Rifleman Review: ATA Arms NEO Shotgun

by
posted on April 28, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ATA Arms is a well-known manufacturer in Turkey, even if its name isn't as well-known in the U.S. market. The company's NEO shogun also borrows some features from another well-known brand. The ATA Arms NEO is a 12 ga. semi-automatic shotgun that is inertia-driven, meaning that there is no gas system as is the case with some other typical shotgun designs.

Shooting the ATA Arms NEO shotgun.
Shooting the ATA Arms NEO shotgun.

Instead, the NEO uses a Benelli-style lugged rotating bolt to delay the action, instead of a gas acting to unlock and drive the bolt. As the NEO lacks a gas system, only the magazine tube is located under the hand-guard. The barrel has an extension at the rear with both the locking surfaces for the bolt's locking lugs and a spring-loaded ejector built in.

A look at the dual locking-lug bolt on the ATA Arms NEO.
A look at the dual locking-lug bolt on the ATA Arms NEO.

The controls are similar to other popular semi-automatic shotguns on the market, with a charging handle for the bolt and a bolt-release button located on the right side of the receiver. Behind the trigger guard is a manual push-button safety, with a red indicator for the fire position. The ATA Arms NEO is chambered for both 2.75" and 3" shot shells.

A closer look at the trigger pack of the ATA Arms NEO.
A closer look at the trigger pack of the ATA Arms NEO.

The stock and hand-guard are both synthetic, and feature checkering for improved grip. A shim kit comes included with the NEO to allow the cast and drop of the stock to be fine-tuned. The butt itself has a rubber recoil pad that is not overly soft, with a heal plate at the top rear to prevent the pad from snagging the user's clothing. A finger groove is also molded into the front hand-guard.

The action of the ATA Arms NEO shotgun cycling a fresh shell.
The action of the ATA Arms NEO shotgun cycling a fresh shell.

The barrel comes with a red rider-optic bead as a front sight along with a wide target-style rib running along the top. The barrels are available in several different lengths including 24", 26", 30" and 32" and can accept common types of interchangeable choke tunes. It weights in a 6 lbs. 12 oz. unloaded, thanks in part to its lightweight receiver, which is machined from aluminum.    

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to
americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Taurus GX2 TORO 01
Taurus GX2 TORO 01

Taurus' GX2 T.O.R.O.: Offering Affordability & Optics Readiness

As handgun optics are becoming more of a must-have accessory, Taurus is adding that option to its GX2 design with the GX2 T.O.R.O.

Review: Savage Arms Axis 2 Pro

The latest update to the Savage bolt-action rifle line, the Axis 2 Pro, is a feature-rich design that still remains affordably priced.

Smith & Wesson Military & Law Enforcement Program Offers $150 Rebates

Smith & Wesson recently launched its Military & Law Enforcement Rebate program to show its appreciation to military members and first responders.

Headed for Houston? Check Out We The Free’s Limited Edition Guns

We The Free has partnered with Fusion Firearms and Ranger Point Precision on two limited-edition firearms—its way of thanking you for supporting the NRA, Second Amendment and becoming a paid subscriber of We The Free.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 97 HMG

The Imperial Japanese army learned important lessons during the fighting in Manchuria, and these contributed to the development of its Type 97 machine gun, chambered for a heavier, harder-hitting cartridge.

Skills Check: The Event Horizon Drill

The Event Horizon drill is designed to pull attention away from consequence and return it to process by removing the shooter’s ability to visually reward or punish themselves shot-to-shot.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.