IWI Tavor TS12 Review

Shotguns are easily some of the most versatile weapons on the planet, which is one reason we love them so much. Whether it’s grandpa’s old break-action or a modern combat shotgun, the reliability, practicality, and flexibility of shotguns make them the favorites of many shooters.

The IWI Tavor TS12 shotgun stands out as a revolutionary entry in the world of tactical shotguns. Its innovative design, featuring a bullpup platform, offers a compact and maneuverable firearm ideal for close-quarters situations while retaining the power and capacity of a full-sized shotgun.

The TS12’s high-capacity triple-tube magazine system, gas piston operation, and futuristic aesthetics set it apart from traditional models.

As tactical shotguns continue to evolve, the TS12 exemplifies the advanced engineering and modular features that define this category.

We are truly in a golden age of tactical shotgun design, with cutting-edge features and high-capacity innovations pushing the boundaries of what these firearms can do.

Additionally, the magazine capacity is incredible for such a compact gun. The three rotating magazine tubes can hold a total of fifteen 2.75” shotgun shells. That is to say, this gun, which is only 28.34 inches long, can spit out fifteen 00 buck rounds as fast as your trigger finger and shoulder can stand it. For home defense or even military applications, that level of up-close 12-gauge firepower is genuinely formidable.

In this piece, we’re going to take a deep dive into the TS12, exploring its history and our first-hand impressions of the gun itself. The claim to be revolutionary is a big one, and we think the TS12 does, in fact, stack up.

Every now again, something comes along that stuns gun reviewers and the general public: that’s the case with the IWI Tavor TS12. In a bullpup design, this semi-automatic shotgun was announced in 2018 at SHOT Show, and as of 2020, it was the best-selling semi-automatic shotgun on the American civilian market.

The word “revolutionary” gets used too much in the firearms industry, but in some cases, it is warranted: we think this is one of those cases. The TS12 is a profoundly fascinating gun that takes the shotgun well and truly into the 21st century, and at least in the looks department, we’d believe you if you said it came from the 23rd century.

The Tavor TS12 shotgun is revolutionary in several regards. First, it’s a semi-automatic bullpup shotgun. There have been semi-automatics for nearly a century, and bullpup shotguns are have been around since Alfred Crouch repurposed a Remington 11-48 to build the High Standard Model 10, but the Tavor TS12 brings these two features together in a totally unique package.

The IWI Tavor TS12 comes to market from Israeli Weapon Industries or IWI. The Israeli arms industry works a little like that of the United States, with companies working in close coordination with the government to create weapons for soldiers to use in military applications. Later, those same firearms, or more often modified variants, make their way to civilian markets.

This is nothing new: Colt, Mauser, Glock, Sig, and countless others have taken this path over the last couple of centuries.

In cooperation with the Israeli Defense Force, IWI has been pushing the boundaries of firearms development for decades now.

Some of the most innovative and rugged weapons of recent decades have come from IWI, and their current and historical product lineup reads much like our firearm’s favorite list. The TS12 stands out as a modern long gun, joining IWI’s lineup of reliable and versatile firearms.

For close quarters, they have the sturdy Jericho pistol and its big brother, the Desert Eagle. Of course, they also make the Uzi, arguably one of the best submachine guns to have ever been devised.

Their Galil series of assault rifles, which have been produced in one form or another since the 1960s, is a battle-proven design.

Israel’s history and geography — putting it right at the crossroads of conflict more or less continually — has resulted in a booming arms development industry for years.

And IWI has been at the forefront of that: now the push to modernize has come to both shotguns and rifles in the Tavor series.

Initially, the Tavor was a series of bullpup rifles; with the TS12, similar design logic and aesthetics have made their way into the shotgun world, and we are certainly here for it.

Short Length

The first thing you’ll likely notice about the TS12 — beyond its space-age looks — is how short it is: the overall length of the firearm is just under 29 inches, making it long enough to qualify as a shotgun rather than a short-barreled shotgun that would require more ATF paperwork.

The TS12 is a bullpup, so it packs a full-length barrel that’s 18.5 inches in length.

Therein lies the benefit to a bullpup: for the overall size of the firearm, you can get more barrel length and thus better accuracy while still maintaining a platform that works well in close quarters.

The TS12’s ergonomics allow shooters to maintain a stable firing position, which directly impacts reloading speed and efficiency by keeping the gun on target during reloads.

As a comparison, a Remington 870 Tactical is just under 39-inches in length and only offers 6 rounds on tap, so the TS12 gives you a leg up on capacity and size. It’s not a small shotgun, but its compact size paired with a high stock comb gives it a blocky feel in hand.

One fantastic feature is the tubes can be loaded from 2 separate loading ports on either side of the gun, and unloading cartridges is done through a side shell release button, which pops unspent shells out one at a time with a satisfying thunk via a side ejection port.

The placement of the loading port allows for quick and efficient reloading with the off hand, making it easy to top off the tubes while keeping the firearm shouldered. The controls are also well-placed for right handed shooters, providing easy access and smooth operation.

Barrel

The barrel can accept Beretta and Benelli chokes, too, meaning that you can help pattern the shotgun in whatever way you wish: we do appreciate that this revolutionary gun makes use of primarily standardized accessories.

Additionally, the use of interchangeable choke tubes allows you to customize shot spread and performance for different shooting scenarios.

Speaking of dialing in the gun, a gas regulator can be user-tuned to balance recoil and reliability with whatever rounds you do end up shooting, provided they are minimum 1200 fps and 1 1/8 oz weight.

The TS12 can be adjusted for lighter target loads as well as heavier hunting or defensive shells, making it versatile for a range of ammunition types.

This is a wise choice considering the sheer variety of shotgun loads out there which will affect how the action cycles, and the H (High) or L (Low) settings have a clear purpose — 2 ¾ shot shells use the “L” setting while higher velocity 3 inch magnum rounds use the “H” setting. A simple and effective feature.

Capacity

The other significant innovation here is the tubular magazine system, which features three magazines, also referred to as three tubes, for its unique capacity.

The series of rotating tubes can be swapped quickly — moving from an empty to the next tube in an instant to maintain rapid fire. Each full tube can hold five rounds of 2.75 inch shotgun shells, for a total of 15, though the gun can take 3-inch shells as well, which will reduce overall capacity to 12 (4 in each tube).

Managing one round at a time is also possible, offering tactical flexibility during reloading or unloading. Note that the TS12 does not cycle mini shells, which is a common question regarding its ammo compatibility.

Aside from the convenience of having that much firepower on tap, there is also the option of choosing different shells for the various tubes, adding a strategic layer to the shotgun. For instance, one could have buckshot, birdshot loads, and slugs all in one loadout.

Controls

Using the shotgun is akin to a mix between SCAR handling characteristics and those typical of a shotgun in a more conventional format. The charging handle is on the left side of the gun, and the ejection port is on the right, making it handle a little like a SCAR or an AK platform rifle.

The ejection port location is a matter of personal preference, as some shooters may find it more comfortable or ergonomic depending on their dominant hand.

The safety, however, is more like a typical shotgun, using a cross-bolt safety on the grip. The trigger assembly disengages the trigger when the safety is activated, ensuring safe operation.

It will take a little practice to get used to it, but overall the TS12 handles incredibly well provided you’re right-handed. The trigger pull is smooth and consistent, which helps with control during rapid fire sessions.

The bolt release and bolt release button are located near the trigger guard, allowing you to cycle the bolt forward after firing or when manually ejecting shells. This is especially useful for quick reloads or clearing jams.

The controls are ambi, and while the gun can be converted for left handed use, there’s no way to swap the charging handle or ejection port without taking the gun to an IWI-certified armorer to perform a left-hand conversion.

You can also send it to IWI to have them do the conversion for $139 shekels, so factor that into your cost/benefit analysis. This makes the TS12 a viable option for left handed use, though the process is not as simple as on some other platforms.

When operating the TS12, you can manually eject shells for maintenance or safety by pressing the appropriate lever, which makes unloading or clearing jams quick and controlled.

The gun efficiently ejects spent shells from the right side, and when a new tube is rotated into position, the bolt will automatically close and load a round, streamlining the reloading process. Always check for an empty chamber during operation or maintenance to ensure safe handling.

While you can technically shoot the firearm with either hand, we don’t love the idea of being hit in the face with spent shot shells.

Furniture

The chassis of the gun is set up for attachments of all kinds: there is ample Picatinny rail space on top for the optic of your choice, M-Lok-compatible rails around the barrel, and sling attachment points on the rear of the gun.

Were we setting this up for home defense or combat, we’d likely add a red dot sight to the rail, a left-side light, and take advantage of those sling attachment points to make this into a great CQB gun.

The TS12 is an innovative shotgun by a company that is known for both innovation and excellence. We think it is, in fact, a revolutionary shotgun that modernizes the 12 gauge such that we expect to see it on the battlefield for years to come.

The magazine tube lock release features a large pad, making it easy to activate and allowing for quick tube swapping and efficient unloading during operation.

The IWI Tavor TS12 stands out not just for its futuristic bullpup design, but also for its impressive adaptability when it comes to accessories and compatibility.

One of the biggest advantages of the Tavor TS12 is the full-length 1913 Picatinny rail that runs along the top of the shotgun. This feature opens up a world of customization, allowing shooters to easily mount their favorite red dot, scope, or other optics to suit their shooting style.

Whether you’re setting up your IWI Tavor TS12 for home defense, tactical applications, or a day at the range, the Picatinny rail gives you the flexibility to tailor your shotgun to your needs.

Beyond optics, the rail also accommodates a variety of other shotgun gear—think lights, lasers, or backup iron sights—making the Tavor TS12 a true modular platform. The ability to quickly and securely attach accessories means you can adapt your shotgun for different scenarios, from low-light home defense to fast-paced sport shooting.

For anyone who values versatility in their firearms, the IWI Tavor TS12 delivers a modern, user-friendly experience that’s hard to beat.

Aftermarket Options

While the Tavor TS12 is still a relatively new face in the world of bullpup shotguns, the aftermarket scene is slowly catching up.

At present, options are somewhat limited compared to more traditional shotgun models, but there are still some worthwhile upgrades available. Shooters can find magazine tube extensions designed specifically for the tavor ts12, giving you even more rounds on tap for those high-capacity needs.

Sling mounts are another popular addition, making it easier to carry your shotgun comfortably during extended sessions or while on the move.

Optics and Mounting

One of the standout features of the Tavor TS12 is its full-length Picatinny rail, which makes mounting optics and accessories a breeze.

Whether you prefer a red dot for quick target acquisition or a scope for more precise shooting, the rail gives you the flexibility to set up your shotgun exactly how you want it. The robust design ensures that your chosen optic stays secure, even when running heavy loads or during rapid fire.

The Picatinny rail isn’t just for optics, either—it’s also perfect for adding tactical accessories like flashlights or laser sights, further enhancing the Tavor TS’s capabilities as a defensive shotgun.

With so many mounting options, you can easily adapt your shotgun for different environments and shooting styles, making it a top choice for anyone who values customization and performance in their semi auto shotgun.

Sling and Carry Solutions

Carrying a high-capacity bullpup shotgun like the Tavor TS12 is made simple thanks to its thoughtful sling and carry solutions.

The shotgun features two quick-detach (QD) sling mounts—one conveniently located behind the charging handle and another on the bottom of the buttstock.

These QD points make it easy to attach your favorite sling, whether you prefer a single-point or two-point setup, so you can comfortably carry your semi auto shotgun during long range sessions or while maneuvering in tight spaces.

The compact overall length and balanced weight distribution of the Tavor TS12 make it a pleasure to handle, even when fully loaded with heavy loads.

Whether you’re using your bullpup shotgun for home defense, tactical shooting, or sport shooting, the design ensures you stay agile and ready for action.

The combination of high capacity, ergonomic carry options, and the bullpup layout means the Tavor TS12 is as practical in the field as it is at the range—making it a standout choice for anyone looking for a reliable, versatile, and easy-to-carry shotgun.

No innovation is without its fair share of hiccups, and the Tavor TS12 has a few reliability issues. It has a reputation for being very selective about loads, with some folks reporting issues with up to 10% of the fired rounds. Compared to most shotguns, the TS12 can be more sensitive to certain ammunition types, especially lighter loads.

This obviously isn’t something to write home about, but as far as we can tell, the majority of the issues pertain to birdshot, which isn’t exactly a load one would plan to use with the TS12 for things like home defense.

It’s also possible that the gun will run more consistently a after a proper break-in period, as reliability often improves once a shotgun has cycled through its initial rounds.

Notably, during testing with a huge pile of shells, Estate birdshot at 1250 FPS performed more reliably than some other brands like Federal and Fiocchi.

The other issue is its lack of aftermarket support. Unique designs like this simply aren’t going to have the deep well of aftermarket and accessory options of more proven, classic scatterguns. I mean, you can outfit an entire retail store with Rem 870 aftermarket products alone.

You’ll be able to mount an optic and a few accessories, but the TS12 that comes out of the box is the one you’ll be using for the foreseeable future. However, its high-capacity magazine system and rapid reloading features could appeal to those interested in gun running tactics, where efficient ammunition management is critical.

Not sure the TS12 is for you? Here are a few alternatives that give you the same bullpup feel with a little less sticker shock.

Kel-Tec KSG

While not a semi-auto, the fully ambidextrous Kel-Tec SKG is a pump-action bullpup that does a lot of things right. Its ejection port drops empty shells downward, ensuring you lefties aren’t scorched with hot brass, and the pump-action goodness will make a wider range of loads available to the shooter – something semi-autos like the TS12 often can’t claim.

It’s also very short at 26.1-inch overall length, making it almost 3 inches shorter than the TS12. You also don’t have to sacrifice much if any capacity — the KSG’s unique magazines sport 14+1 shot capacity, and the KSG-25 model gets you 25-shell magazine capacity — 10 more than the TS12.

Best yet? The KSG can be had for around $900 – about a third less than the TS12.

Black Aces Pro Series

If you’re really set on a bullpup semi-auto, but the idea of shelling out $1,500 or more keeps you up at night, check out the Black Aces Tactical PRO series 12-gauge bullpup.

Sure, it’s not from an Israeli defense contractor, nor is it particularly groundbreaking, but it’s a fantastic mag-fed bullpup shotty that can be had for less than $600 most days of the week.

The Tavor TS12 stands out as a unique and forward-thinking shotgun. While it has some drawbacks, our overall experience has been positive, and we believe it meets the expectations for a modern, tactical shotgun.

If you are looking for innovation and versatility, the TS12 is worth considering.

The Tavor TS12 is one of the most innovative shotguns on the market today, and we think it is a revolutionary bullpup combat shotgun that will keep shotguns relevant for decades.

It’s not perfect, but if you can get time in with it and work out around its shortcomings the IWI TS12 seems like a fantastic choice for its intended purpose.

Sources

1. Wikipedia, IWI Tavor TS12
2. Israeli Weapon Industries, Our Story 
3. Israeli Weapons Industries, Tavor Rifles 
4. IWI, Left Hand Conversion
5. Remington, Model 870 Express Tactical
6. TAVOR TS12 SHOTGUN