HANIC TS870 .410 Lever Action Shotgun: A Comprehensive Review

The HANIC TS870 .410 lever-action shotgun is a modern firearm that combines classic design elements with contemporary engineering. Manufactured in Turkey by FSM, this shotgun is a tribute to the iconic Winchester Model 94 Angle Eject but tailored specifically for the .410 bore. With its sleek aesthetics, smooth operation, and versatile functionality, the HANIC TS870 has quickly garnered attention among enthusiasts of lever-action firearms. In this article, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, and potential applications.

---

Design and Build Quality

The HANIC TS870 is modeled after the legendary Winchester Model 94 platform, which has been a favorite among lever-action aficionados for decades. Its resemblance to the Winchester 9410—a .410 lever-action shotgun produced between 2001 and 2007—is unmistakable. The TS870 retains many of the traditional design elements while incorporating modern enhancements.

• Materials and Finish: The shotgun features a forged-steel receiver with a polished deep blue-black finish reminiscent of Winchester’s XTR finish. This durable coating not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides resistance against wear and corrosion.
• Stock and Forend: The stock and forend are crafted from Turkish walnut, known for its durability and attractive grain patterns. The butt-stock on the review model displayed an eye-catching tiger-tail figure, adding to its aesthetic charm.
• Safety Features: Unlike older models with half-cock safeties, the TS870 employs a rebounding hammer mechanism paired with a two-position sliding safety located on the upper tang. Additionally, it includes a trigger safety pin that prevents accidental discharge unless the lever is fully closed.

These thoughtful design choices ensure that the HANIC TS870 maintains both form and function.

---

Performance and Operation

The HANIC TS870 operates as smoothly as one would expect from a high-quality lever-action firearm. It is chambered exclusively for 2½-inch .410 shotshells—a decision made to optimize cycling reliability.

• Action Mechanism: The action employs dual locking lugs that engage securely when the lever is raised. This robust system ensures consistent performance during operation.
• Magazine Capacity: The tubular magazine holds five rounds of 2½-inch shells. Loading is done through a side gate on the receiver’s right-hand side, similar to traditional lever guns.
• Trigger Pull: The trigger pull averages around 3 kg (6½ lbs), providing sufficient resistance for controlled shooting without being overly heavy.
• Ejection System: Fired shells are ejected efficiently—landing approximately two meters away when working the lever briskly.

The use of coil springs instead of leaf springs in key components reduces levering force requirements, resulting in smoother cycling compared to older designs.

---

Barrel Specifications and Sights

The HANIC TS870 comes equipped with a 24-inch smoothbore barrel featuring a fixed modified choke. This configuration strikes a balance between pattern density for shot pellets and versatility for slug shooting.

• Choke Performance: The bore measures .405 inches with a constriction of .005 inches (modified choke). While this setup slightly limits slug accuracy compared to cylinder-bored barrels, it enhances pellet pattern density—ideal for small game hunting within 25–30 meters.
• Sights: A high-pointed blade front sight pairs with an adjustable rear vee-notch sight. While unusual for shotguns (which are typically pointed rather than aimed), these sights allow precise targeting when using rifled slugs or buckshot loads.
• Scope Compatibility: For those seeking enhanced accuracy at longer ranges, the receiver is drilled and tapped to accommodate Weaver-type bases or Picatinny rails—perfect for mounting red dot sights or scopes.

---

Ammunition Compatibility

The HANIC TS870 performs best with standard 2½-inch shotshells loaded with #4 or #6 shot pellets. These loads provide excellent pattern density at typical hunting distances (up to 25 meters). Federal Hi-Brass .410 shells deliver high velocities (1200 fps) but tend to spread thin beyond this range due to their limited payload capacity (½ oz).

For slug enthusiasts:

• Winchester’s 2½-inch rifled slugs demonstrated impressive accuracy during testing—grouping within 1½ inches at 25 meters and expanding slightly to 2½ inches at 50 yards.

While some shooters may prefer larger-capacity magazines or compatibility with longer (3-inch) shells, the designers prioritized smooth cycling over extended ammunition options.

---

Applications

The HANIC TS870 excels in various scenarios where larger gauge shotguns might be excessive:

1. Small Game Hunting: Its lightweight frame (6¾ lbs) makes it easy to carry through dense woods while pursuing rabbits or squirrels.
2. Vermin Control: With appropriate loads like #6 shot or rifled slugs, it effectively handles pests such as foxes or raccoons within close ranges.
3. Recreational Shooting: Lever-action enthusiasts will appreciate its nostalgic handling characteristics combined with modern reliability.

Additionally, younger shooters or those sensitive to recoil will find this .410 bore shotgun more manageable than heavier gauges like 12-gauge or even 20-gauge options