The Sauer SL-5 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun (80116292, UPC 810496022857) is a purpose-built defensive and tactical shotgun that blends Italian craftsmanship with a modern, inertia-driven operating system. Chambered for 12 gauge 3" shells and built around an 18.50" chrome-lined barrel, this SL-5 configuration delivers fast follow-up shots, rugged reliability, and excellent handling for home defense, range training, and duty-style applications. RK Guns+3Ammunition Depot+3Impact Guns+3
Featuring a black anodized receiver, black synthetic pistol grip stock, and a host of user-focused upgrades—including a Picatinny rail, LPA front bead sight, and extended controls—the Sauer SL-5 is ready to run hard right out of the box. RK Guns+3Buds Gun Shop+3Impact Guns+3
Key Features – Sauer SL-5 80116292 Tactical 12 Gauge
Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto – Clean, Soft-Shooting Reliability
At the heart of the Sauer SL-5 is a proven inertia-driven operating system, favored by many serious shooters for its clean-running design and consistent cycling. Gun Made+3Ammunition Depot+3Prophet River+3
Benefits of the inertia system:
Less fouling in the receiver compared to many gas systems
Smooth, soft recoil impulse that keeps you on target for fast follow-up shots
Reliable operation with a wide range of 12 gauge 3" and 2¾" defensive and field loads (within manufacturer recommendations)
For a defensive or tactical shotgun that may be run hard in training or competition-style drills, a clean, inertia-driven action helps cut down on maintenance while boosting confidence.
18.50" Chrome-Lined Barrel – Durable & Maneuverable
The SL-5’s 18.5" chrome-lined, stepped rib barrel is tuned for defensive and close- to mid-range work. Total Impact Guns+3Ammunition Depot+3Impact Guns+3
Chrome lining improves corrosion resistance and simplifies cleaning, even after heavy use with buckshot or slug loads.
The stepped rib offers a familiar sighting plane and quick alignment, especially when used with the LPA front bead or ghost ring setup.
At 18.5", the barrel is short enough for maneuverability indoors, around vehicles, or in tight cover, yet long enough to maintain solid velocities and pattern consistency.
Whether you’re setting up for home protection or as a compact farm and truck shotgun, this barrel length hits the sweet spot.
Tactical Black Synthetic Pistol Grip Stock
Control counts when you’re running a 12 gauge—especially under stress. The Sauer SL-5 80116292 features a black synthetic pistol grip stock designed to give you maximum leverage over the gun. Total Impact Guns+3Ammunition Depot+3Impact Guns+3
Stock highlights:
Pistol grip provides a secure, natural hand position for controlling recoil and transitions.
Durable synthetic construction shrugs off weather, sweat, and hard use better than traditional wood.
Built-in sling attachment points make it easy to run your choice of two-point or single-point sling setups. Impact Guns+2Able Ammo+2
This configuration is especially attractive for home defense, tactical training, and 3-gun style competition where grip and control matter as much as raw power.
Picatinny Rail & LPA Front Bead – Optics Ready Out of the Box
The SL-5 doesn’t leave you hunting for aftermarket mounting solutions. It ships with:
Many SL-5 variants are also equipped with ghost ring rear sights for rapid target acquisition and improved slug accuracy—ideal for defensive roles and close-range precision. TheGunZone+3Buds Gun Shop+3GrabAGun+3
With this combo, you can run the shotgun effectively with just its iron sights, or add an optic for even faster shooting and low-light capability.
Extended Controls – Built for Real-World Use
When you’re wearing gloves, moving fast, or working in low light, small controls can slow you down. Sauer addresses this with:
These enhancements make the SL-5 feel like a true tactical/defensive platform, not just a field gun dressed up for the role.
Choke System – Benelli CRIO Plus Compatible
Versatility matters, so the SL-5 uses a Benelli CRIO Plus–compatible choke system, and ships (depending on the package) with: Buds Gun Shop+2RK Guns+2
1 Flush CYL choke – perfect for defensive distances and wide patterns
1 Extended choke for tighter patterns or specific load tuning
Many retailers note an included Carlson turkey choke, giving you a specialized option for dense shot clouds on game
This choke setup lets you tune the SL-5 for:
One shotgun, multiple roles—with simple choke swaps.
Specs – Sauer SL-5 12 Gauge Semi-Auto (Model 80116292)
Manufacturer: J.P. Sauer & Sohn (Sauer) Ammunition Depot+2Total Impact Guns+2
Model: SL-5
SKU / MPN: 80116292 Pelcher Outdoors+2Impact Guns+2
UPC: 810496022857 Pelcher Outdoors+2Palmetto State Armory+2
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Chamber: 3"
Capacity: 3+1
Action: Inertia-driven semi-automatic
Barrel Length: 18.50" chrome-lined, stepped rib
Receiver Finish: Black anodized
Stock: Black synthetic pistol grip stock with sling attachments
Sights: LPA front bead; many packages include ghost ring rear sights
Rail: Picatinny optics rail on receiver
Chokes: Benelli CRIO Plus-compatible set (flush CYL, extended, and often a Carlson turkey choke, depending on configuration)
Intended Use: Defensive/tactical, home defense, range training, and close-range hunting
Why Choose the Sauer SL-5 12 Gauge Semi-Auto (80116292)?
If you’re looking for a defensive 12 gauge semi-auto that combines a reliable inertia system, premium barrel and choke setup, and tactical ergonomics at a very competitive price, the Sauer SL-5 80116292 deserves a serious look. You get:
A 3+1 capacity 12 gauge built for defensive and tactical roles
An 18.5" chrome-lined barrel that’s durable, accurate, and easy to maintain
A pistol grip synthetic stock and extended controls that enhance control and speed
Out-of-the-box Picatinny rail, LPA front sight, and choke versatility
From home defense to hard-use training classes, the Sauer SL-5 offers the reliability and handling you want in a semi-auto tactical shotgun—backed by Italian manufacturing and a long heritage of quality shotgun design.
The End