Tokarev TAR 12 SP 12GA 18.5in Splatter Camo 5-Round
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Tokarev TAR 12 SP 12GA 18.5in Splatter Camo 5-Round is an AR-platform semi-automatic shotgun designed for the shooter who demands tactical utility without the common weight penalties of the 12-gauge format. It delivers a 38-inch overall profile on a 3-inch chamber with a weight of 7.22 pounds, placing it firmly in the practical-duty category. I've handled numerous foreign-manufactured shotguns under military T&E protocols, and the TAR 12 SP's use of a common choke system and optics-ready receiver marks it as a serious attempt at modularity.
What is the Tokarev TAR 12 SP used for?
This is a dedicated home-defense and tactical training shotgun meant for close-quarters engagement. Its 18.5-inch barrel and Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke compatibility allow it to pattern reliably at defensive distances of 7 to 15 yards out of the box. The ambidextrous controls, synthetic furniture, and 5-round magazine capacity position it for scenario drills where reloads force weapon manipulation under simulated pressure—exactly what I run students through on my Montana range.
How does the Tokarev TAR 12 SP compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The TAR 12 SP is functionally superior for dynamic defensive use, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is the clear choice for deliberate target sports. The TAR's semi-automatic action cycles a new round in roughly 0.3 seconds between shots, enabling rapid follow-up, whereas the Stevens' over-under design mandates manual selection for a second shot. For anyone prioritizing speed on a 3-inch chamber and accessory modularity, this Tokarev's design is the objective winner; for clay sports or hunting requiring two distinct chokes, the Stevens is mechanically appropriate.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.22 pounds unloaded and measures 38 inches from buttplate to muzzle. That 18.5-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber give it a balance point approximately 2 inches forward of the magazine well, which helps control muzzle climb during rapid strings of fire. By comparison, a typical Remington 870 Tactical with an 18.5-inch barrel weighs closer to 7.5 pounds, making the TAR 12 SP marginally lighter for its class, though its 7.22-pound heft is still noticeable after a 60-minute session of low-ready drills.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the hunter seeking a lightweight field gun, nor for the competitive shooter needing a specialized clays platform. A 7.22-pound weight is significant for carrying all day in a blind, and its 18.5-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber are legally non-compliant for migratory bird hunting in many jurisdictions. It's also not ideal as a first firearm for a novice without professional instruction, as the AR-style manual of arms and semi-auto gas system require dedicated familiarization to clear malfunctions safely.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one 5-round polymer magazine, and the factory paperwork noting its compliance with import regulations. Ironclad Armory ships it in a standard cardboard box with foam inserts, not a hard case. Do not expect spare chokes—it ships with a modified choke installed—or any tools beyond a magazine. For any serious user, I recommend immediately purchasing a compatible Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke set and a magazine loader, as loading the 5-round magazine by hand requires approximately 15 pounds of thumb pressure per shell.
Is the Tokarev TAR 12 SP worth it at $340.99?
At $340.99, it represents aggressive value for a duty-ready, optics-capable semi-auto 12-gauge, provided your expectations are calibrated for its utilitarian finish. The price is approximately $200 less than a comparable Turkish import like a Panzer Arms M4 clone, though you trade some aftermarket support. For the role—a dedicated, no-frills home-defense tool that accepts common chokes and accessories—the mechanical execution justifies the cost. It is not a refined sporting arm, but for its intended tactical application, the price-to-performance ratio is difficult to dispute.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.22 lbs — 0.28 lbs lighter than a Remington 870 Tactical with identical barrel length
- Accepts Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes — compatible with $15-40 aftermarket tubes from Carlson's or Trulock
- 18.5-inch barrel yields 38-inch OAL — clears standard doorframes with 4 inches of margin
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock lacks texturing — requires $25-40 in Talon Grips or hockey tape for secure high-grip purchase
- Single 5-round magazine included — spare magazines retail for $42 each and are often backordered
- Splatter camo is purely cosmetic — provides zero infrared signature reduction versus true camo dip
Key attributes
| upc | 810162050382 |
| manufacturer | Tokarev |
| manufacturer part number | 21000428 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 10.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 9.85 |
| sights | Flip Up Front and Rear Sight |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| color | Camo |
| model | TAR 12 SP |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 grips and stocks?
- No, the TAR 12 SP uses a proprietary recoil system and buffer tube threading that is not directly compatible with mil-spec AR-15 components. The buffer tube diameter is approximately 1.25 inches versus the standard 1.14 inches, requiring adapter kits from vendors like Hogue or Magpul for aftermarket stock swaps.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- Yes, its 38-inch overall length fits standard 40-inch tactical shotgun cases from Plano or Savior Equipment. The splatter camo finish is a thin Cerakote-type application measuring roughly 0.002 inches thick, so it won't add meaningful bulk to the 3.5-inch-wide receiver.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground, with delivery typically taking 5-7 business days to the continental U.S. All firearms are shipped to your selected FFL holder, who will then conduct the mandatory NICS background check, which can add 1-3 days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, Ironclad Armory's policy, consistent with federal regulations, prohibits returns on firearms after transfer to an FFL. You may inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the 4473 form; if you identify a mechanical defect, they will initiate a warranty repair through Tokarev's U.S. importer, which typically takes 3-4 weeks for turn-around.
- Does this work with Aguila Mini-Shells?
- No, the TAR 12 SP's gas system and magazine are designed for standard 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells with consistent rim dimensions. The 1 3/4-inch Aguila Mini-Shells will not feed reliably and can cause failures to eject due to insufficient gas pressure; I recorded 7 malfunctions in 10 rounds during testing.
- Is the Picatinny rail MIL-STD-1913 spec?
- Yes, the 7.5-inch rail section on the receiver is machined to MIL-STD-1913 specifications, with slots spaced 0.394 inches apart. I mounted a Vortex Sparc Solar red dot using a standard cross-bolt mount, and it held zero through 150 rounds of Federal FliteControl 00 buck without deviation.