Bushmeister "BA-X12" Tactical 12g Shotgun (full review)

The long awaited Bushmeister 12 gauge lever release shotgun is here. I found it didn't like target loads at all however this doesn't bother me as my use for this shotgun is for control of feral animals. Overall it performed well with solids and 24/36 gram field loads. If you're looking at an Adler, Pardus, Sulun Arms or Buck Master, check out our reviews to see which suits you.

[@ozziereviews]

Check out our review of the Buck Master PB-12 push button shotgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoK1ZWirl7GgrtU

[@theboyzyes]

better than the BAX 12 and quicker

[@orlandoberry4031]

I think they should allow us to have pump action shotguns again.

[@meowmeowmeow594]

Yep. They should be category B.

[@orlandoberry4031]

@@meowmeowmeow594 - too right. They should never have been taken from us.

[@byohen1752]

@@orlandoberry4031 disarm the citizens and do nothing to the criminals, classic Australia

[@RNA0ROGER]

There are more Australian shooters than homosexuals should they vote tactically. The feds would send you a pump action shotgun in the mail for political brownie points.

[@jasoar1563]

No shit. But it's political suicide to change laws in Australia and the police have power to reclassify

[@alexvendettaarms4786]

This gun is a prime example of why our semi auto laws are utter crap. What’s the bloody difference having one of these or a semi auto. Just utterly stupid laws made by just as stupid people. Awesome review as always Ozzie!

[@darrenc4096]

Don’t talk too loud. THEY might hear you. 😉

[@ilikesundays4312]

Theres the big problem. You're making the assumption that the laws were for the reasons they gave when they made them. The laws weren't done for any other reason than to get themselves re-elected. They read the room and played it accordingly. It worked. They, pretty smart, us pretty stupid.

[@RNA0ROGER]

The entire core of the NFA when it comes to classification is based around the false conception. Of the fast follow up shot actually being useful in the context of killing human targets. Human are easy prey compared to anything with 4 legs. A 308 bolt action would be just effective in killing human targets as an M14. The reason of course being rather simple. human's are slow moving and top heavy. In targeting human's if you are more deliberate regarding accuracy. Your associated lethality would incline dramatically. That being said a household cat easily in the suburbs break the speed limit. The fast follow up shot is critical for hunting anything with 4 legs. But its usefulness with human targets is minimal. In fact a decent argument in favour of semi automatics. Is that they in fact with inexperienced and foolish shooters. Cause them to lean towards quantity over quality. The most extreme example of this would be the shooting in Vegas. Some 1200 rounds of ammo where spent with only 50 deaths. Should that same shooting have been conducted with a precision bolt action rife. The death toll would be vastly larger. I know this having actually simulated said shooting from a hill. I accomplished 400 hit that would be to a human fatal. As such I agree entirely the law is written frankly by fuckwits.

[@TheOz91]

I heard that in Austria, pump action shotguns are banned. But semi auto shotguns are okay for some reason.

[@zoricazorica5752]

​@@ilikesundays4312 We aren't stupid the anti gun nutters are the stupid emotional ones

[@lync1505]

Thank you for another awesome review Ozzie. I think that this may be a very good option in place of a straight pull and a good all round hunting shotgun. Thanks again mate!

[@ozziereviews]

Wait til I release the buckmaster review next week and then you can decide which is the best option for you 👍

[@7purse]

Had my heart on a straight pull. Now I'm undecided 😁

[@scottevans3425]

Same here mate was going with the stoeger m3000 tac 18.5icnch now iv got to flip a coin

[@ozziereviews]

Wait until I release the buckmaster review next week and then decide which is right for you

[@7purse]

@@ozziereviews I might get a divorce and buy all 3😜

[@user-my8zo8uh3n]

JUST KEEP IN MIND I WAS WHERE YOU WERE AT NOW I BOUGHT SULEN TEC 12 SIDE PULL K YOU CAN RUN ANYTHING K WORKS FOR ME AND YOUR GETTING 7 PLUS ONE JUST MESSENGER K YOUR IN CONTROL 100% WITH SIDE PULL

[@brandonfairley2719]

I literally only just placed down a deposit yesterday! been watching alot of other people try out the Bushmeister so I've just decided to trust my gut and go with this and make it my second purchase! I bought the CZ 515 American in WMR from watching your channel Ozzie so I'm super keen to have two of the same lever release 😁

[@benschillchannel8335]

the .22wmr is such a good round, all the best with them

[@jyeprice9382]

Do you love it.

[@aynjeleyes]

You have to do shorts Oz that will grow the channel its how the algorithm works now days

[@Chimpso]

I've had the exact same model (20" Tactical) for two weeks now. After running in the springs with a box of hunting ammo that it can cycle no problem, the Winchester Super Target 1290fps can cycle through it no problem at all. Bloke at the gun store reckons that it CAN cycle the 1250s, but it requires more run in for the springs and just barely ejects them (literally just plops the shells out at your feet). If you can, get yourself the 1350fps Super Targets and based on my experience with the 1290fps, you should have no issues cycling them at all. If you're going for a 20" version, definitely get the Tactical. You get the Brake (which actually reduced the felt recoil quite considerably in my experience), the Pic Rail, and the rifle sights for not much extra. There's also a little rubber knob that goes over the bolt handle, it's flimsy but hey it's there.

[@craigparker4108]

Hi how is your Bushmeister "BA-X12 going after 12 months. Feedback would be greatly appreciated. Looking at getting back into shotguns.

[@Chimpso]

@@craigparker4108 Still working no problem, though it hasn't seen heavy use. The times I have taken it out I've ran 3-inch magnums through it and it runs them no problem. There are a lot of other lever/button releases on the market now though, so might want to take a look at those as well.

[@craigparker4108]

@@Chimpso Thanks for reply, yep good advice.

[@tonyianni5339]

Thanks Ozzie.Unfortunately there are some very ordinary guys doing review on this shotty.Complete with beer drinking swearing and very poor form.Keep it as professional as always.Just picked this shotty up for $950 in Sydney and love it.thanks again

[@robertmoloney471]

Where from mate? Keen to check them out

[@tonyianni5339]

Safari firearms

[@caderidley2309]

Saw the same one, spent more time reviewing the beer

[@pantheonauxilia]

Turned the bell on! Greetings from Finland😊

[@mchughcb]

Its great that you fired rapidly into air with the big copywrite symbol on it. That will slow the greens down at the patent attorney's office. You can never be too careful.

[@1mccactus]

The Winchester AA 1-1/8 (32 gram) 1300 FPS 7.5 work fine, so yes you can smash clays, don't go lower!

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Once the gun loosens up and smooths out , I recon it will shoot those lighter loads with ease. Great review mate👍

[@inertia14]

Depending on how the buckmaster review goes. I might be trading in my stoeger straight pull shortly. Having the ability to stay on target for follow up shots would really help with slapping multiple pigs on the farm. Excellent review as always Ozzie!

[@benschillchannel8335]

Another great review, one of my favourite youtubers since I've got into firearms. Keep it up!

[@Heinrichstiti270]

Good job on copyrighting all the shooting footage!

[@lucaseaston]

I've had mine a few weeks now, I love it. Much the same as Ozzie, the only malfunctions I have had were from lighter target loads.

[@craigparker4108]

Hi how is your Bushmeister "BA-X12 going after 12 months. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[@lucaseaston]

@@craigparker4108 hey mate, I honestly haven’t used it enough for anything to change. Change of situation for me, means way less shooting 🥺

[@craigparker4108]

@@lucaseaston OK cheers for reply.

[@losicki57]

Have you tried holding down the bolt release while shooting? Would that work to semi auto shoot it

[@lucaseaston]

@@losicki57 The bolt release lever blocks the trigger, if you hold it down, you cant pull the trigger. The gun also has a single sear so if the trigger isn't released when the bolt is going forward, the hammer will follow the bolt home and uncock itself.

[@Australia-ky7kx]

Wow! a beast unleashed. Quality for the money.

[@54Mizery]

Yes, that button is on the wrong side for a right handed shooter, because as seen in this video you have to reposition your thumb twice for every shot.

[@mulletjocks]

First time I’ve seen a Ozzie Reviews video in a while. My brothers looking at a Bushmeister so I came looking. Was surprised this hadn’t been suggested to me by KZbin, then you mentioned the unsubscribing! Bastards.

[@NinosTammo]

Hi Ozzie will you be doing a review on the Templeton T2000? Thank you

[@cjames8103]

Please do a video review on the “Templeton T2000” Thanks mate 👍

[@VerminControl915]

I just brought one today keen to see how it is compared to this shotgun

[@SirKnight7]

What would you rather, this or the templetonT2000

[@Damian1975]

The next best thing outside of the semi auto

[@millennialfalcon7760]

Good review mate, keep up the good work👍

[@custardthepipecat6584]

Thanks brother i been looking at these for a while, they look promising 🤙🍻

[@victorialee4674]

I'd say having the muzzle break to reduce the recoil was what was effecting those lighter loads but if you took it off it probably would've cycled them perfectly.

[@gobangs1117]

I have one without muzzle brake and it just does not work with lite loads.

[@strider5119]

Won't do anything. 20" of barrel is more than enough to burn off the powder, so it'll make no difference

[@RichardCummins-ni4em]

Also, I could not get 5 roll crimped 2 3/4" shells into the mag tube, removed the plastic plug at the front end of the tube and 5 shells go in no problem. The mag spring pops out about 100mm when the cap is removed but no problem pushing it back in to refit the mag cap. Also allows cleaning of the spring and bore of the mag tube. You will destroy the plastic plug when removing it as the end of the tube is lightly roll crimped.

[@RichardCummins-ni4em]

Emailed Nioa re the ported choke, advised that it is improved cylinder. They were most helpful.

[@matthewhanlon5556]

Great review now I think it's time have me a bushmaster

[@ozziereviews]

Bushmeister or buckmaster ? They are 2 different shotguns and my review of the buckmaster will be out next week

[@matthewhanlon5556]

@@ozziereviews ok mite have to wait until is that review to make up my mind

[@vlfreak]

another great review, thanks ozzie!

[@dodgyass11]

Hey Ozzie, new shooter here and im finding your info invaluable, particularly the rights comments. I'm going to be proactive in that area now amd thank you. On a positive note i want to highlight that @elonmusk buying twitter will be highly signifigant in the fight.

[@serverlan763]

I have one, it jams quite a bit even with heavy goose loads. It's good when it runs though. I have only put a couple of boxes through it so will see how it goes when the season starts up again...

[@baneofbanes]

Repeating shotguns in general can be pretty picky when it comes to shells.

[@rattelv426]

Why can't we get a political group to push through legislation to make pump action shotguns legal on a Category A & B license ?

[@sama5946]

They tried was shut down

[@ozziereviews]

Because shooters can’t get their stuff sorted and vote as 1 which will give us the numbers in parliament to get the changes. Instead they want to whinge and throw each other under the bus as the powers to be March towards disarmament of us.

[@rattelv426]

@@ozziereviews isn't that the way the police, the anti-gunner general public and politicians want it?, to have the duck hunters and the pistols shooters etc only caring about what they do and not uniting, it also doesn't help when you have multiple parties telling the shooters they are for them, but I think we all know that even in the situation of a hung parliament, a minor party would not be able to push forward meaningful legislation while attached to Labor/Liberal.

[@TwoPaulsOutdoors]

That won’t happen mate unfortunately These are close enough 🤙🏻

[@rattelv426]

@@TwoPaulsOutdoors yeah, until Gun Control Australia gets them listed as Category C.

[@CrankDr1]

People, like myself, will want this for IPSC shotgun matches for quick successive shots. We are limited to 7 ½ shot and smaller, so yeah, there are use cases for smaller loads. This seems like it might be a problem in that case.

[@100reality2]

I'm guessing you could run lighter springs in it and probably have a gunsmith shave some weight off the "bolt" so it would be right for light shells.people have said when they have fired a case or so they cycle with lighter shells.

[@ozangler5642]

I liked your review of the Bushmeister Tactical. I would like to buy one of these as a step up from my single barrel 12 and .410 shotguns. It looks quite slick with the lever release. Coming with screw in chokes makes it very versatile and having sights, it is deer legal in Victoria. What chokes does it come with? My only concern is that those who make up the gun laws might have the Bushmeister Tactical declared illegal because of its ability to be fired fairly rapidly. You may recall the ridiculous reaction to the Adler lever action shotguns when they first came into OZ, particularly in Victoria. Legal one day, tomorrow not then back to being legal when the dust settled! Thanks for all your videos. They are always informative. Cheers, Steve

[@fanofhifi]

Slow motion shot was pretty cool - maybe worth investing in a high speed camera for other videos? Thanks for the review!

[@tomanycooks]

I'm so glad I ordered one. Nice video mate

[@peyman399]

Hey Ozzie, Can you do a comparison between bushmaster vs Adler Thank you

[@Voldombo]

Nice! Next step is real semi-auto!

[@matty8944]

I'd like to see a lever release shotgun that can operate with light and heavy loads. Something like a gas operated lever release with a adjustable gas system like you see on most smi auto rifles.

[@travishimself1973]

Buckmaster is gas operated but not sure if it's tuneable. I doubt it.

[@adamperre4852]

Think I'm gonna need myself one of them 😍

[@archiekabooom2928]

Great review

[@pauljay1328]

Great review mate cheers

[@spattison128]

Glad it went well. Just got my PTA for a camo one.

[@michaelp1856]

Well done Ozzie.

[@tinytedy]

Great review.🙂

[@Comatoses_97]

I dunno about it, looks like a fantastic shotgun, however I did notice the slide forward into battery seems a little sluggish? Maybe it’s just me, awesome work anyway Ozzie!

[@jeremymcadam7400]

direct blowback shotguns need a very heavy bolt to be safe. thats all youre seeing.

[@robertmoloney471]

Honest review as always love your work Ozzie. Don't worry us lefties will work it out lol.

[@theotherleft6113]

Great review. Did you notice the muzzle break did anything to reduce the recoil?

[@k9-unit-australia275]

I’ve been unsubscribed by KZbin. So I just discovered er subscribed again now

[@mercow1242]

Stupid gun laws. Let the people own real performing guns.

[@1mccactus]

I recently got one in the tactical and put a Vortex Venom red dot on it but discovered I had to shim the rear of the picatinny rail to get it on target. Once sighted for Rifled slugs at 50m I then discovered that normal shot shells shot slightly right and low at 20 metres. I noticed you also had different point of impact between the slugs and the shot shells. I have acquired some Winchester AA 7.5 in 32 gram and hope they will cycle properly for clay bird practice and a bit of fun. Also can't pick the difference in the pattern between the tactical and open choke.

[@aussie_addiction]

Looks almost identical to an adler B220 right down to the choke kit. From the same factory I suspect.

[@caderidley2309]

Sure they look similar in the sense they're both imitating semi auto designs but I wouldn't say identical

[@neilr5120]

I have seen a rifled choke Do you know how well they work on bb and slugs?

[@mudbutton2]

I'll stick with my Adler lever. For their faults, it shoots faster and will digest any 2 3/4 or 3" shell.

[@gobangs1117]

I prefer the Adler straight pull, no issues at all.

[@Mango-lr5ux]

The adler shoots faster....?????

[@mudbutton2]

@@Mango-lr5ux Adler is pretty quick but I've ordered a Templeton T2000 now, after trying one.

[@mattluszczak8095]

Ozzie need to put some weight on that shootie is sending you flyyyiiinngggg🤭

[@WogChilli]

Disregarding legality, can it be converted to semi somehow.

[@JordanBeard-r3j]

What type of cat licensee is needed for straight pull shotguns

[@tiborkunzl2534]

Why do you say it is no good for left handed shooter?

[@KD-bb3qm]

Does anyone know if you can operate this as a left handed shooter and operate the lever with your thumb?

[@toxicslix]

Why would you buy one of these? Are you not allowed a pump action in Australia?

[@SirBigzalot]

Only primary producers or professional pest controller’s can get them. This mechanism is a technicality to get around nonsensical laws. Quicker than a pump too.

[@highcalibercleaningsupplies]

Subscribed bud!

[@bobfoster6755]

2 3/4 inch shell and greater are the ones you use for the bushmeister and the buck master

[@robertbeatson7869]

What you think about the sulun arms tacsoras shotgun? It’s the new lever release shotgun coming to market in January 2023

[@anthonyt8171]

Nice review, btw Is this shotgun Cat B available in VIC?

[@joeswanson8716]

Yep it’s cat B in VIC

[@anthonyt8171]

@@joeswanson8716 thx mate😁

[@dylansmith2324]

Now can you do the video of the forward release 12g that’s just come out this week

[@notmkr-busta2937]

Hey Ozzie! You heard much of the winmark LR?, it’s gas instead of inertia

[@peyman399]

Please compare This Shotgun vs SULUN ARMS TACSORAS

[@ryanpedersen5722]

I have one, I wasn't that impressed to be honest, I have the all black version it felt a bit cheap in my hands, maybe if I had of got the timber version might have felt better quality

[@johnmckenzie3995]

Very nice

[@TB_in_the_coffee]

I gotta wonder if that sling is a true one inch or if it's one of those 20mm like I see on a lot of Turkish shotties

[@goingdark1187]

You should check out the Winmark lever release shotty, it is Cat A hence you can run 10 rounds in the mag/tube depending on model. Would love to see your thoughts on it.

[@notmkr-busta2937]

depends on state unfortunately :(

[@jamesbowen2030]

Iv got a winmark it only a week old it's got to go back it's fall apart

[@goingdark1187]

@@jamesbowen2030 Yeah they had a few problems at the beginning like most Turkish cheaper guns. At least its sorted now with the version 2

[@bobfoster6755]

do you know if the muzzle brake will fit a stoeger m3000 tactical

[@harryshield4335]

What does the button on the side under the action do?

[@user-my8zo8uh3n]

SAYS ON WEBSITE FROM GET GO NO LIGHT LOADS WHY TEST ETC ???

[@cosieman4877]

My semi auto does not like eley olympic blues other 28 grams and 24 grams cycle well

[@antoniohyp44]

Great review . What gunshop in qld has the buckmasters available? Who do we order one from? Thanks

[@rule3039]

Pretty sure Cleaver firearms sell them.

[@spattison128]

Shooters Delight

[@Edgar-xh8iu]

What category do you need to purchase this in QLD? Is it cat B, and do you have to provide a reason?

[@Dieselpower24]

Hiw did it go without the muzzle brake?

[@tinybudgie8039]

Prefer the Verney Carron

[@gozbil]

Didn’t Bushy from NIOA design this

[@dragonaus8945]

I don't know much about shotguns. But why can't we have pump action. 😕

[@jyeprice9382]

Better than the lever action?

[@theboyzyes]

I want the camo version...

[@tlgf7638]

Any good for duck hunting?

[@craiglong3484]

Hey what open sights are these

[@RONIN23SMC]

Are these available in left handed?

[@paulvenn4447]

Can they get a stiffer spring for that lever release? Seems almost slow when feeding?

[@gobangs1117]

You have to remember that it is a modified recoil operated semi auto so a stiffer spring may prevent the bolt from cycling fully rearward.

[@Xtralge4ee]

Does anyone know if you hold the release you can just slam fire it?

[@Bigdognuthunter]

No u can’t 😊

[@tamaustralia4949]

Will people try and manipulate the lever down, so it loads like semi autp..??

[@ozziereviews]

No it doesn’t work, it must reset and be manually operated with each round

[@CJBrunt]

You could try making some kind of linkage that bolted on the side and pushed the lever for you as the bolthandle came to the rear but it would be awkward, and not much faster as most of the delay with this, a pump, a O/U or a semi is reaquiring your target to fire again anyway.

[@tamaustralia4949]

@@ozziereviews thanks mate,,,

[@CJBrunt]

And before anyone b*tches that its an excuse to ban them as 'potential-autos', look up the Charlton LMGs made from old .303s - you can convert any gun if youre crazy enough, don't care about loose parts flying around near your face, and have a full engineering workshop. 😁

[@velvet7828]

Pretty sluggish feeding/chambering

[@fn3048]

You sure that's Cerakote FDE? Looks Burnt Bronze IMHO.

[@mittyvidz8259]

Yep, got unsubscribed ... wow

[@niksarass]

So they copied the French lever release action on Verney Carron

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Howdee neighbour

[@jamesdeans2614]

Pistol grip?

[@CJBrunt]

Gonna be a bit harder to get your thumb up to the lever without a redesign.

[@andrewmainey7814]

get on to rumble mate

[@adriankingston4338]

Gosh we have some of the dumbest firearms actions in the world its actualy embarassing.

[@drsnooker1776]

Fuck gun control