The concept of a three-barrel shotgun is not new. As early as the late 19th and early 20th centuries, prestigious gunmakers from Britain — such as Boss & Co. and John Dickson & Sons — produced triple-barrel shotguns.
American Tactical Cavalry 3B is Set to Disrupt the Shotgun Market with it’s Affordable Price Point
These early guns were often built as luxurious sporting or “drilling” guns, sometimes combining rifle and shotgun barrels. Because of mechanical complexity, rarity of materials, and intricate craftsmanship, triple-barrel guns remained extremely uncommon — made only in small numbers, prized by collectors and elite hunters.
Over the decades, the “classic shotgun” evolved. Single- and double-barrel shotguns — side-by-side or over–under — became standard. Pump- and semiautomatic shotguns surged in popularity, offering higher capacity, faster reloads, and simpler mechanisms. As a result, the triple-barrel shotgun — once a bold experiment in firepower and craftsmanship — all but vanished from mainstream production. Many of those older triple-barrel guns survive only as high-end collectibles.
The rarity of triple-barrel shotguns historically isn’t just due to tradition: it came down to practical drawbacks. The complexity of aligning three barrels, designing a reliable trigger/firing system, and balancing the gun for manageable recoil made such firearms difficult and expensive to build well.
By contrast, double-barrel guns were simpler to manufacture and already offered good performance. Meanwhile, pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns provided higher capacity and faster follow-up shots — without the mechanical headaches of a triple barrel.
Still, the triple-barrel layout always had certain advantages: when well executed, it offers three shots “ready to go” on a break-action, with no magazines or tubes; more potential firepower and flexibility than a double; and a distinct shooting experience that can appeal to hunters, collectors, or anyone wanting something different.
For many decades, however, these advantages weren’t enough to outweigh the cost and complexity — leaving triple-barrel shotguns rare curiosities rather than mainstream guns.
The New Wave — How American Tactical Brought Triple Barrels Back with the “Cavalry / 3B” Line
Enter modern manufacturing, and a company willing to revive the concept: American Tactical. Their triple-barrel shotgun — often referred to as the “3B” or “Cavalry” — draws on that long, storied past and marries it with a contemporary, rugged-utility design.
-
Break-action, three-barrel design: allows three shots in rapid succession without a pump or magazine.
-
12-gauge (and also 20-gauge) chambering, with 3.5″ shells accepted — supporting heavy loads for serious performance.
-
Comfortable handling and practicality: Some models use an 18″ barrel for compactness; others offer longer barrels (26″ or 30″) for range, hunting, or sport applications.
-
Interchangeable choke tubes on each barrel, so the owner can tailor pattern spread and performance depending on intended use.
-
Affordable retail price relative to rare collectibles — making a triple-barrel ideal more accessible than the antique, bespoke guns of old.
Break-Action Three Barrel Design
Why It Matters
By offering a triple-barrel shotgun via mass production and accessible pricing, American Tactical revives — in spirit — the bold experimentation that once drove hunters and gunsmiths to push beyond doubles. Unlike the historically rare and expensive bespoke triple-barrels (often costing thousands or even tens of thousands and built for elite clientele), the American Tactical Cavalry 3B makes the concept available to everyday shooters or collectors.
The Cavalry line of Shotguns are know for their beautiful etched designs and wood grain. The 3B is no Exception. It’s a head turned and talking piece there is no doubt.
In today’s market — where tactical shotguns, home-defense guns, and classic sporting firearms all compete for attention — this revival gives a unique alternative: three rounds on break-action, simplicity (no magazines), customizable choke patterns, and a historically rooted aesthetic. It’s part nostalgia, part novelty, part practical firepower.
In that sense, the 3B doesn’t just resurrect a forgotten design; it re-imagines it — bringing the tradition of triple-barrel shotguns into a modern context where reliability, affordability, and versatility matter.
The history of triple-barrel shotguns shows a long arc: from elite, handcrafted sporting guns to near-obsolescence, then largely to collector status.
With the American Tactical 3B / Cavalry line, what was once rare elegance becomes practical once again — albeit with a new flavor: less about handcrafted luxury, more about utilitarian three-shot readiness.
For enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone curious about firearms’ evolution, this blend of heritage and modern utility offers a compelling chapter in shotgun history: the triple-barrel, reborn not as a luxury artifact, but as a living, usable shotgun once more.
With an MSRP of $889 this is sure to be on a lot shelves in the coming months!
