IWI Tavor TS12: The Best Bullpup Shotgun For Shooters

The IWI Tavor TS12 is not just a shotgun—it’s a bold leap into the future of firearms design. With its futuristic aesthetics and groundbreaking engineering, this bullpup shotgun has captured the attention of firearms enthusiasts since its debut at SHOT Show 2018. Combining high capacity, compact maneuverability, and tactical versatility, the Tavor TS12 stands out as the best bullpup shotgun for shooters seeking innovation and performance. In this article, we’ll dive into its unique features, performance, pros, cons, and why it’s a game-changer for home defense, sport shooting, and tactical applications.

What Makes the Tavor TS12 Unique?

The TS12 shotgun redefines what a shotgun can be. Unlike traditional tube-fed designs, it boasts a revolutionary tri-tube magazine system, offering unmatched capacity in a compact package. Its bullpup configuration places the action behind the trigger, resulting in a shorter overall length without sacrificing barrel length. This makes it ideal for tight spaces, whether navigating hallways or engaging in close-quarters scenarios.

Key Features of the IWI Tavor TS12

• High Capacity: The Tavor bullpup holds up to 15 rounds of 2¾-inch shells or 12 rounds of 3-inch shells, plus one in the chamber, thanks to its three rotating magazine tubes.
• Compact Design: With an 18.5-inch barrel and an overall length of just 28.34 inches, it’s significantly shorter than most tactical shotguns, enhancing maneuverability.
• Gas-Operated System: A short-stroke gas piston with two settings (“H” for high-power loads, “L” for standard loads) ensures reliable cycling and reduced recoil.
• Ambidextrous Operation: The TS12 can be fed and unloaded from either side, though ejection is fixed for right- or left-hand models.
• Modular Accessories: Equipped with M-LOK slots, a full-length Picatinny rail, and compatibility with Beretta/Benelli chokes for customization.

Design and Ergonomics

At first glance, the IWI Tavor TS12 looks like it belongs in a sci-fi blockbuster. Its angular lines, polymer chassis, and chunky controls give it an otherworldly vibe. Weighing 8 pounds unloaded, it feels lighter than expected, with weight distributed toward the shoulder for a carbine-like balance. This rear-heavy design minimizes front-end heft, making it easier to swing and aim compared to traditional shotguns.

The TS12’s ergonomics shine in close-quarters scenarios. Its compact 28.34-inch length allows shooters to move swiftly in confined spaces, such as vehicles or narrow corridors. The polymer handguard protects the trigger, and a padded buttstock helps absorb the stout 12-gauge recoil, though heavy loads can still pack a punch.

Innovative Magazine System

The heart of the TS12 shotgun is its tri-tube magazine system. Each tube holds five 2¾-inch shells or four 3-inch shells, and users can manually rotate between tubes to select different ammo types, like buckshot or slugs. A unique feature automatically chambers a round when a new tube is rotated into place, keeping the shooter ready without manual racking. Topping off tubes on either side is intuitive, though it requires practice to avoid pinching fingers during rotation.

Also read: Best Ammo Brands

Performance on the Range

The Tavor TS12 delivers impressive performance for both recreational and defensive use. Its gas-regulated, semi-automatic action cycles quickly, allowing shooters to fire up to 16 rounds without reloading. Testing with various loads—birdshot, buckshot, and slugs—shows tight patterns, with Remington’s 21-pellet No. 4 buckshot producing 10- to 12-inch groups at 25 yards, perfect for close-quarters defense.

However, the TS12 isn’t flawless. Some users report Tavor TS12 problems, particularly during the break-in period. The gun can be ammo-sensitive, with lighter loads (below 1200 FPS or 1 1/8 oz) causing cycling issues. For optimal performance, IWI recommends high-velocity shells. After a break-in of 200–400 rounds, reliability improves significantly, but this quirk may frustrate new owners.

Pros and Cons of the Tavor TS12

Pros:

• Unmatched 15+1 capacity in a compact package.
• Short overall length enhances maneuverability.
• Gas system reduces recoil compared to pump-action shotguns.
• Versatile for home defense, sport shooting, and tactical use.
• Robust build quality from IWI’s proven bullpup lineage.

Cons:

• Ammo sensitivity during the initial break-in period.
• Heavier than some traditional shotguns at 8 pounds.
• High price point (around $1,399 MSRP).
• Magazine rotation requires practice to master.

Customization and Tavor TS12 Accessories

The TS12’s tactical design invites customization. Its full-length Picatinny rail supports optics like red dots or low-power scopes, enhancing accuracy for slugs out to 50 yards. M-LOK slots allow for lights, lasers, or foregrips, critical for home defense setups. The shotgun’s Beretta/Benelli choke compatibility lets shooters tailor patterns for specific tasks, from tight defensive spreads to wider sporting patterns. Aftermarket Tavor TS12 accessories, like extended chokes or sling attachments, further enhance its versatility.

Who Is the Tavor TS12 For?

The IWI Tavor TS12 is ideal for shooters who value innovation, capacity, and compactness. It’s a top choice for:

• Home Defense Enthusiasts: Its short length and high capacity make it perfect for navigating tight spaces while delivering formidable firepower.
• Tactical Professionals: Security forces or law enforcement benefit from its maneuverability and ability to fire 16 rounds without reloading.
• Sport Shooters: The TS12’s semi-auto action and customization options make it a fun, practical range toy.

However, traditionalists may find its unconventional design and learning curve daunting. For those prioritizing simplicity or lower cost, pump-action shotguns like the Mossberg 500 might be a better fit.

Why It’s the Best Bullpup Shotgun

The Tavor TS12 earns its title as the best bullpup shotgun through its blend of capacity, compactness, and cutting-edge design. While other bullpup shotguns, like the KelTec KSG or SRM 1216, offer high capacity, the TS12’s semi-automatic action and tri-tube system provide faster follow-up shots and easier ammo management. Its robust construction, backed by IWI’s reputation for rugged firearms like the Tavor SAR and X95, ensures reliability in demanding conditions.

Despite its premium price and occasional ammo pickiness, the TS12’s advantages outweigh its drawbacks for shooters seeking a futuristic, high-performance shotgun. Its ability to deliver 16 rounds in a 28-inch package is unmatched, making it a standout in the tactical shotgun market.

Final Thoughts

The IWI Tavor TS12 redefines what a shotgun can do. Its innovative tri-tube magazine, compact bullpup design, and tactical versatility make it a top contender for shooters who demand the best. While it requires a break-in period and practice to master, the TS12 rewards users with unparalleled firepower and maneuverability. Whether for home defense, sport shooting, or tactical applications, this shotgun proves that the future of firearms is here—and it’s spectacular.

FAQs

Q: Does the Tavor TS12 cycle mini shells?

A: No, the TS12 is designed for standard 2¾-inch or 3-inch shells and does not reliably cycle mini shells.

Q: Is the Tavor TS12 ambidextrous?

A: It supports ambidextrous loading and unloading, but ejection is fixed for right- or left-hand models.