An ergonomic, reliable 12 gauge bullpup is one of those elusive targets lots of gun companies have shot at, but few have hit. There’s the Kel-Tec KSG, the UTS-15, and new for this year, the unique IWI Tavor TS12.
Now comes TriStar, who’s importing the new TriStar Compact is gas operated semi-auto with a 10-round capacity and removable chokes. And they’ll have one you can fondle at the NRAAAM next week if you’re planning to be in Dallas.
Here’s their press release . . .
TriStar Arms, importer of popular quality shotguns and pistols, is pleased to announce the arrival of the new TriStar Compact. This 12-gauge bullpup packs a 20″ barrel into a shotgun with an overall length of just 30″. Increased velocity and muzzle energy cycles with AK-like reliability and feeds from box magazines to facilitate quick reloads and easy load-type changes. Compatibility with popular Saiga-type 12ga magazines means a variety of sources and capacities are readily available.
General Description: The Compact 12ga is equipped with a 20″ barrel, 30″ Overall Length and is chambered for up to 3″ shells. Gas operated, semi-automatic shotgun that can cycle from standard field loads up to 1 1/8oz slugs interchangeably. Removable choke system uses Beretta®/Benelli® Mobile Threads, includes one extended ported cylinder-bore choke tube. Rubber Recoil pad, sling mounts, and fixed Carry handle w/ sights as well as flip-up front and rear sights, and two 5-round magazines. The Compact is backed by TriStar’s five-year warranty.
Features:
- 30″ Overall Length
- Full-Size Carry Handle w/ Adjustable Sights (not pictured)
- Two 5-Round Magazines
- Flip-up Front/Rear Sights (as pictured)
- Forward Grip (not pictured)
- Extended/Ported Cylinder Choke Tube (as pictured)
Action: Gas operated Semi-automatic. If the magazine and chamber are both loaded opening action will result in ejecting shell from chamber and cycling new shell from magazine into the chamber. A bolt hold open is located just beneath Safety Lever. To lock the bolt open, simply pull the action back and press upwards on the Bolt Lock.
Safety: The primary safety is located on the right side of the gun, just under the ejection port. When engaged, the safety is designed to block the trigger, hammer lever and the hammer, which makes the firing mechanism immobile.
Magazine: The Compact 12ga comes with two polymer-bodied 5-round magazines.
Item #: 25122
MSRP: $790
Come see the TriStar Compact at the NRA Annual Meetings in booth 4908
“The KRX set the standard for what an AR-like shotgun can be. Now with the Compact we’re raising the bar for both AK-like and bullpup shotguns,” said Ryan Bader, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for TriStar Arms. “Home defense, range fun, and law enforcement can now all take advantage of increased power in a more portable package with the TriStar Compact.”