Last updated on November 8th, 2024
The Sulun Arms TACSORAS lever release shotgun has arrived, making a notable impression with its neat design and Benelli looks. Known as the “TAC Self-Opening Repeating Action Shotgun,” the TACSORAS offers a good combination of features that cater to tactical and hunting applications alike. At first glance, it’s clear that the shotgun takes inspiration from the iconic Benelli M4, a classic that set the standard for semi-auto shotguns. But Sulun Arms has taken that inspiration to a new level, adding a lever release mechanism that is intuitive and smooth, making operation easy compared to other shotguns in the category.
The shotgun uses twin gas pistons that take gas from ports located ahead of the chamber to drive the bolt rearward upon firing. The mechanism is by far the easiest to operate in comparison to several straight-pull and lever actions I have owned. There’s not an uncomfortable amount of force needed to press the lever and it’s easily actuated with your index finger.
Loading this shotgun is straightforward. You press the lever while inserting rounds into the magazine. Once loaded, a cartridge drop button lets the rounds feed into the chamber, setting it up for action. Equipped with a 5 round capacity, the TACSORAS offers enough firepower to cover a range of applications without pushing into bulkier, higher capacity configurations. Adding to its versatility, the safety mechanism includes a push button cross trigger safety and an internal system which is great for safety in the field. After the last round, the bolt locks open automatically, letting you know its empty.
The Sulun Arms lever release TACSORAS is modeled off the famous Benelli M4. The aesthetic is complete with the Benelli style charging handle which the straight-pull version doesn’t have. I’ve added a side saddle and sling to make it ready for pig hunting in the bush and to complete the tactical vibe.
Extras included with the shotgun are five chokes, change tool plus an additional ported choke. A sturdy carry case is also thrown in which is a nice extra.
The design features extend beyond just the lever release. The stock allows for multiple configurations, providing shooters with the choice between a telescopic M4-style stock with nine adjustable positions and a fixed M16-style stock. Both stocks include a pistol grip with a soft recoil pad, which reduces felt recoil for a pretty smooth shooting experience. All versions come equipped with QD sockets and sling mounts, allowing for quick attachment of a rifle sling, a good choice for those looking to carry the shotgun over longer distances.
The shotgun has a Picatinny rail for the option of mounting a red dot sight on top. Quick release button swivel mounts are also included on each side of the stock for attaching a sling. There are three different barrel lengths available, this model is the 18.5” barrel but there is also a longer 24” and a super compact 14” barrel.
Sights on the TACSORUS include a rear ghost ring sight and tactical front sight. I tested the shotgun with every type of shotshell I had including slugs, buckshot and some target loads. Each time the shells ejected, the rounds fed and the bolt locked to the rear. An issue with some lever release shotguns is that target loads wont cycle 100% of the time. I’m going to head out again soon to test out a variety of target loads to see if I can get it to jam, so stay tuned for that video. But so far its worked perfectly well.
There’s a 5-year warranty on the shotgun and a 50,000-shot guarantee on the barrel. Luckily for the NSW residents, a NSW compliant version is also in the works. The TACSORAS’s main competitor is the Bushmeister BA-X12, however the TACSORAS is almost a third more in price of the Bushmeister. Both are Turkish made but the main difference aside from the position of the lever is that the TACSORAS doesn’t feel like it’s Turkish, and that’s what I love about this shotgun.
Compared to its main competitor, the Bushmeister BA-X12, the TACSORAS does come with a higher price tag, nearly a third more. But the difference is in the quality of the shotgun, with the TACSORAS offering a build and finish that feel as close to a Benelli as you can get without the Italian price point. For shooters seeking a well built and feature packed shotgun that looks awesome, the TACSORAS is a serious contender. With its Benelli inspired aesthetics, innovative lever release mechanism, and plenty of customisation options, it’s a shotgun that’s hard to pass up. If you’re considering a new addition to your collection, the TACSORAS is worth a close look. Keep an eye out for more updates as we continue testing its limits in the field.
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