The hosts introduce the Tokarev USA TX3 pump-action shotgun marked with the Afghan National Police (ANP) crest. They explain that during the U.S. presence in Afghanistan, the U.S. government requested a batch of TX3 shotguns from the Turkish manufacturer for arming the Afghan National Police. Production began, but the U.S. withdrawal and subsequent change in the Afghan government left the manufacturer with completed shotguns and no end user. Working with a U.S. partner, these shotguns were brought into the United States. Only 250 were produced for this contract, and no additional runs are planned, making this a finite group of unused, contract-marked TX3 shotguns.
The TX3 is described as a duty-oriented 12 gauge pump shotgun with controls and general layout similar to a Remington 870. It uses an 18.5-inch barrel and is chambered for 3-inch 12 gauge shells. The shotgun features a ghost ring rear sight paired with a fiber optic front sight for fast target acquisition, along with a Picatinny rail on top for mounting a red dot or other optics. It includes a magazine extension for increased capacity and comes fitted with Turkish walnut furniture rather than synthetic stocks. The shotgun has sling swivels front and rear and ships with a branded nylon Takarov SL sling. Each stock bears the Afghan National Police crest and an individual rack number, such as 37 or 39, indicating its place within the limited batch.
The hosts clarify that the TX3 holds six rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber, for a total capacity of seven 12 gauge shells. They emphasize how valuable that extra round can be on a pump shotgun, where capacity is typically limited. The shotgun is threaded for chokes and uses Beretta/Benelli-style choke tubes. It comes with three chokes: an open choke, an improved cylinder, and a full choke, allowing the user to tailor patterns for different applications. For those wanting even more capacity, the TX3 is compatible with Remington 870-style magazine extensions, giving owners options to expand beyond the included extension if desired. The hosts note that, even without further upgrades, the shotgun arrives with a well-rounded feature set suitable for home defense or recreational shooting.
Before heading to the range, the discussion turns to hunting regulations. The TX3’s standard configuration offers a six-plus-one capacity, which exceeds typical legal limits for many hunting scenarios. To address this, the shotgun includes a magazine restrictor that reduces total capacity to three rounds, including one in the chamber. With the plug installed, the TX3 can be used for hunting while remaining compliant with capacity restrictions. The hosts contrast the full seven-round setup with the restricted configuration, underscoring that the included plug makes it straightforward to switch between defensive or recreational use and hunting use as needed.
On the range, the hosts load six rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber for a full seven-round string. One shooter starts with 12 gauge double-aught buckshot at a target about 25 yards away, firing all seven rounds quickly to evaluate reliability and recoil. They note that the shotgun is relatively light, so buckshot produces noticeable recoil, but the gun still feels controllable and comfortable to run. Next, they repeat the drill using birdshot, again loading six in the tube and one in the chamber. With birdshot, recoil is clearly reduced, and the shooter remains on target throughout the string. The hosts remark on how enjoyable it is to cycle the pump rapidly and how the TX3 maintains good control and target reacquisition with both loads.
The conversation shifts to the advantages of a pump-action design. The hosts point out that a pump shotgun like the TX3 can reliably cycle a wide variety of 12 gauge loads because operation depends on the shooter working the action rather than gas or inertia systems. They highlight familiar control placement similar to a Remington 870, including the pump release located in front of the trigger guard and a crossbolt safety behind the trigger guard. A substantial rubber buttpad helps manage recoil, making the shotgun more comfortable for those already accustomed to 12 gauge. The hosts mention using pump shotguns even for activities like shooting skeet, noting that while they may not be expert competitors, the platform remains fun and effective for various shooting tasks.
After several strings of fire, attention turns to the metal heat shield over the barrel. One host grips the shield and notes that it is only slightly warm despite recent shooting, whereas the bare barrel would be too hot to touch comfortably. They explain that in close-quarters or home defense situations, there is a greater chance of accidentally contacting the barrel, so the heat shield offers a practical safety benefit by delaying how quickly that surface becomes untouchable. It also helps reduce heat shimmer and mirage above the barrel during extended firing, which can otherwise distort the sight picture. The hosts acknowledge that the shield looks appealing but emphasize its functional role in managing heat and improving handling after multiple shots.
In closing, the hosts summarize their impressions of the Tokarev USA TX3 Afghan National Police shotgun. They appreciate the real walnut stock and forend, the effective ghost ring and fiber optic sight setup, the included sling, and the overall reliability observed during live fire with both buckshot and birdshot. The limited run of 250 contract-marked guns, each with an Afghan National Police crest and individual rack number, gives the model a distinct collector aspect despite never being delivered to its intended end user. They reiterate that the shotgun functions well as a general-purpose utility firearm for home defense, recreation, or hunting when configured with the magazine restrictor. The video ends with an invitation for viewer feedback and comments about the TX3 and its unique background.
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