Firearms Training & Equipment with Dennis Haworth

SHOT Show 2013: Shooting the TX-12 Breaching Shotgun

At this year’s SHOT Show media day, I had the opportunity to shoot an interesting version of a 12-gauge shotgun mounted under the barrel of an M4 carbine.

The TX-12 Special Task Weapon by Ten-X Tactical is a single-shot 12-gauge shotgun that can be attached to the host weapon by either using mounting hardware similar to the M203 or by mounting it to a 1913-spec rail. (PoliceOne Image)

It’s called the TX-12 Special Task Weapon by Ten-X Tactical in California.

It is a single-shot 12-gauge shotgun that can be attached to the host weapon by either using mounting hardware similar to the M203 or by mounting it to a 1913-spec rail. It is loaded and unloaded via a swing down bolt/trigger group.

With levers to open the action located on both sides of the shotgun’s receiver, it is completely ambidextrous.

An easy-to-service, double action-only trigger group was chosen for durability and reliability. Combined, these design choices make the TX-12 very straightforward and simple to operate.

At only 2.2 pounds, the TX-12 is very lightweight. When mounted under the barrel of an M4 Carbine, the additional weight of the TX-12 had little effect on the handling of the host carbine. Shooting the TX-12 was easy.

Simply aim and pull the double action trigger. The weight of the host weapon helps to absorb the recoil, making the experience less exciting than I had expected from such a small, light shotgun.

The only thing that I did not like was the fact that there isn’t a front gripping surface — just the barrel of the shotgun to hold onto.

The TX-12 is classified as an AOW (Any Other Weapon) by the National Firearms Act. It is primarily intended for military and law enforcement use.

For more information, visit www.tenxammo.com.