Israel Weapon Industries Shows Off Sci-Fi-Looking Shotgun

LAS VEGAS -- IWI US Inc.'s new Tavor TS12 semi-auto shotgun was definitely the most radical-looking weapon design at SHOT Show 2018 Range Day.

This new 12-gauge design is the company's first foray into the tactical shotgun market and looks like it would be right at home on the set of the sci-fi classic, "Starship Troopers."

The U.S. subsidiary of Israel Weapon Industries Ltd., based in Middletown, Pennsylvania, is known for its bullpup-style Tavor rifle family and other Israeli-style weapons.

Related content:

• Glock Touts New Pistol Born out of Army Sidearm Competition
• MHS-Inspired 509 Is FN's Pistol 'for Foreseeable Future'
• Ruger's New 9mm Carbine Compatible With Glock Mags, Suppressors

I know many KitUp!, readers are not fans of the bullpup design, but I have to say it was pretty nice to shoot.

The gas-regulated, semi-auto shotgun feeds from one of three rotating magazine tubes, each capable of holding four three-inch shotgun shells or five two-inch shotgun shells, for a total potential magazine capacity of 15 +1 rounds.

We were only able to load two shells in each tube because of safety rules at range day, so I didn't get a feel for how much buckshot the TS12 is capable of sending down range.

It measures 28.34-inches overall and weighs eight pounds. The TS12 is bulky-looking, especially when you compare it to standard semi-auto and pump shotguns.

Rotating the tubular magazines was a little awkward at first but not bad. Recoil was very manageable, and the balance was surprisingly good.

It also features a one-piece, full-length 1913 Picatinny top rail with M-LOK receptacles on each side of the forearm to allow multiple placement possibilities for lights and other accessories.

The TS12 will be available initially in a black finish, but later versions will be offered in olive drab and flat dark earth. It's slated to retail for about $1,400.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.