UTAS UTS-15
UTAS Defense · Shotgun · In Production · 2012
Also known as: UTS-15, Urban Tactical Shotgun 15
Overview
The UTAS UTS-15 is a 12 gauge bullpup pump-action shotgun designed by Ted Hatfield and manufactured by UTAS Defense of Turkey. First revealed at IDEX 2011 and entering production in 2012, the UTS-15 was developed in response to a 2006 request from Smith & Wesson to create 'the ultimate police shotgun' -- a pump-action under 30 inches overall with at least 13-round capacity. The UTS-15's defining feature is its twin 7-round tubular magazines positioned side-by-side above the barrel, which can feed in an alternating pattern or be individually selected by the operator. This dual-tube system provides a 14+1 round capacity in a package just 720 mm (28.3 inches) long, making it one of the shortest and lightest high-capacity shotguns available. The receiver is constructed primarily from carbon fiber-reinforced injection-molded polymer, with steel, magnesium, and aluminum components used throughout. The action employs a rotary bolt with three locking lugs engaging a barrel extension. The barrel features a chrome-lined bore with Beretta Mobilchoke-pattern threading for interchangeable chokes. An AR-15 style manual safety and trigger group are used for familiarity. A full-length Picatinny rail runs along the top for mounting optics, and provisions exist for internal mounting of tactical lights or lasers. The UTS-15 accepts 2.5-inch, 2.75-inch, and 3-inch magnum ammunition. Each magazine tube features spring-loaded shell count indicators and independent loading ports with hinged covers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3130 g (110.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 720 mm (28.35") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Height | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Width | 60 mm (2.36") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 37 N (8.3 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 14 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Dual Tubular |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Cerakote |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Dual Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Crossbolt Safety, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Bullpup Layout, Dual Tube Magazines, Alternating Or Selectable Feed, Picatinny Rail, Chrome Lined Bore, 3 Inch Chamber, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Receiver, Rotary Bolt, Beretta Mobilchoke Threads, Shell Count Indicators, Hinged Cheekpiece, Ar15 Style Controls, Internal Light Laser Provision, Breaching Choke Included
Variants
- UTAS UTS-15 Tungsten — Finish
- UTAS UTS-15 Desert Tan — Finish
- UTAS UTS-15 OD Green — Finish
- UTAS UTS-15 Marine — Corrosion Resistant
Service history
Operators
- Turkish National Police
- Turkish Gendarmerie
Production
Production years: 2012-present
Manufactured in Turkey with some components produced in the United States. Assembled at UTAS facilities in both countries.
Origin
Country of origin: Turkey
Designer: Ted Hatfield
Notes
The UTS-15's development was inspired by the South African NeoStead 2000 pump-action shotgun, which also featured dual tube magazines above the barrel, though the NeoStead used a reversed pump stroke (forward to eject, rearward to chamber). Hatfield's design uses a conventional rearward pump stroke. The gun uses an AR-15 trigger group for parts commonality and operator familiarity. The dual magazine selector allows three modes: alternating (left-right-left-right), left tube only, or right tube only. This enables operators to load different ammunition types (e.g., buckshot in one tube, slugs in the other) and switch on the fly. The hinged cheekpiece lifts open for maintenance access to the action. Early production models experienced some reliability issues with shell feeding that were addressed in subsequent revisions. With 3-inch magnum shells, capacity drops to 12+1 (six per tube plus one chambered).
Background
The UTS-15 was born when Smith & Wesson asked UTAS to build 'the ultimate police shotgun.' Designer Ted Hatfield, a former editor at American Rifleman magazine, drew inspiration from the South African NeoStead 2000 and created a futuristic bullpup that packs 15 rounds of 12 gauge into a package shorter than most conventional 5-round pump shotguns.