While a 12-ga. shotgun is an excellent choice for home defense, a 20-ga. scattergun offers still potent performance with less recoil. Though the company already offers a 12 ga. defensive pump gun, for 2023, Tokarev USA is adding a 20-ga. option with its TX3 20HD.
The Turkish-made Tokarev TX3 is a pump-action shotgun that uses dual action bars. The receiver is made of aluminum alloy, and the 18.5" barrel is 4140 chrome-moly steel with a chrome-lined bore. Chambers accommodate both 2 3/4" and 3" shells, and the choke thread pattern is Benelli Mobil-compatible. The tubular magazine has a capacity of four 3" shells or five 2 3/4" shells, with a plus-one magazine-tube extension that is available from Tokarev USA as an accessory. The trigger guard houses both a cross-bolt safety and bolt-release lever. Sights are rifle-type, with a fiber-optic front post and a “ghost ring” rear peep attached to a section of M1913 Picatinny rail that can also be used to mount optics. Quick-detachable sling swivel studs are mounted front and rear.
The styling of the TX3 mixes a retro trench-gun look with modern enhancements for self-defense or hunting.
The aesthetics of the TX3, according to the company, "mix retro styling and modern enhancements." Atop the barrel is mounted a ventilated trench gun-style heat shield. Stocks are made of Turkish walnut with a rubber recoil pad and are compatible with the Mossberg 500/590 series for those interested in aftermarket accessories.
While styled as a defense shotgun, Tokarev USA also touts the TX3 for hunting purposes. As such, cylinder, modified and full chokes are supplied, and the shotgun ships with a removable magazine limiter for hunting in areas with capacity restrictions. The chrome-lined barrel is compatible with steel shot. Length of pull is 13.5".
The TX3 20 gauge is also offered with a salt-resistant, nickel-plated finish.
Like its 12-ga. big brother, the 20-ga. TX3 comes in two finish options. The standard TX3 20HD A1 has a black anodized receiver and matte blue barrel, while the TX3 20HDM A1 uses a nickel marine finish on both action and barrel. Both versions weigh 6 lbs., 10 ozs. and have an overall length of 38”.
The Tokarev USA TX3 20HD A1 has a MSRP of $330 and the 20HDM A1 is $10 more. For more information, visit tokarevusa.com.
