Krieghoff revived the historic Krieghoff Trophy on June 13-14 at Dornsberg Shooting Ground in Germany, drawing 232 competitors from 13 countries. Frank Hasekamp of the Netherlands won the Challenge Cup and High Overall title, with the event now scheduled to return every two years.
Team Beretta athlete Vincent Hancock won gold at the 2026 ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Lonato, Italy, setting world records in both qualification (124/125) and the final (36/36) with his Beretta DT11. His victory led Team USA to a dominant finish alongside teammate Christian Elliott.
The Second Amendment Foundation filed a motion for summary judgment in Harrington v. Crawford, challenging the unconstitutional search of high school student Jack Harrington's vehicle based solely on his legal firearm ownership. SAF Senior Director Bill Sack and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue school officials violated constitutional rights without reasonable suspicion or evidence of unlawful conduct.
CZ will exhibit at the inaugural Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Big Game Days in Missoula, Montana, July 16-19, 2026. The company will showcase hunting-focused firearms at RMEF Basecamp and participate in Range Day activities, allowing attendees to experience CZ products firsthand.
We Buy Guns released its June 2026 Secondary Firearms Market Report showing 1,793 firearm offers totaling $977,332 and 609 completed purchases. Handguns dominated at 62.4% of submissions, with Smith & Wesson, SIG Sauer, Glock, and Ruger leading manufacturers, while the SIG Sauer P320 led individual model activity.
Orchid announced an integration between its Orchid POS platform and Gun Made, automatically syndicating live inventory from Orchid POS dealers into Gun Made's search results across 4,000+ dealers and 500 million products. The integration drives traffic and sales to dealer storefronts with no commissions or manual uploads required.
Walther Arms and Umarex USA announced Don Angle's appointment as General Manager for Law Enforcement, Military, and Government markets. Angle brings extensive experience from his tenure at Trijicon and over two decades of U.S. Army and defense industry service, leading the newly integrated professional user team.
Silencer Central announced a partnership with Sezzle to provide flexible "Buy Now, Pay Later" payment options for suppressor purchases. Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox stated the new payment option complements faster ATF approval times while allowing customers to break up costs over time. The service launches July 15, 2026, on Silencer Central's website.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is accepting applications for contracted nuisance alligator trappers in North Volusia County. Applicants must have a clean criminal history, no fish or wildlife violations, and a valid email address. Applications are due by July 28, 2026.
ZeroTech Optics has released the Vengeance 1-6x24 LPVO in Flat Dark Earth finish, featuring a 1-6x magnification range with illuminated RAR reticle and second focal plane design. The scope is designed for hunters, recreational shooters, and modern sporting rifle owners seeking fast target acquisition and precision at extended distances.
Sightmark has released the Strikon VMP 1-4x22 SFP Fiber V2 Prismatic Riflescope, featuring capped turrets for zero protection, expanded mounting flexibility with four centerline height configurations, and an enhanced accessories package. The updated optic maintains the original's 1-4x prismatic design while addressing practical shooter feedback.
SilencerCo, an American-made suppressor manufacturer based in Utah, has joined the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) as a Gold-level corporate partner. SilencerCo President Scott Clinger and SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut emphasized the partnership's importance as SAF pursues Supreme Court cases challenging assault weapons bans.
Target Sports USA has partnered with outdoorsman, author, and firearms instructor Kevin Estela to create written blog pieces, social media posts, and video content. Estela will share his expertise across shooting sports, firearms, ammunition, hunting, and preparedness communities, complementing Target Sports USA's educational and entertainment content offerings.
Lipsey's, one of the largest independently owned firearms distributors in the country, has renewed its Gold-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation. The partnership supports SAF's legal efforts to protect Second Amendment rights through litigation, education, and advocacy.
MidwayUSA promoted Travis Rodgers to Director of Logistics after 14 years with the company. Rodgers previously served as Director of Merchandising for the Hunting & Outdoors division and will now lead the warehouse operations team at MidwayUSA's Nitro Express Distribution Center.
MidwayUSA promoted Sam Price to Marketing Manager after 12 years with the company. Price will lead digital marketing analysts overseeing customer relationship, advertising, public relations, social media, and SEO processes. VP Marketing Ryan Cokerham praised Price's dedication and industry expertise.
The Bowhunter Podcast, presented by Tactacam and Poncho Outdoors, featured Curt Wells and Danny Farris discussing their 22-year careers with Bowhunter TV. Wells, the current Bowhunter Magazine Hunting Editor and TV Host, and Farris, an "Empty Quiver" Columnist, shared memorable hunts and their experiences covering bowhunting for over two decades.
Faxon Firearms announced a new wholesale distribution partnership with Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd., enabling dealers nationwide to source Faxon's precision barrels, AR-15 and AR-10 components, and other firearms products. The family-owned Minnesota distributor supplies over 30,000 products from 300+ manufacturers to dealers across the country.
Bear Edge Knives launches the Model 71141, a 4 3/4" dark gray aluminum assisted opener featuring a 440 stainless steel drop point blade, flipper-assisted opening, and reversible pocket clip. Built in Alabama, this lightweight pocketknife is priced at $73.99.
Remington announces availability of patriotic-themed bulk buckets featuring 'Don't Tread on Me' and 'Come and Take It' series in rifle, handgun, and rimfire calibers. The new products, now shipping to dealers nationwide, complement Remington's earlier 'We the People' bulk buckets launched for America's 250th anniversary.
Apex Ammunition launched Dove Stratified shotshells featuring layered L3 high-antimony lead or S3 steel pellets in 12- and 20-gauge options. President and CEO Jason Lonsberry stated the loads were developed from retailer and customer demand for consistent quality ammunition for smaller game birds like dove and quail.
Auto-Ordnance introduces a suppressor-ready M1 Carbine Short Barreled Rifle featuring a 12-inch threaded barrel, 30-inch overall length, M-Lok slots, and walnut furniture. The modern SBR combines classic aesthetics with tactical enhancements and is available now at $1,870 MSRP.
Arsenal Inc. announced America 250: Part II, continuing its U.S. 250th anniversary promotion with special pricing on five AK rifle models through August 31, 2026. The promotion includes discounted accessory packages through K-VAR and participating MSR Distribution dealers, making high-quality mil-spec firearms more accessible to American customers.
Remington Ammunition announced its Protection with Payback rebate offering consumers up to 20 percent rebates on qualifying self-defense handgun ammunition including Golden Saber Defense and Ultimate Defense products through August 31, 2026.
Silencer Central is on Day 92 of its 100 Days of Silence promotion, offering a $2,750+ prize package including a Stoeger STR-9 Combat SX, BANISH TAC 9K TI Suppressor, Winchester Ammunition, and other items. The company is also running triple reward points on BANISH suppressors through July 17, 2026.
Wolfe Publishing has unlocked the current issue of Rifle & Handgun magazine for free online reading. The issue features articles on the Lee-Enfield, horse pistols, Primary Weapons Systems MK114 MOD 2-M, and Weatherby's Mark XXII, plus expert columns on firearms and handloading.
Range USA President Tom Willingham discusses the brand's origin story and mission of safe, responsible gun ownership in a new interview. The nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, with 50 locations and 300 certified instructors, emphasizes its customer-first approach and commitment to firearm safety education.
Viridian Weapon Technologies launched the Viridian Rewards program, a retail incentive initiative that rewards authorized sales associates with points for qualifying product sales redeemable for free Viridian products and branded merchandise. The program recognizes retail professionals who recommend Viridian's optics, lights, lasers, and firearm accessories.
Stoeger Industries will showcase its latest 2026 shotgun models, including the M3500 Waterfowl, M3000 Series additions, and new V7000 over/under at the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, July 24–26 at Booth #623.
Winchester Ammunition and White Flyer Targets serve as official sponsors of the 2026 Scholastic Clay Target Program National Championship at Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio, July 11-18. Winchester AA® and Super Target® shotshells will be available for purchase on site to support youth shooting sports.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) raised $18,000 for Project ChildSafe through an auction at its annual board meetings, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Project ChildSafe, the nation's most comprehensive firearm safety program, has distributed over 42 million free safety kits since its 1999 launch.
HuntStand announced its Whitetail Adventure Sweepstakes, offering one lucky hunter a fully guided five-day rifle hunt in Oklahoma during the second rut, Nov. 27-Dec. 5. The prize includes premium gear from Savage, Vortex Optics, Barnes, Muddy Outdoors, Walker's, Mossy Oak, and Waypoint TV, with guidance from Rut N Strut Guide Service. Entries open July 16 through Oct. 10.
Outdoor Sportsman Group launched "Whitetail 201," a 10-episode educational video series presented by LaCrosse and featuring partners Browning, Millennium, Spypoint, Bowtech, and Excalibur. Hosted by Colton Bagnoli and Jace Bauserman, the series expands on "Whitetail 101" to help deer hunters improve their skills and knowledge.
Years of experience have proven the AR style rifle to be heavily favored by American shooters. You might even say it’s become America’s favorite. So it should come as no surprise that the design has made its way into the shotgun world.
Ergonomics and manual of arms that match your favorite rifle can be particularly helpful when shooting competitively, which is exactly what our subject today is. We’re taking a look at the Tokarev TT-12 Pro 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun.
Tokarev USA imports a variety of shotguns from, you guessed it, Türkiye Turkey. Imported Turkish shotguns have flooded the US market over the years. Seemingly endless copies and options are available in Turkey, as their shotgun market is quite robust. That, coupled with favorable trade agreements with the United States’ thriving firearms market and reasonable prices is a recipe for brisk sales.
You might be asking a boomer question like, Why do you want an AR-style shotgun? The answer: this is America and such questions are just as silly as, Why do you need a gun at all?
One of the reasons this type of shotgun has grown in popularity is a spike in tactical shooting sports. Different kinds of competitions and sports like 2-gun and 3-gun matches have increased demand for different shotgun configurations. And, as is typical, people tend to find the value of one design over another and incorporate these guns into other shooting activities be it defense or hunting.
The Tokarev TT-12 Pro is designed specifically for those looking to use it in the shooting sports, incorporating features for those looking to shave seconds off their stage times. The TT-12 Pro AR/M4-style ambidextrous controls and and an reversible charging handle that you can put on either the right or left side of the shotgun.
It’s fed from a detachable box mag in the MKA/T‑1919 magazine pattern which can be had in various capacities from five to as many as 20 or more rounds, depending on the manufacturer.
The shotgun comes with a fairly robust handguard (because it houses much of the action operation), as well as a Picatinny rail for mounting sights. It also ships with a set of polymer flip-up sights. And because it’s a shotgun, it comes with a set of chokes so you can tune your patterns to what and how far you’ll be shooting. All this is coated in a black Cerakote finish and comes with a 1-year warranty.
The TT-12 PRO is operated by a gas piston action that’s housed under that handguard. All of the mechanical parts are housed in the upper receiver. So unlike an AR-15, you cannot pull the bolt carrier out from the back. The buffer tube assembly is hollow and serves no function besides the stock mounting.
It appears to require a spanner that I don’t have to disassemble the upper. And though I’m a tinkerer, I didn’t feel like traipsing into the unknown on this one. Best I can tell, it looks to have a piston that goes around the gas perch, much like a Beretta or other semi-auto. Motion is transferred through an operating rod to the bolt carrier. The bolt itself appears to lock into the barrel extension much like a Remington 870.
After installing the polymer iron sights that came with the gun, I decided to add a red dot as well. I don’t use red dots much with shotguns, but with this one it seemed more fitting. For this purpose I used a SIG SAUER Romeo. It mounts easily to the Pic rail and gave a good sight picture.
I grabbed a few boxes of target ammo from Federal Champion as well as some from Rio Ammunition. While this might not seem like a bird gun, I still wanted to grab a case of White Flyer clay targets and a hand-thrower just to see how I could connect with aerial targets.
Loading the magazine was easy enough, though I noticed it took some practice to avoid catching one case head against the previously loaded one. That said, they sure come out of the mag easily. I decided to put the charging handle on the left side of the gun. Then I fired a few shots to zero the red dot.
We spent the next few hours putting the Tokarev through a variety of shooting drills. I won’t say I’m any good at any kind of 3-gunning activity, but boy we sure had some fun.
I had no problem getting a good cheek weld, but there’s an adjustable comb that can be added to the buttstock should you want it. The mag release button is a touch stiffer than I anticipated, but I expect that’s because it’s made for some pretty heavy magazines with a lot of leverage over it.
I was surprised by the recoil. It’s not bad, but seems stouter than other shotguns that weigh less. I can only assume that has to do with the operation of the action. It was by no means overwhelming, just more than anticipated.
Some of the controls were a bit stiffer than I expected, requiring a very deliberate effort. I also found myself smacking my left hand with the charging handle when dropping the bolt. This could be easily remedied by swapping it to the right if you prefer. The safety was a touch janky and stiff. I would change that if possible.
Assuming they cycle, semi-automatic shotguns churn beautifully through box after box of ammo. And the TT-12 PRO cycles. The only malfunctions we experienced occurred when dropping a single shell into the open bolt and pressing the bolt-release. Sometimes the front end of the shell would hang up on the breech of the chamber. This never happened when feeding from the magazine.
I’m slightly concerned with the polymer lower receiver. I know there are plenty of them out there, but I am still uneasy about it. All of the major function takes place in the upper receiver, but there are a few things like a poly feed ramp that, if broken, would cause mayhem.
With AR-style controls and handling characteristics, you can probably imagine what this shotgun is like. Grip angle and handling are excellent with all the controls right where you’d expect them to be. Not only that, but the controls are also ambidextrous for those that want them. The smooth handguard is comfortable and not likely to hang up on anything while maneuvering. It also features M-Lok slots that you can attach your accessories to.
Shotguns are more about patterns than accuracy and patterns depend on what choke you put in the gun. Learning to lead moving targets and bracket them where you anticipate your shot pattern is what makes shotgunning fun. The kids and I found ourselves hitting a surprising amount of targets early on. I’m unsure why, but shooting the Tokarev just felt natural, and that made it incredibly fun to shoot.
The MSRP of the TT-12 PRO is a mere $399, but it can be found all over the internet for under $250. With a price like that, I think the TT-12 is a good buy. It may not win any beauty competitions or be popular with the gents a the sporting clays club, but it works well at putting shot in the air right where you want it.
For $250 I think it can certainly justify its place in my safe.
Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
Very affordable
Hit every branch falling from the Strike Industries tree
Fun to shoot
Magazine doesn’t free-fall
AR-15 ergonomics and controls
Heavier than traditional sport shotguns
Reliable cycling
Comes with a choke set
Compatible with popular magazines
Built with the competitor in mind
When these first AR style shotguns started showing up, I was quick to discount them as something I wouldn’t like, but as it’s turned out, I like them more than I thought I would. I’m not going to get rid of my other auto-loaders in favor of this one, but it will fill a spot I didn’t know I needed.
The Tokarev TT-12 PRO gives functional performance at a low cost, with all kinds of room for adapting your favorite accessories. And as somewhat of a traditionalist when it comes to shotguns, it opened my eyes a little to what could be. If you get a chance to shoot one of these, don’t pass it up. You may find it you like it, too.
Specifications: Tokarev TT-12 PRO Shotgun
Caliber: 12 gauge (2¾ and 3-inch shells)
Action: Gas piston operated semi-auto
Capacity: 5+1 (Comes with one 5-round magazine)
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 38 inches
Height: 9 inches
Weight: 8.6 pounds
Chokes: Benelli Mobil Choke
Sights: Adjustable polymer M4 style over Picatinny rail
