By Friedrich Seiltgen

While the TAC-14 is based on the Remington 870 platform, it’s not a shotgun! It’s also not a pistol! It’s considered a non-NFA weapon, so it doesn’t really classify as anything! It’s officially entitled a “Pump Action 12 Gauge Firearm.”

With this designation, it does not fall under the 18” barrel requirement for a shotgun. Remington introduced the TAC-14 in 2017 as a variation of Remington’s Classic 870 model, which has been in production since 1951 with more than 11 million units produced as “The Workhorse of Law Enforcement.” Remington’s Tagline for this weapon… “The shortest allowable distance between powerless and prepared,” and prepared you will be with this compact home defense weapon.

Some will look at the grip and think , “My hand hurts just looking at it,” – not so! Anyone who has shot a 12-gauge shotgun with the normal pistol grip knows the type of recoil I’m talking about. The “Raptor” birds head model grip is produced by Shockwave technologies. Since the grip is manufactured from glass-filled polymer instead of normal polymer, the grip is more rigid, and recoil is significantly reduced.

The grip is reminiscent of the U.S. Marshals Service Witness Security guns.
Depending on the size and frame of the shooter, the TAC-14 can be shot accurately from hip level using your hip to brace or eye level for those who wish. Obviously, the type of ammunition used is a big factor.

I would like to see a few mods on the TAC-14. One of them is a sling mount. I personally am a fan of singe point slings a la MP-5, so I ordered a single point sling mount from GG&G. It fits between the receiver and the grip. It provides a sling point which allows me to transition to pistol or go hands on with a suspect.

A second modification I would like to see is a different forend. The TAC-14 comes equipped with a Magpul forend. I am a big fan of Magpul because of their super high-quality products, and their stance on gun control. When Colorado passed a high capacity magazine ban, Magpul left the state and told the pols to stick it. But I am concerned about safety when someone is shooting in rapid fire mode, and their hand comes off the forend and covers the muzzle.

As I am a big fan of weapon mounted lights, I installed a Streamlight “TL Racker” forend. The Streamlight, with its 850 lumens of light, shooter friendly ergonomic design, and a price significantly lower than a Surefire forend, is a must have addition to the TAC-14!

Another mod primarily for law enforcement would be the addition of a breaching stand-off. With its serrated edge it can bite into a door lock and allow the operator to accurately breach a door. It can also be used as a less-lethal impact weapon when you punch it into someone’s person.

Whether LEO or civilian, the TAC-14 is an awesome weapon and fun to shoot. If you’re looking for a Christmas present, or just a cool toy for your collection, consider a TAC-14!

Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He is currently a Part time officer with the Starke, Florida Police Department and conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism, Active Shooter Response, Firearms, First Aid, and Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations in Florida. His writing has appeared in The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Homeland Security Today and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected].