Built on a foundation of semi-automatic and double-barrel models, TriStar Arms offers a large and diverse lineup of “reliable, functional and hardworking” shotguns, from lever-action .410s to unique home-defense models. New for 2024, the company is expanding its double-barrel offerings with the over-under Cypher.
The Cypher is offered in three versions, all of which share the same basic features, including a solid metal frame, mono-block barrel design with automatic ejectors, a fiber-optic front sight and a single selective trigger. The safety selector is located on the tang. When in the safe position, it can be moved to the right or left to select the upper or lower barrel. Stocks are made of deluxe oil-finished Turkish walnut with a 14.25” length-of-pull. Each shotgun is supplied with five extended screw-in choke tubes of the Beretta Mobil pattern—skeet, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified and full—along with a wrench to change them out.
The Cypher X (pictured) uses aluminum receiver construction for a lighter shotgun.
The basic Cypher has a steel receiver, while the Cypher X uses an aluminum receiver to save weight. Both the Cypher and Cypher X are available in .410 bore, 28 gauge, 20 gauge, 16 gauge and 12 gauge with 3” chambers and 28” barrels. The shotguns weigh between 5.9 lbs. and 7 lbs. for Cypher models, with Cypher X models weighing about half a pound less in the same gauge. Both the Cypher and Cypher X have an MSRP of $960 for 12 ga., 16 ga. and 20 ga. models, and $975 for 28 ga. and .410 bore versions.
The Cypher SP is a purpose-built shotgun chambered in 12 gauge with ported 30” barrels and an adjustable comb buttstock.
The Cypher SP is designed for sporting clay shooting. Its 30” barrels are ported with a target rib mounted on top and the walnut stock has an adjustable comb. The SP is available only in 12 gauge and weighs 7.25 lbs. with a steel receiver. The Cypher SP has an MSRP of $1,025. For more information, visit tristararms.com.
