Remington TAC-14 Review

Some guns are just fun to shoot. And the Remington TAC-14 is definitely one. But if you’re looking for something smooth and elegant for some easy shooting … This ain’t it.

Although great fun out on the range, the Remington TAC-14 can be a mean sumabitch. I do not recommend these for beginner shooters. It’d be best to learn how to shoot and operate a pump-action shotgun on a full size version like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 before taking on something as small as the TAC-14.

But for all you experienced shooters looking for the power of a shotgun in a really small package WITHOUT having to jump through all of the NFA hoops… This might be just what you’re needing.

What is the Remington TAC-14 and is it a Shotgun?

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck… It must be a duck, right? Well, this isn’t necessarily the case for shotguns. Just because a gun fires shells and operates just like any other scattergun doesn’t mean it’s viewed as one in the eyes of the law.

Your standard shotgun is classified as having the following criteria:

• Firearm has buttstock
• Over 26″ Long
• Has a smooth barrel

The Remington TAC-14 only meets one of those criteria–that being the smooth barrel. This means the TAC-14 is in a different class of firearms entirely.

For more info on this, check out this awesome article written for Mossberg by our very own Ryan Cleckner. He goes into great detail explaining exactly why this “shotgun” really isn’t one.

Remington TAC-14 History

The real credit for these “loophole” firearms goes to the Shockwave company first and then Mossberg second.

The Shockwave company created the Raptor Grip to take advantage of a loophole in federal law that could allow a shotgun receiver to be made into a firearm that was neither a handgun nor a shotgun.

NOTE: Do not try to do this yourself on a receiver that has already been built into a shotgun!

Next, Mossberg saw how popular these grips were becoming and decided to offer a fresh from the factory option with the grip already installed and it was SUPER popular. Remington, not wanting to be left out, soon followed Mossberg and also offered the Shockwave Raptor grip on their pump action platform, the Remington 870. They have also taken this a step further and made a semi-auto version as well, the TAC-13!

Remington TAC-14 Features Review

1 Raptor Bird’s Head Grip

This is a unique grip that feels great to hold and makes this gun even more fun to shoot. However, be wary of recoil considerations.

2 All Steel Receiver

The receiver is made completely out of steel adding a nice weight balance to counter act the barrel.

3 14″ Short Barrel

This very short barrel allows for quick point and shoot operations.

4 Magpul M-LOK Forend

Gotta love the Magpul furniture. It makes room for assorted add-ons through the M-LOK slots.

Remington TAC-14 Review: Our Take

If you want a compact firearm that shoots shotgun shells (notice I tried hard not to use the word “shotgun”), then these newish firearms utilizing the shockwave bird’s head grip might be for you!

These make perfect “truck guns” for many folks. They are an inexpensive (relatively) option that can easily be stored in a smaller location and used in tight quarters where a full size firearm like a shotgun might be too tough to conceal and too tough to operate/maneuver.

As you’ll see in our Remington 870 review, we like the Remington 870 action better than the Mossberg 500 action. However, the Mossberg platform is much better suited for this configuration. To lear more, check out our shockwave shotgun comparison for more.

What we liked:

The Remington 870 action does not disappoint, it is super smooth and easy to cycle and fire!

Also, the small size of this firearm in combination with its big power make for a really fun to shoot platform!

The Magpul forend on this gun is much nicer looking than the Mossberg corn-cob grip and it allows for the mounting of accessories via M-Lok. However, the Mossberg grip comes with a strap that makes it easier to hang on to (especially for weaker shooters).

What we didn’t like:

The Remington 870 bolt release button is in front of the trigger guard. This is a fine location when the receiver is part of a shotgun and the buttstock can be used to help hold the firearm as you remove your firing grip to press the button. However, in this small package, it doesn’t seem to work near as well. We much prefer the Mossberg’s location behind the trigger guard.

The safety button on the Remington is a standard cross-bolt safety. Again, this is fine on e full-size firearm with a buttstock but when you’re holding this firearm down by your hip to shoot, it is not near as easy to operate as the Mossberg thumb safety on the top rear of the receiver.

The capacity is also a bummer. Due to the small size, you’re already limited to only a few shotgun shells. However, Remington chose to not make the magazine tube extend to the end of the barrel like Mossberg did and therefore you lose one shell capacity over the Mossberg. This leaves you with only 4 rounds in the magazine whereas the Mossberg fits 5.

If you haven’t heard of mini-shells, you’re missing out. Mini shells are mini shotgun shells.

Remington TAC-14 Review: Pros and Cons

If you already purchased the Remington Tac-14, here’s a few recommendations for your gun. You might already own some of the below items, but if not, now is a good time.

• AMMO
  • Best Slug Ammo- Hornady 12 Gauge 2 3/4
  • Best Target Load Ammo- Winchester AA Light Target Load
• GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
• EYE & EAR PRO- See our Best Eye/Ear pro Review

Below are some important accessories for the Remington Tac-14. Here is a quick list to check out:

Best Case for the Remington TAC-14

After reading the full take above on Gun University for the Remington TAC-14, it’s time now to explore some important accessories needed so you can decide whether if this is the type of firearm for you.

Owning a side saddle shotgun can be a lot of fun and it’s really great to have for safety,. Getting a scabbard, only helps protect and transport it with ease and in my opinion is wise to have . The Voodoo can accommodate many shotguns sizes, like the Tac-14 as well as the Mossberg Shockwave. If your hiking and carrying it long distances, this scarab is a great option. This is my editors choice. Check Amazon Price

I own a compact shotgun and one of my pet peeves is not having a good option to carry it. It just gets real old, real quick having to lug it around. Now I do like that this scabbard has solid straps which is good for easy mounting on the right or left. , The adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to sling comfortably on my body as well.

Check Amazon Price

Here is my budget friendly option. It checks all of my important boxes I need , and this one has multiple color options

Check Amazon Price

Another Side Saddle Shotgun in its Class to Check Out

Ok, so the Remington TAC-14 is a beast and got a great grade. However, everyone has their own take and likes and dislikes so besides the fact that we absolutely love it, there are other good options! If, you are on the fence, we think there we think you will like this one as well and it has a good grade. Take a look below at the review we think is just as strong as the Remington TAC-14.

Something you should know about the Mossberg Shockwave it’s a compact shotgun (and not even legally a shotgun). The Shockwave grip exposes a loophole (which we all love finding) which allows for such a compact firearm. Want to know more? READ HERE.

How to Care for Your Remington TAC-14

You spent the money, so it would be wise to clean and maintain you firearm. The Remington TAC-14 is an amazing firearm, so it’s important to take care of it. Maintenance is important if you want it to last! If you don’t already have a cleaning kit, we like this one on Amazon from GLORYFIRE. It gives you the option and tools to clean handguns, rifles, shotguns, etc. Here is a good video to that shows you how to clean a Remington 870 so it would be almost the same for your Remington TAC-14.

GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon

Important Links And Manuals For Your Remington Tac-14

• Remington TAC-14 Website
• Remington TAC-14 Videos
• Remington TAC-14 Manual