Rifleman Review: ATA Arms NEO Shotgun

by
posted on April 28, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ATA Arms is a well-known manufacturer in Turkey, even if its name isn't as well-known in the U.S. market. The company's NEO shogun also borrows some features from another well-known brand. The ATA Arms NEO is a 12 ga. semi-automatic shotgun that is inertia-driven, meaning that there is no gas system as is the case with some other typical shotgun designs.

Shooting the ATA Arms NEO shotgun.
Shooting the ATA Arms NEO shotgun.

Instead, the NEO uses a Benelli-style lugged rotating bolt to delay the action, instead of a gas acting to unlock and drive the bolt. As the NEO lacks a gas system, only the magazine tube is located under the hand-guard. The barrel has an extension at the rear with both the locking surfaces for the bolt's locking lugs and a spring-loaded ejector built in.

A look at the dual locking-lug bolt on the ATA Arms NEO.
A look at the dual locking-lug bolt on the ATA Arms NEO.

The controls are similar to other popular semi-automatic shotguns on the market, with a charging handle for the bolt and a bolt-release button located on the right side of the receiver. Behind the trigger guard is a manual push-button safety, with a red indicator for the fire position. The ATA Arms NEO is chambered for both 2.75" and 3" shot shells.

A closer look at the trigger pack of the ATA Arms NEO.
A closer look at the trigger pack of the ATA Arms NEO.

The stock and hand-guard are both synthetic, and feature checkering for improved grip. A shim kit comes included with the NEO to allow the cast and drop of the stock to be fine-tuned. The butt itself has a rubber recoil pad that is not overly soft, with a heal plate at the top rear to prevent the pad from snagging the user's clothing. A finger groove is also molded into the front hand-guard.

The action of the ATA Arms NEO shotgun cycling a fresh shell.
The action of the ATA Arms NEO shotgun cycling a fresh shell.

The barrel comes with a red rider-optic bead as a front sight along with a wide target-style rib running along the top. The barrels are available in several different lengths including 24", 26", 30" and 32" and can accept common types of interchangeable choke tunes. It weights in a 6 lbs. 12 oz. unloaded, thanks in part to its lightweight receiver, which is machined from aluminum.    

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to
americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web
Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.