CZ USA 612: A Popular Pump-Action Shotgun In 2020

The reliable performance of the budget-priced CZ USA 612 pump-action shotguns didn’t escape the notice of firearm enthusiasts in 2020. The firearm was among last year’s top sellers.

It’s currently available in Field, Magnum Turkey, Magnum Waterfowl and Target models and the demand for them indicates discontinued Home Defense versions—synthetic stocks, with and without a pistol grip—on the used gun market—were also a hot commodity.

CZ USA 612 Field and Target models are chambered for 3" 12-gauge shotshells. Both magnum models can run 3 1/2" shells, again in 12 gauge. The latter pair wear camo on synthetic stocks, while the former duo have Turkish walnut furniture. The Target is particularly striking, with select grade wood, glossy oil finish and metalwork in a deep polished blue.

All have a crossbolt safety behind the trigger and barrels are threaded to accept choke tubes. Depending on model selected, the guns ship with at least one choke, but the manufacturer includes five with the Magnum Waterfowl.

Throughout the line the tubular magazines have a four-shotshell capacity. Barrel lengths are either 26", 28" or 32" in the Target model. If you’re lucky enough to find a discontinued 612 Home Defense, it will be wearing one that’s 18 1/2" long. In the pistol-gripped variety, it measured 20".

Each currently produced model comes with an 8 mm vent rib and a bead up front for sighting. Weight of the firearms depends on configuration, but run between 6.2 and 7.3 lbs.

Factory-fresh Field models have an MSRP of $395, while the Target is the most expensive in the line at $585. Both magnums will set you back only $445.

The CZ USA 612 was the second-most popular pump-action shotgun sold last year by FFLs using the services of GunBroker.com. Price and reliable performance were undoubtedly the key factor, but at least popularity can be attributed to discontinued models.