This Shotgun Is For
– The new shooter who wants a trustworthy over/under that builds skill and doesn’t fight the learning curve.
– The hunter who wants a single platform to carry from opener to the last push of the season.
– The clay shooter who values clean mechanics, fast reloads, and a gun that rewards proper fundamentals.
It’s a classic silhouette with modern capability—quietly confident, no theatrics. Just performance.
Final Thoughts from the Field
Some tools are loud about what they are. Others simply execute. TRISTAR ARMS INC. CYPHER is the latter. With auto ejectors for fast reloads, a 28-inch barrel for predictable swing, a 3-inch chamber for flexibility, and five extended chokes to dial your pattern, it’s a clean solution to the classic shotgun problem: hit what you mean to, then reload without missing a beat. The Turkish Walnut isn’t just pretty—it’s the right kind of practical elegance that holds up to real use.
People Also Ask
What makes this product stand out from competitors?
This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Is this product suitable for beginners?
Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.
What warranty or support is available?
The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.
How does this compare to similar products in its price range?
This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.
What maintenance is required?
Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.
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