Tacticool shotguns

[meles meles]

So, oomans, we're looking at acquiring a FAC shotgun now Mr Plod has added a few variations to our licence. Having already got a nice pump action, we're thinking of investing in one of those dastardly tacticool box fed jobbies. Is the BR99 still the go to gun in that line, it seems to have been around long enough to prove its worth and reliability, or are some of the newer Turkish offerings worth a peek?

[Blackstuff]

The BR99 is a basic and cheap option to get into the box mag game but unless you're built like a gorilla the stock will likely be too long for you. Getting an adjustable stock for it means getting a new lower receiver for it which was a hell of a task for me an age ago, and that was before all of the ITAR nonsense. Getting spare parts for it might be an issue these days (and you WILL need them, bolt carriers need replacing every year), I used to get mine from Helstons Gunsmiths but I don't know if they still stock them.

If you can get your hands on one, and can get away with AK style controls, an Armsan RS-S1 is a much better bet. They are built to last and now the magazine availability problem has gone away they're probably the best overall option. The main downside is a lack of upgrade parts as nothing is coming out of Russia any more (not through direct channels anyway....) However if you're in any way technically/mechanically minded most of the things like an improved safety, magazine release, bolt release etc can be home made.

If you prefer AR style controls then the Typhoon F12 is a reasonable way to go. I've been running one for national competitions for a little over 5 years and as long as you replace certain parts as part of the guns service cycle then you should be good (On my gun the bolt lock is replaced every year £9, and the bolt carrier every 2 years £55 - this is for reasonably heavy competition use). There are tons of them about, spares and upgrade parts are both easy to find and easy to fit and there is a huge secondhand market.

If you're super serious/have very deep pockets a Dissident Arms KL12 is the top gun on the market, but with a final import figure of £6-7000, it wants to be!

N.B. Box mag shotguns are not a good way to go for a Section 1 gun unless you can devote time and energy into getting it to run right. In most cases its just a matter of finding the particular ammo your gun prefers (regardless of YOUR preference) but in some cases they can require significant fettling.

[redcat]

I have absolutely no interest in this subject but find that reply excellent. Exactly the kind of information a newbie needs before spending their money. Well done, Blackstuff.

Redcat

[Pippin89]

I have absolutely no interest in this subject but find that reply excellent. Exactly the kind of information a newbie needs before spending their money. Well done, Blackstuff.

Redcat

Seconded!

[meles meles]

Hmm, many thanks for the excellent information. Looks like we need to go and compare the Typhoon and RS-S1

[Blackstuff]

No problem, i'll talk a glass eye to sleep when it comes to S1 shotguns And if it can help people avoid some not-so obvious pitfalls, then all the better

[daman]

Having recently been asking for the same advice from RO's in a few competitions, the Armsan RS-S1 seems to be the most recommended.

That said, I believe they might have been discontinued - soon to be replaced by the RS-23 (as yet unseen, but looks like a mixup of AR and AK platforms) which could be interesting.

That also said, the Typhoon does get good mentions too :-)

-daman

[rufrdr]

I have nothing of worth to contribute to this discussion except to show off my 'tacticool' shotgun.

Remington 1187 'Police' model with interchangeable chokes. The modified choke with 00 buck keeps a relatively tight group to 50 yds. I also have a sporting 26" barrel for more civilized shooting.

[Blackstuff]

I still see a handful of those at matches. Always makes me laugh when a new manufacturer comes out with an 'all new' auto-loading lifter for other guns, after seeing them fitted to one of these Remmys thats older than me!