SRM 1216 Shotgun Review: Field Tested!

Today we are looking at a gun straight out of Call Of Duty Black Ops 2, the SRM 1216. This futuristic-looking shotgun didn’t take a Delorean to visit us. It’s the product of SRM arms, and it’s one of the most unique shotguns on the market, and we got our hands on one.

A Shotgun From the Future 

The SRM 1216 looks like it popped right out of the future to visit us, humble shooters, in 2022, but in reality, the SRM 1216 popped up in 2009. It’s over a decade old at this point yet remains unchallenged in terms of unique and efficient design. The SRM 1216’s primary claim to fame is the magazine system. It uses a detachable set of four tubular magazines. 

Most shotguns use tubular magazines, and tubular magazines tend to work best with the bulky, plastic hulled shotgun ammo. The SRM 1216 takes four or those tubes and combines them into one removable magazine. You get the benefits of a box magazine without the downsides. Box magazines deform plastic ammunition, and when they hold a ton of ammo, they are obnoxiously long. 

The SRM 1216 takes care of both issues and provides a capable capacity magazine for shotguns. Besides the magazine, the SRM 1216 is a bullpup, semi-auto shotgun that uses a delayed blowback system. Unique describes the gun rather well. I don’t think there is another weapon that can be described the same way as the SRM 1216. 

The 12 stands for 12 gauge, and the 16 represents the capacity of the weapon. The magazine consists of four individual tubular magazines that each hold four 2.75 inch rounds. The weapon can chamber 3-inch rounds as well. SRM makes a number of short barrel models with varying capacities. 

Like most modern weapons, we have a fair share of polymer on the weapon. The stock and pistol grip is a polymer. The magazine and receiver come made from metal, and a trial rail sits across the top. You can add optics, lights, ulcers, cup holders, or whatever else you want. It’s a thoroughly modern shotgun unlike any other, but does it run? 

SRM 1216 Features

1 Removable Rotating Magazine

2 Reversible Controls 

3 Tri-Rail system

4 Roller Delayed Action 

Various SRM Models 

Rotating The SRM 1216 – Our Take

The magazine system might be odd, but it works well. One tube aligns with the action of the weapon and feeds the gun. When that tube runs dry, the user lifts a tab and rotates the magazine to align another tube with the action. It’s not a continuous magazine but is really four magazines connected. As such, it’s not considered a ‘high capacity’ magazine by states that prohibit magazines over ten rounds.

One of the more genius choices in this weapon’s design is how the bolt locks to the rear and springs forward. When the magazine empties, the bolt locks to the rear, and when the user rotates a fresh tube in place, a round automatically loads, and the bolt closes. The only action the shooter is required to do is rotate the magazine. 

Once all four tubes of the SRM 1216 are empty, the magazine can be replaced with another set of tubes. Doing so requires you to reach forward, under the barrel, and press a tab. This releases and allows you to remove the magazine. Once the magazine is removed, you set the fresh mag into the magwell and press it into place. You won’t be Instagram fast with the gun, but it’s the fastest way to reload 16 rounds. 

Weird Shotgun, great Ergonomics 

Let’s start from front to rear. The SRM 1216 has a nice 13.25-inch length of pull. A nice change from the 14+ inch monstrosities most companies produce. The stock is an inline design much like the AR 15, and this does help increase control over the weapon. The pistol is integrated into the stock and is fine. The controls include an ambidextrous AR-type with a short-throw and easy click into place. 

My SRM 1216 comes set up with a left-side charging handle and right-side bolt release. The combination of the two make this a dream for right-handed shooters. You can also take the weapon apart and switch the controls, and even ejection for left-handed shooters. It’s one of the most ergonomic and modern shotguns out there. You can order the SRM 1216 from SRM Arms in the configuration you want as well. 

At 7.75 pounds empty, the weapon’s not too heavy. When you fill it up with 16 rounds of buckshot, that weight jumps up a fair bit. It’s also a bit unbalanced when fully loaded and front-heavy. That’s not a totally bad thing as the weight helps keep the muzzle rise down until you empty a few tubes anyway. 

Blasting Away 

Most semi-auto shotguns utilize a gas or inertia-operated design. The roller delayed action simplifies the weapon’s design and ensures reliability. Admittedly it doesn’t tame the recoil as much as a gas gun, but it’s far from rough when it comes to recoil. The SRM 1216 has less recoil than a pump gun but more than a Benelli M4. 

The gun’s perfectly shootable and very controllable. I use a push/pull recoil mitigation technique, and the magazine tube is a little slick for that. My hand slips every so often, and I think a little skateboard tape would do wonders. Even with a slipping hand, I can blast quick double taps, transitions from target to target, and dump four rounds of buckshot on target in about 2.5 seconds from the low ready. 

Ringing Steel 

The SRM 1216 is a shotgun, and as a shotgun, accuracy is never a huge concern. You still have to aim a shotgun, and if you can aim the SRM 1216, you’ll hit your target. It doesn’t require the same linkage as most bullpups, and the trigger is rather nice and crisp. 

Sadly, the gun doesn’t come with a set of sights. Luckily an optic’s rail leaves you plenty of room to add an optic or iron sights of your choice. The SRM 1216 demands a red dot, and the red dot allows you to take the gun to its full potential. 

The good news is the gun eats all standard 12 gauge ammunition. High brass, low brass, buckshot, birdshot, slugs aren’t an issue. Seemingly anything above 1150ish FPS runs without complaint. That includes reduced recoil buckshot. You can make the gun malfunction by applying a ton of force to the rotating magazine, but it takes a lot of effort to do so, and I don’t think it could be accidentally done. 

The SRM 1216 is not a cheap shotgun. With an MSRP of $1,799, it’s a pricey little gun. It’s priced at the same level fo most premium-grade shotguns. Extra magazines are also pricey at about 200 bucks a pop. 

SRM 1216 Pros and Cons 

SRM 1216 Ammo

SRM 1216 Starter Pack

So what’s next? Well, if you decide to get the SRM 1216, you’re going to need to pick up some must-have basics. Here’s our recommendation for what you need to get started.

• Gun Cleaning Kit: Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box on Amazon or build your own personalized cleaning kit with premium components.
• Shooting Glasses: All it takes is one piece of rogue hot brass, and you’ll learn the importance of shooting glasses. But not all glasses are built the same. See our recommendations for the Best Shooting Glasses.
• Hearing Protection: Firing a gun without wearing proper ear pro can be very dangerous and detrimental to your hearing. Find out the best hearing protection for you in our full length review.
• Storage: Check our our article on the Best Biometric Gun Safes
• Targets – If you’re wanting a great resource for shooting practice or zeroing your optics on your optics rifle or pistol, download our FREE Sighting in Targets below.

With the basics outta the way, let’s jump into some cool accessories you might want to consider when purchasing your SRM 1216

SRM 1216 Upgrades and Accessories

There’s a bunch of different options available to accessorize the SRM 1216. However, if we had to choose only a few options… Here’s our picks.

SRM 1216 Accessories

1. EOTECH HWS 512		Reliable & Durable Water Resistant	Check Price
2. Leupold Deltapoint Pro		Lightweight aluminum housing Wide Field-of-view Auto-Brightness sensor	Check Price
3. SureFire X300U Weapon Light		1,000 lumens Attaches securely to both Universal and Picatinny CR123A Batteries	Check Amazon
4. Magpul QD Sling Swivels		Push-button quick-detach sling swivel for 1-1/4 in webbing Manganese-phosphate finished steel Compatible with QD sling attachment points	Check Price
5. VTAC Wide Padded Quick Adjust Sling		High-quality, Battle proven gear 100% polyester Adaptable and Comfortable	Check Amazon

SRM 1216 Review

While scouring the internet, we came across this great video by HICKOK45 on the SRM 1216 which is worth checking out.

Important Links And Manuals For Your SRM 1216

For more info regarding the SRM 1216, check out the following resources:

• SRM 1216 Manual
• SRM 1216 Online Warranty
• SRM 1216 Spec Sheet
• SRM 1216 Official Site