CITADEL ATAC 12

Posted May 19, 2023

Citadel Atac 12 is the latest in the line of high performance, mid-level premium handguns from Citadel. As a full-sized, semi-automatic firearm chambered in .45 ACP and built on the robust, durable CZ-75 platform, the Atac 12 offers shooters an affordable, reliable option for concealed carry, home defense, sport/target shooting, and more.

When I tried out the Atac 12 for the first time, at first glance I had to wonder what this pistol could possibly offer that would stand out from the competition. After all, there are plenty of other guns in a similar vein that look and feel just as good, some of them even better than the Citadel. But experience has taught me that sometimes the best guns are the ones that offer little more than simple reliability and quality construction. And after putting the Atac 12 through its paces, I can say with certainty that this is one of those guns.

The Atac 12 features a frame constructed from 4140 steel, giving it strength and durability by default. It also comes with a heavy duty safety lever that when depressed and released allows the hammer to travel to the detonation point. The Atac 12’s action is exceptionally smooth, making it extremely easy to rack when cycling or chambering a round. The quality of the metalwork and machining are top-notch, making this pistol a pleasure to look at and a joy to shoot.

The pistol’s three-dot sight system is standard for most pistols of this caliber, but I found that it worked better than most I’ve seen. The sights are clear and visible, making target acquisition quick and easy. The slide release and magazine release are both well-positioned, making them easily accessible with either the right or left hand.

The trigger on the Atac 12 is smooth and crisp and has no noticeable grit or slack in its travel. This is a very important feature and is sometimes overlooked in pistols in this price range. The trigger break on the Atac 12 is pretty good, with a pull weight that comes in at just over 3 pounds. This is a comfortable pull weight for many shooters and can allow for better accuracy and less fatigue when firing more than a few rounds at a time.

The overall balance of the Atac 12 is very good, and the gun feels great in the hand. The grip angle allows you to get a secure hold and make quick follow-up shots. The pistol is comfortable to shoot and recoil is managed well for a .45 ACP. The Atac 12 has plenty of space between the trigger guard and the frame where your shooting hand should be positioned, making it suitable for shooters with larger hands.

The Atac 12 comes standard with two 10-round magazines, and optional 16-round extended magazines are also available. These magazines are made of strong stamped steel and feel solid. I haven’t experienced any issues with jams or malfunctions so far.

The Atac 12 is a very well-made and well-balanced pistol. It is reliable, accurate, and offers world-class performance at a price that is much lower than many of its competitors. There are certainly more expensive pistols out there that offer more bells and whistles, but very few can match the Atac 12 in terms of reliability and ease of use.

Despite being an entry-level model in the Citadel lineup, the Atac 12 is still undoubtedly a high-performance handgun that comes highly recommended. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, reliable, dependable handgun without breaking the bank, then the Atac 12 should definitely be on your shortlist.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Durable and reliable construction

Portable and lightweight

Powerful choice of 12-gauge ammunition

Ambidextrous design with reversible operating handle

Easy to use with minimal maintenance

Comes with a 10-year warranty

Cons:

Not suitable for recoil sensitive shooters

Trigger resetting system could be more sensitive

Limited barrel options

Limited magazine capacity

Who Should Buy

The CITADEL ATAC 12 is a pump-action shotgun tailored for home defense and tactical operations. It is suitable for experienced shooters with a better understanding of how to safely handle and discharge firearms. It is designed for first-rate performance and accuracy, making it a good choice for those looking for a reliable, effective weapon for personal protection.

Those who should buy the CITADEL ATAC 12 include responsible adults who have a valid permit for its use, are experienced with firearms, and understand the laws and regulations governing ownership and use.

Those who should not buy the CITADEL ATAC 12 include people who are not experienced with firearms, do not have a permit for its use, or are not familiar with the laws and regulations governing ownership and use.

Comparisons

12 Gauge	12 Gauge	12 Gauge
Semi-Auto	Semi-Auto	Pump Action
5+1	5+1	6+1
18.5 in	18.75 in	18.5 in
Synthetic	Synthetic	Synthetic
$650	$570	$300

Features / Specs

• Barrel: 18” 41V50 military grade steel, button rifled, salt bath nitride finish

• Muzzle: 5/8x24 thread, threaded protector style

• Chamber: 5.56 NATO

• Upper Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 aluminum, black anodize

• Lower Receiver: Machined 7075 T6 aluminum

• Handguard: 12” CITADEL KeyMod Free Float

• Stock: CITADEL 6-Position Mil-Spec

• Bolt Carrier Group: Enhanced Nitride 8620 steel, full-auto capability

• Trigger: CITADEL Single Stage Mil-Spec

• Pistol Grip: CITADEL A2 Style

• Sights: None Included

Popular Accessories

The most popular accessories for the Citadel ATAC 12" are a sight, sling, charging handle, and an ammunition box. Additional options include a rail system, rail covers, an angled foregrip, a forend grip, a dust cover, and flash suppressor.

Accuracy

The accuracy of the CITADEL ATAC 12 is highly dependant on your shooting skills. With proper stance, grip, and recoil management, the average shooter should find it relatively easy to hit 2 to 4 inch groups at 25 yards. Of course, using quality ammunition and maintaining the firearm well can help ensure maximum performance out of the barrel. Additionally, the ATAC 12 improves shot accuracy with its barrel length of 18 inches and long sighting radius, especially when shooting at longer distances. The use of quality match grade ammunition also increases accuracy and overall performance from the firearm.