IWI Tavor TS12
Israel Weapon Industries · Shotgun · In Production · 2018
Also known as: Tavor TS12, TS12, Tavor Tactical Shotgun 12
Overview
The IWI Tavor TS12 is a semi-automatic bullpup shotgun designed and manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries. Unveiled at SHOT Show in January 2018, the TS12 is the first bullpup shotgun developed by IWI and represents a significant departure from conventional shotgun design. Its defining feature is a patented rotating triple-tube magazine system: three individual tubular magazines, each holding five 2-3/4 inch shells (or four 3-inch shells), are arranged around the barrel axis and can be rotated into battery via a paddle forward of the trigger. This provides a total capacity of 15+1 rounds, roughly double that of most tactical shotguns. The bullpup configuration places the action behind the trigger group, allowing an 18.5-inch barrel within an overall length of just 28.34 inches, approximately a foot shorter than conventional 18.5-inch barreled shotguns. The TS12 operates via a short-stroke gas piston system with a two-position gas regulator (L for light loads, H for heavy/magnum loads). The 4140 steel barrel is chrome lined and accepts Beretta/Benelli MobilChoke-style choke tubes. A full-length Picatinny rail runs along the top for optics mounting, while M-LOK slots on the handguard sides provide accessory attachment points. The TS12 is convertible for left-handed operation, with a swappable charging handle and ejection port. Primarily marketed for home defense and competition use, the TS12 offers an exceptionally high ammunition capacity in a compact, maneuverable package.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3629 g (128.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4700 g (165.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 720 mm (28.35") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Height | 260 mm (10.24") |
| Width | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 42 N (9.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Rotating Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Crossbolt Safety, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Bullpup Layout, Three Rotating Tube Magazines, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Two Position Gas Regulator, Chrome Lined Bore, 3 Inch Chamber, Picatinny Rail, M Lok Compatible Handguard, Beretta Benelli Mobilchoke Threads, Ambidextrous Ejection, Ambidextrous Charging Handle, Non Reciprocating Charging Handle, Tool Free Field Stripping, Four Qd Sling Points, Rubber Buttpad
Variants
- IWI Tavor TS12 FDE — Color
- IWI Tavor TS12 OD Green — Color
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Produced by IWI US in Middletown, Pennsylvania for the US civilian market. International versions manufactured in Israel.
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Notes
The TS12 ships with no iron sights; an optic or aftermarket sights mounted on the Picatinny rail are required. The three magazine tubes can each hold different ammunition types (e.g., buckshot, slugs, birdshot), selectable via the magazine rotation paddle. Each tube feeds independently, and an empty tube must be manually rotated to switch to the next loaded tube. The trigger pull is heavy by modern standards, measured at approximately 9.5-11.5 lbs depending on the sample, which is common for bullpup shotgun designs. The two-position gas regulator should be set to H for break-in and 3-inch magnum loads, and L for standard 2-3/4 inch loads. Early production models exhibited occasional cycling issues with light target loads. Model designations: TS12B (Black), TS12F (FDE), TS12G (OD Green).
Background
The Tavor TS12 was IWI's first foray into the shotgun market, extending the proven Tavor bullpup platform into a new category. Its rotating triple-tube magazine system was an innovative solution to the perennial shotgun limitation of low ammunition capacity. When revealed at SHOT Show 2018, it generated significant industry buzz for combining high capacity, compact bullpup dimensions, and the reliability pedigree of the Tavor family, though its unconventional appearance earned it comparisons to science fiction props.