Tom Alibrando, U.S. National Law Enforcement Sales Manager, shows off TS-12.
The charging handle can be reversed to the opposite side. The safety can also be reversed to the other side. The IWI is friendly to left- and right-handers alike.
Yes, you read that correctly. IWI, a long time leader in bullpup design, now has a shotgun in the lineup and we spent time with it on the range. Given the history of the Tavor family of weapons, it should come as no surprise that the Tavor TS-12 is also a bullpup. The standard 18-inch barrel gives an overall length of 28-ish inches, keeping everything just above board for legal purposes.
Overview — IWI’s Innovations
You aren’t going to win any skeet championships with the TS-12, it was clearly built with the home defense and tactical markets in mind. I like, however, a few touches added that make the TS-12 special. First, chokes are available. Most defensive shotguns come with the cylinder bore and that’s all. The TS-12 will accept a variety of Beretta and Benelli chokes, the exact models unknown at this time.
So if you need to for sport or to extend the range of your shotgun, you can go all the way up to a full choke. Second, the trigger is good and the safety is intuitive. Third, the top features an integrated Picatinny rail, so it is ready for your favorite red dot. Fourth, there are loading ports on both sides of the gun, and most of the controls are ambidextrous or reversible. You are welcome lefties.
The TS12. The first bullpup shotgun from IWI.
SPECS
- Gauge: 12GA/ 3-in. chamber
- Weight: 3.6 kg (mag empty) / 8 lbs.
- Barrel Length: 47 cm / 18.5 in.
- Overall Length: 720 cm (not including choke) / 28.34 in.
- Height: 260 mm / 10.23 in. (from pistol grip to top)
- Magazine: Tubular system, 15-rounds total capacity (five 2.75 in.or four 3 in.)
- Choke: Internal muzzle threads / Benelli / Beretta Type (one choke included)
- Picatinny Rail: one-piece, full-length 1913 standard top rail
- Safety: Cross-bolt safety
- MSRP $1,399
Lasting Impressions
Wait a minute, loading ports on both sides of the gun? Why? Because the TS-12 uses rotating tubes, three to be exact, for a total capacity of 15+1. A lever inside the trigger guard is depressed, then the tubes must be manually rotated. But from bolt lock, the first round is automatically chambered after the tube is rotated into position. It is a pretty cool setup.
The gun looks space age, and heavy due to its thickness, but, in use, you will find it surprisingly light. Loaded, the gun balances and offers a lot of firepower in a small package. If you are looking for a high capacity semi-auto shotgun, this one should be on your radar.
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