HISTORY
In 1930, Fedor Tokarev designed the first semi-auto pistol for the Russian army. The TT-30 replaced the old Nagant M1895 revolver, bringing the Soviets up to speed with Western military powers. The historic name is now Tokarev USA, the importer of Tokarev Arms. Known to be rugged and functional, the TAR is meant to carry on this tradition at an affordable price point.
Related: Unboxing A Tokarev USA TAR 12MP 12-Gauge Shotgun
MY IMPRESSONS
Hefting the TAR 12 for the first time, I noticed its large size. This is a full-size shotgun with a familiar feel. I have owned a few AR-15 rifles and immediately feel a similar pistol grip and notice a raised sight rail. Something is different – this gun has a wider receiver, making it a bit bulkier than my AR-15. Its weight is noticeably heavier than the rifle, also. These differences are all for good, as this is a 12-gauge shotgun, meant to blast over an ounce of lead at high velocity.
The silver nickel-marine receiver, barrel, and magazine contrast with the black polymer buttstock and forearm. I sense Tokarev USA wants this gun to survive saltwater, sweaty hands, and even mud without affecting its function. Despite its size, the safety selector, magazine and bolt releases are in easy reach. I like the look of it.
Most AR platforms do not include sights, but the TAR 12 comes with polymer folding front and rear adjustable fold-down sights. The rear circle peep sight aligns naturally with the post front sight. The 11-inch Picatinny receiver rail provides an adequate sight radius while allowing many other sight options without removal of the factory folding sights. The full stock length fits me well and will help absorb recoil, I am sure.
The forearm is long and provides four short Picatinny rails near the muzzle. I can envision flashlights, lasers, or even a bipod attached here. The last Pic rail is located on the lower forearm just forward of the magazine. What a perfect place for a vertical grip! This gun has had some thought put into its design. I cannot wait to fire it.
THE MAGAZINE
The included five-shot magazine has the same nickel-marine finish as the shotgun. It is inserted into the lower receiver much like an AR-15 magazine. This will allow for quick reloading and higher round capacity with additional magazines.
I have noted that a 10-round magazine is available from Tokarev. The included five-round magazine is solid and is built with a strong follower spring. It requires substantial force to load all five rounds; however, I feel this will make it unlikely to jam.
Related Review: Tokarev TBP 12-gauge Bullpup – Tacti-Cool Or Tacti-Trash?
SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall length: 37.5 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds empty
- Barrel: 18.5 inches
- Benelli-style Choke Tubes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full included
- Length of Pull: 14 inches
- Trigger Pull: 10 pounds, 9 ounces
- Material: Nickel Marine and Polymer
- Magazine: Five-shot capacity standard
- 12 Gauge: Accepts both 2.75- and 3-inch shells
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MSRP: $359.99
SHOOTING IS BELIEVING
Area 51 in Arizona is sunny and calm today. Those aliens departed back to Jupiter and left lots of root beer bottles behind! I have a variety of shotgun shells today, ranging from Fiocchi and Winchester 2.75-inch buckshot to 3-inch Federal MeatEater bismuth No. 4 shot Magnums. The magazine will accept either length. However, it is a bit difficult to load against the stiff spring.
Anticipating much recoil, I am surprised how little the gun kicks as I blast the first 2-liter root beer bottles. The semi-automatic action is well-adapted to absorb much of the kick before it reaches my shoulder. The soft recoil pad and overall gun weight also help with this. Follow-up shots are easy as I can stay on target. Heavy recoil caused the front polymer sight to fold after firing. This can likely be corrected by tightening the mounting screw on the sight.
When shooting light target loads such as Winchester AA rounds, I expected the gun to fail to eject. However, this review showed no problem shooting and ejecting such a shell. Follow-up shots with 3-inch Magnums functioned with one failure to feed. I feel this will correct itself after break-in. This is a new gun with a few rounds fired through it.
Patterning on my steel target at 7 yards shows the improved cylinder choke to hold a tight pattern. All nine buckshot pellets nearly touch as they impact the steel target. Now reloaded with 3-inch Magnums, I notice the felt recoil is much heavier than before but still manageable. Impacts on the steel target are considerably heavier as well. That heavy steel target nearly falls over – that is power! Final shots were fired at the remaining 2-liter bottles with no misses and explosive results. Only one failure to feed was encountered in my shooting today.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- Rugged and well-made
- Accurate
- Corrosion-resistant
- Functional
- Customizable
- Recoil-dampening action
- Familiar AR-15 design and construction
- Accepts choke tubes
- Folding sights included
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Low price
Cons:
- Heavy trigger pull
- Non-adjustable stock
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Difficult to field-strip
SUMMARY
I am impressed with the quality of construction relative to the price of the TAR 12. Expecting a jam-a-matic, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it shoots well. I would love to use it in my next 3-Gun competition. With proper extended magazines and red dot sight, it would be competitive.
