Panzer Arms Bullpup BP 12: An Interesting Package

By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor

During the past few months I have tested quite a few modern automatic shotguns, including the Benelli M4, the Toros Copolla T4, a custom Remington 1100, and the Remington Versa Max.

These shotguns are all interesting, but among them is something a bit different, the Panzer Arms Bullpup BP 12. This is a 12-gauge shotgun featuring a removable five shot magazine with a bullpup configuration and plenty of real estate for mounting a combat light.

The bullpup design puts the receiver behind the shooter and the firing grip forward, allowing for a relatively long barrel in a short package. The bullpup type design also makes for an interesting balance. The BP12 doesn’t point like a standard shotgun. It must be handled and driven toward the target like a rifle. Be certain that you understand this before adopting a bullpup shotgun.

While the balance is good and the shotgun has a well-designed safety that isn’t difficult to handle quickly, there are tradeoffs as well. I have fired the shotgun extensively. Your face is close to the chamber as the shotgun discharges. The blast is such that you feel it as the shotgun fires, and you may even have your hair blown about.

The bullpup platform places the action behind where one expects the receiver to be on a traditional shotgun platform. The big difference is that the firing grip is far ahead of the shooter. The length of pull is much longer than the usual. The trigger is far ahead of the action which results in a long linkage between the action and the trigger. The trigger action is heavier than most shotguns at a solid eleven pounds. The bolt release and magazine release are also in a different position from most AR type shotguns. Some will find the location difficult, even awkward to use. Others quickly master the controls. Be certain you know what you are getting into.

This Panzer Arms model is well fitted and finished. Those handling the shotgun in general were impressed by the shotguns fit, finish, welds, and mounting spots for optics and combat lights. The BP 12 is delivered with two five round magazines, a set of iron sights, cleaning gear, and a cheek riser. The riser works well if you mount a red dot sight. The AR 15 type sights require some acclimation.

There are also two adjustment rings supplied with the shotgun that must be fitted after partial disassembly. One is for standard loads. The other is for high velocity loads. The cocking handle may be reversed to allow racking from either side. I like the cocking handle on the left side. It isn’t that difficult to rack the bolt. With the standard ring installed the shotgun was tested with a variety of loads. Panzer Arms cautions a break in is needed. The shotgun was fired with a variety of shells.

Alas, the BP 12 did not function with a wide range of shells. Low pressure, reduced recoil, and some full power loads did not function. Even a couple of Magnum loads did not function. However, the shotgun ran well with Remington #00 buckshot load and also the Black Aces Buckshot load, a loading offered by another maker of custom grade shotguns. When the Panzer Arms was fired with loads of a sufficient power to function, the BP 12 ran well and handled well in fast moving drills.

Recoil is more manageable than a pump action shotgun due partly to the configuration and partly due to the operating action of the shotgun. I never installed the high velocity ring. It was troubling to find the BP 12 finicky concerning ammunition but with loads it liked it ran one hundred per cent.

The magazine is well designed and features a cover that protects it if dropped. The magazine in general is superior to the plastic/polymer magazines of most detachable magazine-type shotguns. I like it better than either the Remington or Mossberg designs. It isn’t difficult to load.

Another advantage is the ability to mount red dot sights easily. I experimented with red dot sights from Tru Glo and Burris. Results were good and the cheek riser aided in getting a good firing position and using the red dot sight properly. The shotgun is supplied with three choke tubes, a surprise in a combat shotgun. Buckshot doesn’t always follow set rules and a tight choke is usually but not always an option to produce tighter patterns. The Panzer Arms BP 12 is an interesting shotgun. It isn’t for the slightly interesting. Those who are willing to master the shotgun and proof it with proper loads will find a formidable defensive firearm.