Tokarev
Tokarev USA imports a lineup of 12 gauge shotguns built in Turkey, aimed squarely at buyers who want a modern tactical shotgun without the price tag of established American brands. The lineup spans three distinct platforms: the TBP-12 bullpup, the TX3 pump-action series, and the TAR-12 AR-style semi-auto. Each targets a different kind of shooter, but all three share the same value proposition — real features at an entry-level price.
Read our full Tokarev USA Buying Guide ↓
Tokarev USA: Affordable Turkish-Made 12 Gauge Shotguns
Tokarev USA sources its shotguns from Turkish manufacturers, a country that has become a major source of budget-friendly tactical shotguns over the past decade. The brand’s appeal is straightforward: real modern features — Picatinny rails, interchangeable chokes, fiber optic or flip-up sights — at prices well below comparable shotguns from established American manufacturers. None of the three platforms are trying to be a premium shotgun; they’re built for buyers who want function and features on a working budget.
TBP-12: Tokarev’s Bullpup Shotgun
The TBP-12 moves the action behind the grip in a bullpup configuration, trimming overall length while keeping a full 18.5” barrel. It’s magazine-fed with a 5+1 capacity, ships with flip-up sights and three interchangeable choke tubes, and is available in black, FDE, and OD Green finishes. For buyers who want the shortest possible 12 gauge and don’t mind the bullpup manual of arms, it’s one of the most affordable entries into the category.
TX3: Tokarev’s Pump-Action Lineup
The TX3 series is Tokarev’s traditional pump-action line, with an 18.5” barrel, 5-round capacity, and a choice of bead or fiber-optic/ghost-ring sight configurations depending on model. Some TX3 variants share parts interchangeability with the Mossberg 500/590 pattern, which helps with long-term aftermarket support. For buyers who want proven pump-action reliability over a magazine-fed semi-auto, the TX3 is the more conventional choice in the lineup.
TAR-12: Tokarev’s AR-Style Semi-Auto Shotgun
The TAR-12 brings AR-15-style ergonomics and controls to a 12 gauge semi-auto, similar in concept to the Rock Island VR80 or Franklin Armory Cerberus. It’s magazine-fed and built around a familiar AR manual of arms, making it an easy transition for anyone who already shoots an AR-pattern rifle and wants that same control layout in a shotgun.
Which Tokarev Shotgun Fits Your Budget and Use Case
The TBP-12 is the pick for maximum compactness. The TX3 is the pick for buyers who trust pump-action reliability over anything magazine-fed and semi-auto. The TAR-12 is the pick for AR-pattern shooters who want the same controls in a shotgun. All three compete primarily on price — none are marketed as a premium shotgun, and buyers should set expectations accordingly for fit, finish, and long-term durability compared to established American brands.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tokarev USA
Where are Tokarev USA shotguns made?
Tokarev USA shotguns are manufactured in Turkey and imported for the US market.
What is the difference between the TBP-12, TX3, and TAR-12?
The TBP-12 is a bullpup, magazine-fed shotgun built for compact size. The TX3 is a traditional pump-action shotgun. The TAR-12 is an AR-15-style magazine-fed semi-auto. All three are 12 gauge.
Are Tokarev shotguns reliable?
Tokarev shotguns are positioned as budget-friendly options and are widely used for range use, home defense, and tactical applications. As with any budget firearm, buyers should expect fit and finish below premium American brands, though the core designs are functional and widely reviewed online.
Does the TX3 share parts with other shotguns?
Some TX3 variants share parts interchangeability with the Mossberg 500/590 pattern, which can help with aftermarket support and parts availability.
See Also: Tokarev TBP-12 • Rock Island VRBP100 • Rock Island VR80 • Semi-Auto Shotguns
