During the SHOT Show 2018, Charles Daly has introduced new pump action shotguns called Honcho. One of these shotguns is available in 12 gauge or 20 gauge chamberings. The second one is chambered in .410 bore (see the top image) and it has a spring assisted action.

The only difference of spring assisted pump action system from the conventional one is that there is a spring inside the forearm, which compresses when you pull the forearm rearward and extends on the feeding phase thus assisting the forward motion of the forearm. It feels quite unusual if you are used to conventional pump action shotguns.

The markings on the barrels of these shotguns suggest that they are manufactured in Turkey.

The Honcho shotguns come with polymer furniture, ambidextrous sling swivel mounts and fixed blade front sights. All the caliber options also come with 3″ chambers. The 12 gauge, 20 gauge and .410 bore versions of Honcho shotguns weigh 4.7 lbs, 4.4 lbs and 4.1 lbs respectively. These shotguns have an overall length of 27″ and barrel length of 14″.

I assume that the Honcho shotguns have a legal status similar to Remington 870 TAC-14 and Mossberg 590 Shockwave. This kind of shotguns doesn’t have a stock (they come with bird’s head style pistol grip from the factory) and they have an overall length exceeding 26″. All these features make them qualify as a “firearm” (not shotgun or SBS or AOW) which means that these are not NFA items and can be purchased without a need of having a tax stamp.

Make sure to contact the manufacturer and/or your local law enforcement agency to receive an official information concerning the legal status of these shotguns and their compliance with your local legislation.