Tokarev T300 A1 12GA 18.5″ 3″ Semi-Auto Shotgun, Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes adjustable ghost-ring sights and fiber-optic front — a $75+ aftermarket upgrade on most competitors
- Weighs 7.8 lbs unloaded — 1.2 lbs lighter than a similarly configured Mossberg 590A1
- Comes with three choke tubes (cylinder, modified, full) — most tactical shotguns ship with cylinder only
- 18.5-inch barrel keeps overall length at 38.5 inches for confined-space maneuverability
Trade-offs
- No aftermarket stock compatibility — the polymer stock is proprietary and not easily swapped for AR-style buffer tubes
- Heat shield is riveted, not clamped — removal requires drilling if you want to mount a bayonet or different forend
- Magazine capacity fixed at 5+1 — some states allow more, but the tube isn't designed for extensions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Tokarev T300 A1 12GA 18.5″ 3″ Semi-Auto Shotgun is a gas-regulated tactical firearm built for practical, duty-oriented use. It comes configured from the factory with defensive features that would normally require aftermarket modification on most entry-level shotguns. I'll explain the mechanical details that matter in this review.
What is the Tokarev T300 A1 used for?
The T300 A1 is designed for home defense, tactical training, and practical shotgun competitions within 50 yards. Its 18.5-inch barrel and adjustable ghost-ring sights prioritize close-quarter target acquisition over long-range patterning. The included cylinder choke is ideal for defensive loads, while the modified and full chokes allow for some versatility with slugs or birdshot at the range.
How does the Tokarev T300 A1 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The T300 A1 is better for defensive and tactical applications, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is superior for field and clay sports. The T300's semi-auto action and Picatinny rail allow faster follow-up shots and accessory mounting, whereas the Stevens 555's 30-inch barrels provide better swing dynamics and longer sight planes for moving targets. For a defensive tool, choose the T300; for a sporting shotgun, the Stevens is the alternative.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded and measures 38.5 inches overall with an 18.5-inch barrel. The magazine tube holds 5 rounds of 2¾-inch shells, giving you a total capacity of 5+1 when chambered. At 38.5 inches, it's approximately 14 inches shorter than the Stevens 555, making it significantly more maneuverable in confined spaces.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for hunters seeking a field gun for waterfowl or upland game, or for traditional trap/skeet shooters who need longer barrels. The tactical stock, short barrel, and ghost-ring sight system are poorly suited for swinging on fast-flying clays or carrying through brush all day. If your primary use involves clay birds or chasing pheasants, look at the over/under models like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact, which offer better balance for those disciplines.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with one cylinder choke tube installed, plus modified and full choke tubes in separate packaging, along with a basic choke wrench. The box also contains a single 5-round magazine tube plug for hunting compliance, though most buyers will discard this for defensive use. There is no case, cleaning kit, or lock provided — you're getting the essentials to get shooting.
Is the Tokarev T300 A1 worth it at $225.99?
At $225.99, it represents significant value for a feature-complete tactical shotgun that's ready to use out of the box. The included ghost-ring sights, Picatinny rail, and heat shield are typically $150+ in aftermarket parts on a bare-bones pump action. For anyone needing a reliable defensive tool without extensive gunsmithing, the price justifies the purchase, considering you'd spend nearly as much just upgrading a basic Mossberg 500 to this configuration.
Key attributes
| upc | 810162050436 |
| manufacturer | Tokarev |
| manufacturer part number | 21000422 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Full/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 41.3500 |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.75 |
| sights | RS: Ghost Ring FS: Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| model | TTF 12 T300A1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12-gauge chokes?
- Yes, it uses standard Remington-style choke tubes. The included cylinder, modified, and full chokes are threaded for this pattern, which is shared by many aftermarket brands like Carlson's and Briley. Always confirm thread pitch (typically 0.690"-28 TPI) before purchasing additional tubes.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The shotgun's 38.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in any case rated for 40 inches or longer. I recommend a minimum interior length of 39 inches to provide adequate padding clearance at both ends.
- What magazines does it take?
- It uses a fixed, tubular magazine integrated into the receiver with a capacity of 5 rounds of 2¾-inch shells. This is not compatible with detachable box magazines like the Saiga or Vepr 12 systems. The tube is not easily extendable without professional gunsmithing.
- Is the Picatinny rail MIL-STD-1913 spec?
- Yes, the top rail is MIL-STD-1913 spec, allowing direct mounting of red dots, scopes, or laser units from brands like Vortex, Holosun, and Aimpoint. The mounting surface is 3.25 inches long, sufficient for most micro red dot footprints.
- Does it cycle low-recoil 12-gauge loads?
- It will cycle most standard low-recoil 00 buck and slug loads above 1,150 fps, but may have occasional failures to eject with target loads below 1,100 fps. For reliable function with lighter loads, you may need to adjust the gas system or use higher-velocity ammunition.