Last updated on June 30th, 2026
With semi auto and pump action shotguns only available to farmers and professional pest control operators, lever action, straight pull and lever release shotguns are popular choices in Australia.
Quick Take
Lever release shotguns are important in Australia because they sit between traditional lever-action shotguns and straight-pull designs for many licensed shooters who cannot access pump-action or semi-auto shotguns.
- Best use case: buyers comparing manually operated shotgun actions available in Australia.
- Check before buying: state laws, licensing category, action reliability, magazine capacity, parts support and dealer backup.
- Compare fairly: lever release, lever action and straight pull designs all handle differently, so shoulder and cycle them before deciding.
Affordable lever action shotguns such as the Adler A-110 and Pardus LAX-12 proved to be incredibly popular choices for years amongst hunters. Then came straight pull bolt action shotguns such as the Sulun Arms TAC-12 and Adler B-220.
The newest mechanism available in Aus is the lever release with the Bushmeister BA-X12 recently hitting the shelves. Of all the Turkish made shotguns available in Australia, we have been most impressed with the quality from Sulun Arms.
Keeping an eye on their Facebook page we spotted this sneak peek last week of a new lever release shotgun dubbed the ‘TACSORAS’ (TAC – SELF OPENING REPEATING ACTION SHOTGUN).
The Benelli M4 aesthetics combined with the new lever release shotgun mechanism are an awesome combination and we cant wait to get a closer look. Sulun Arms have stated the retail price will be $1649 but there will be a special introduction price for pre-order customers.
Our full review of the lever release SulunArms TACSORUS can be found here.
Lever Release vs Straight Pull vs Lever Action
| Action type | How it feels | Buyer note |
|---|---|---|
| Lever action | Traditional manual lever cycle | Simple and familiar, but not as fast for every shooter |
| Straight pull | Bolt-style manual operation without turn-bolt movement | Popular Australian option with several models available |
| Lever release | Bolt is released by a lever after firing | Appeals to shooters wanting a different manual shotgun rhythm |
Australian Buyer Checks
Australian shotgun rules vary by state and by licence category, so the first check is legal suitability. After that, compare action feel, warranty, spare parts, chokes, magazine capacity, sighting system and how easy the shotgun is to clean. Cheap price is less useful if local parts or support are difficult.
Where the Sulun TACSORAS Fits
The TACSORAS interest came from combining modern tactical styling with the lever release action concept. For buyers, the key question is whether the action and support network are proven enough for the intended use, especially compared with established straight-pull and lever-action options already on the market.
Lever Release Shotguns Buyer Notes
Lever release shotguns attract attention in Australia because they sit in a different practical category from pump-action, straight-pull and traditional break-action shotguns. The main buying question is not just speed; it is whether the action type, handling and legal category suit your actual use.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| State and licence rules | Firearm categories and requirements vary, so confirm the current rules before buying. |
| Use case | Hunting, clay target, pest control and range use have different priorities. |
| Handling | Cycle speed only matters if the shotgun mounts, points and reloads well for you. |
| Support | Parts, magazines, warranty and local dealer knowledge matter over time. |
This is general buying context, not legal advice. For broader firearm comparisons, see the firearm reviews archive and first rifle buyer guide.
Lever Release Shotguns Australia Buyer Table
Lever release shotguns should be compared as Australian-market manual-action options, not as a workaround for prohibited firearm categories. The important checks are licence category, state rules, dealer support, reliability, recoil control and whether the action type suits your lawful use.
| Buyer question | Why it matters | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Is it legal for my state and licence? | Australian rules vary and can change. | Confirm with official sources before buying. |
| How does it compare with straight pull? | Action feel and follow-up rhythm differ. | Try both if possible. |
| What support exists locally? | Parts and service matter long term. | Ask the dealer about spares and warranty. |
For broader setup decisions, compare the first rifle buyer guide, LPVO guide and hearing protection guide.
FAQ
What is a lever release shotgun?
A lever release shotgun is a manually operated shotgun where a lever releases the action after firing. It is different from a pump-action or semi-auto shotgun and should be checked against local legal requirements.
Are lever release shotguns legal in Australia?
Legality depends on state rules, licensing and the specific firearm. Buyers should confirm requirements with their state registry and dealer before ordering.
What should I compare before buying one?
Compare lever release shotguns with straight-pull and lever-action models on reliability, action feel, parts support, choke system, warranty, price and suitability for your licence category.
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