IWI Expands Smoothbore Portfolio with 2025 Mafteah Release

Breaking New Ground Beyond Traditional Rifle Territory

While IWI US has built its reputation primarily around innovative modern sporting rifles and distinctive bullpup designs, the company has been steadily diversifying its product offerings. Six years have passed since IWI first ventured into the smoothbore market with the introduction of their Tavor TS12, and now 2025 marks another significant expansion with the launch of the Mafteah—a compact 12-gauge platform that represents a dramatic departure from their previous shotgun offering.

Legal Classification and Design Philosophy

Understanding the "Firearm" Category

The Mafteah represents IWI's entry into the specialized category of firearms that exist in a unique regulatory space. Rather than conforming to traditional shotgun classifications, this platform falls under the broader "firearm" designation as defined by federal law.

NFA Compliance Through Design Innovation

This classification stems from specific legal definitions: since federal law characterizes a "shotgun" as a firearm intended for shoulder-fired operation, any smoothbore weapon not designed for shoulder mounting that exceeds 26 inches in overall length avoids shotgun categorization entirely. This regulatory framework enables manufacturers to develop compact smoothbore platforms featuring barrel lengths under 18 inches without triggering National Firearms Act (NFA) restrictions or requiring special federal licensing.

Technical Specifications and Performance Features

Operating System and Feeding Mechanism

The Mafteah employs a recoil-operated action system paired with a traditional under-barrel tubular magazine for ammunition storage. This proven operating mechanism ensures reliable cycling across various ammunition types while maintaining the compact profile essential to the platform's design objectives.

Barrel Configuration and Chambering

Barrel Specifications

• Length: 14 inches
• Bore: Smoothbore with cylinder choke
• Chamber: Accommodates both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells

Capacity Details

• 2¾-inch shells: 5-round capacity
• 3-inch shells: 4-round capacity

Sighting and Optics Integration

Standard Sighting System

The Mafteah features a raised, ventilated barrel rib topped with a traditional front bead sight, providing quick target acquisition for close-range applications.

Advanced Optics Compatibility

The receiver incorporates machining compatible with Glock's MOS (Modular Optic System) plate mounting configuration, offering users flexibility in optics selection. Additionally, the receiver includes drilling and tapping for direct Picatinny rail section installation, further expanding mounting options for various optical and electronic accessories.

Ergonomics and User Interface Design

Furniture and Grip Configuration

Forend Features

The polymer forend incorporates M-Lok slot integration throughout its length, enabling users to mount tactical accessories, lights, grips, and other ancillary equipment as mission requirements dictate. A built-in hand strap provides additional control during rapid manipulation.

Rear Grip Design

The distinctive "bird's head" style pistol grip offers ergonomic handling while maintaining the compact profile necessary for the firearm's intended applications. Quick-detachable sling swivel spigots integrated into the grip facilitate tactical sling attachment and manipulation.

Control Layout and Operation

Safety Mechanisms

A crossbolt safety mechanism positioned within the trigger guard provides intuitive operation while maintaining positive control during handling and storage.

Charging System

The reversible charging handle design accommodates both left and right-handed operators, ensuring universal accessibility across diverse user preferences.

Physical Dimensions and Specifications

Size and Weight Profile

• Overall Length: 27.75 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds, 11 ounces
• MSRP: $1,000

Comparison to Existing IWI Offerings

The Mafteah represents a complete philosophical shift from IWI's previous smoothbore entry, the Tavor TS12. Where the TS12 emphasized maximum capacity and tactical versatility in a larger package, the Mafteah prioritizes compactness and maneuverability, positioning itself at the opposite end of the size spectrum within IWI's smoothbore catalog.

Market Positioning and Applications

This new platform fills a specific niche within the tactical and sporting markets, offering users a factory-produced solution that maximizes portability while maintaining the stopping power associated with 12-gauge ammunition. The combination of legal compliance, compact dimensions, and established IWI build quality positions the Mafteah as a unique option for users requiring maximum firepower in minimal space.