Chiappa Firearms has produced their Triple Crown shotgun. As the name implies, there are three barrels of 12-gauge, 3-inch magnum awesomeness! The third barrel rests on top of and is incorporated into a traditional double barrel platform to form a pyramid shape. Three barreled shotguns were popular in Europe after WWI, but they have been extremely rare in America. Chiappa’s Triple Crown could completely change that.
The Triple Crown operates like traditional double barrel breach open shotguns, with a tang mounted break-open lever. The Chiappa Triple Crown is the sportsman model, with 28-inch barrels. Each shotgun barrel is designed to aim from a single front sight on the top barrel. That sight is a fiber optic sight for easy identification in a range of lighting conditions. Like many sport shotguns, the Triple Crown has also has a ventilated rib on the top barrel for easy sighting to the front fiber optic sight.
The Triple Crown specifications:
- Overall length – 45 inches
- Barrel length – 28 inches
- Weight (unloaded) – 8.7 lbs.
- Trigger pull – 8.5 lbs.
- Caliber – 12 gauge (3” magnum)
- Stock – Finished walnut
- MSRP – $1629.
Another interesting design feature is the safety. When the barrels are returned to the closed position, the safety is in an “off” position, making the shotgun immediately ready to fire. This was specifically designed by Chiappa for its Triple Threat home defense user in mind, but is a great feature for the hunter preparing for fast-moving game. The safety is a slide lever on the tang. If the shooter engages the safety, then any future breach openings will close with the safety “on”.
The barrels come stock with a smooth cylinder bore that are threaded to also accommodate five interchangeable Rem-chokes. The stock is made of beautifully finished walnut making this a very nice looking and unique firearm.
The barrels are factory set to fire right, left then top barrel, with every trigger pull, and reset upon breach opening. Having three barrels provides options for the home defense shooter. Depending on location in the home and perceived threat, the shooter could load the barrels with a variety of loads from heavy shot, to 00 Buck, to slug.
The price tag of $1629 could likely be cost-prohibitive for many gun owners, but for those who desire the unique, the unusual, and the artistic, the Chiappa Triple Crown could very well be your gun.