Bullpup shotguns started out as an oddity, but this simple design was a big step forward in lots of ways and now this niche product is going mainstream.
The bullpup is always ready to go, and the packaging means you can get an awfully long barrel in a very short gun. A bullpup rifle or shotgun encourages proper form, too, because there’s only one real way to set up and shoot.
As always there are pros and cons. The best bullpup rifles, shotguns, everything, tend to be a little back heavy and muzzle rise is part of the package. So you’ll have to change your technique to bear down on your target that little more. They are also heavier and switching out mags takes a second longer.
Clearly this isn’t a dealbreaker. Bullpups have become more popular for game hunting, defensive duties and generally messing round with shotguns.
So what is the best bullpup shotgun for sale in 2023?
1. Kel-Tec KSG Shotgun
- Price: $599.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 26.1 inch
- Capacity: 12 + 1
You might remember the Kel-Tec KSG in the hands of John Wick in the second film, several 6 Underground agents and just about every other film hero ever. It has been in a lot of movies and video games.
It’s one of those tactical pump shotguns that has landed a global reputation based on its bad boy looks and stunning capacity. The Kel Tec KSG was THE high capacity shotgun before they were really a thing. In many ways, it’s the pioneer that blazed this 12 gauge bullpup shotgun trail.
That means the dual tubes technology is a little outdated in this company, but six shells in each of the dual magazine tubes is still pretty badass. A selector switch to manually change tubes was important for the magazine restrictions regulations, to make the Kel Tec shotgun 12ga legal at all.
Now, though, in the face of this increasingly advanced opposition, that feels like a stumbling block for the Kel Tec KSG.
We still like the flip up sights, though, and there is a rail for lights, lasers, all that jazz.
Give Credit to the Trailblazer
Let’s not forget the Kel Tec KSG shotgun was the 12ga bullpup design gun we lusted after before all these others were even here. It was good enough for the world’s best assassin and, if you get a good one, then you will really enjoy yours.
It probably won’t live by your bedside any more for a home defense weapon, but the KelTec KSG 12 Gauge definitely deserves a place in your gun safe. For intimidation factor alone…
The single tube Kel Tec KS7 is also a great bullpup shotgun, black or Flat Dark Earth options look good too. But then obviously the slimline Kel Tec kS7 doesn’t have the same capacity.
It is a more compact, reliable and simple package, though, so the Kel Tec KS7 is an increasingly popular choice. The original Kel Tec KSG might still be the best bullpup shotgun though and the gun reviews love it.
2. Rock Island Armory VRBP-100
- Regular Price: $504.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi-automatic shotgun
- Barrel length: 20 inch
- Total Length: 32 inch
- Capacity: 5+1
This is a great gun from a budget friendly company. There is better hardware here, but not close to this price…
RIA is well known round these parts for its high quality, low price 1911 pistols. It’s also part of the Philippines industry giant Armscor, which means you can get amazing gun deals on everything from a 22LR pistol through to a shotgun with the RIA or Armscor logo on the side.
That angled polymer stock sits tight behind the action to give you a 20 inch barrel in a 32 inch overall package. That’s good, right?
A compact 12 gauge with potential for better accuracy thanks to the long range sniper rifle of a 20 inch barrel that also sees service in the RIA VR-80 AR shotgun platform.
So the RIA works for target shooting, big game hunting with shotguns and as a defensive weapon.
3. IWI Tavor TS12
- Regular Price: $1,268.99
- Action: Semi Automatic Shotgun
- Barrel length: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 28.75 inches
- Weight: 8.85lb
- Capacity: 15+1
The Tavor bullpup has a mechanism so complex it puts Swiss watches to shame. It’s a bullpup semi-auto shotgun with 3 rotating tube magazines up front. What a feat of engineering…
Now this 12ga shotgun is basically insane, but it’s so utterly desirable. Shoot five shells, twist the tube mags up front and you’re good to go again with fresh 5 shell magazine capacity.
You could even load up with slugs, buckshot and birdshot, depending on the level of threat.
There’s a level of complexity here that both excites and concerns us and ticks both the pros and cons boxes.
With a clear conscience, we can’t tell you the IWI Tavor TS12 bullpup should be the only defensive shotgun you own.
But if you love weird shotguns on the market, you’re a gadget and guns guy or for any number of other reasons, buy this right now. You need it.
4. Standard Manufacturing DP-12 Double Barrel Shotgun
- Price: $1,099.99
- Capacity: 14+2 Rounds
- Barrel: 18.8 inch
- Total Length: 29.5 inch
- Weight: 9.75lb
You might not need a double barrel shotgun that actually fires one barrels at a time. But now you want it, don’t you?
The Standard Manufacturing DP-12 is a bullpup pump action shotgun chambered for 3 inch shells with essentially two guns linked to one central brain.You don’t fire both barrels at once, but you do load once and fire twice.
Is that worth the additional weight and complexity? Probably not, but it’s fun. All the gun reviews say the same thing.
Now this is home defense, bear defense and just about everything else.
If you need more than this, you have a real problem. Maybe you ARE the problem.
5. UTAS UTS-9
- Price: $814.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 28.5 inch
- Weight: 6.9lb
- Capacity: 8+1
The UTAS UTS-9 is a stylish front heavy bullpup that looks the absolute business.
It’s brutal, it’s futuristic and its compact dimensions mean it’s an increasingly popular bullpup shotgun for the home gun safe.
This tactical pump action shotgun is a clear rival for the KelTec. KSG In some ways it’s an improvement on that dual tube magazine set-up and this is a better gun for home defense.
6. ATI Bulldog SGA
- Price: $386.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Action: Semi automatic shotgun
- Total Length: 29.5 inch
- Weight: 7.75lb
- Capacity: 5+1
American Tactical Imports do some fine work in the cheap AR-15 sector and its plastic AR-15 is still making waves, but ATI has its fingers in a lot of pies.
This tactical bullpup shotgun looks like a number of others on the market, so it’s basically the pattern shotgun you might be looking for. At the right price.
It imports and badges a number of other guns, from the 22LR Sig Sauer Mosquito tribute through to things like this. ATI has also made a splash with plastic AR-15s that feature in our best lightweight AR-15, cheap AR-15 and custom AR-15 lists.
Originally it’s a Turkish 12ga bullpup semi-auto shotgun, and it does come with a lot of the same quality features on show elsewhere. That adjustable cheek rest is nice, the recoil pad works and we can forgive the compensator effect on the barrel shroud. At least it avoids the skinny barrel effect seen elsewhere.
You can also use the empty magazine as a foregrip, with a series of sliding brackets, and the rail up top is great for red dots. Do that and it feels like a proper tactical shotgun.
Simply put, this 12ga semi auto shotgun has a slight novelty feel to it. The rail and sights aren’t the sturdiest, so definitely there are pros and cons here. But it really does work and on the right day, the gun deals on PSA and other sites can be fantastic.
7. Century Arms Centurion BP-12
- Price: $510.99
- Action: 12ga shotgun
- Barrel: 19.75
- Weight: 8lb
- Capacity: 5+1
This company is responsible for the Draco Gun and a variety of cheap guns that perform spectacularly well.
The Century Arms Centurion BP-12 looks to follow that same recipe.
This is a simple visual update on the generic 12ga bullpup semi auto and has enough unique features that it stands out from the crowd.
Officially it’s a 5 round mag on this 12ga semi-auto shotgun. But you can get bigger ones.
Early reviews are encouraging and for slightly more than $300 with solid gun reviews, what more can you ask?
8. Black Aces Tactical Pro Series Bullpup 12 Gauge
- Price: $527.99
- Action: Pump
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 28 inch
- Weight: 10lb
- Capacity: 5+1
Black Aces Tactical Pro Series Bullpup 12 Gauge has taken the classic Bullpup shotgun and dared to be different, at least with the aesthetics.
The end result is a mildly futuristic looking gun that could easily shoot CGI-produced lasers in any number of low budget sci fi movies and video games. But the Black Aces Tactical bullpup also works as a 12 gauge right now. So there’s that…
You can order a Black Aces Tactical Bullpup 12 Gauge pump shotgun or semi-automatic shotgun and you’ll see that in our high-capacity shotguns and 12ga semi-auto shotguns features. This is the cheaper pump bullpup shotgun for the sake of variety and you do get the best gun deals on PSA.
But you can choose from a number of bullpup layouts, colors, actions and all that jazz with the Pro Series. A Black Aces Tactical 12ga bullpup has got you covered, from tiger stripes to burnt bronze to SWAT team black.
PSA has the full line up of Pro Series bullpup shotgun options. So go here, to this live link for the latest in stock.
9. Panzer Arms BP12
- Price: $867.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Barrel length: 18.5 inch
- Total: 29.5 inch
- Capacity: 5+1
The Panzer BP-12 was one of the pioneers for this now generic layout, and is still one of the top bullpup shotguns on the market.
Now there are more innovative semi-automatic bullpup designs here, and more desirable guns. But this was one of the first.
This is the classic magazine-fed bullpup shotgun, and a good balance of fit and finish and price.
10. Smith & Wesson M&P12
- Price: $1,099.99
- Barrel: 19 inch
- Total Length: 27.8 inch
- Weight: 8.3lb
- Capacity: 6+1
One of the biggest names in the firearms industry has landed in the 12 gauge bullpup pump shotgun world with a, well, bang.
OK it’s not the company’s first shotgun, but we haven’t seem them round these parts for a while…
The S&W M&P12 doesn’t have the biggest capacity and it’s built for simplicity. But it also has a pistol grip straight off the company’s 9mm handguns, some great slide work, ambidextrous controls, Piucatinny rail up top and more.
The R&D of a big brand has helped make some major strides in 12 gauge bullpup shotgun design. So we like the S&W M&P 12 bullpup pump shotgun, black or Flat Dark Eartth, just because it exists and may be a sign of things to come.
We’re looking forward to more S&W shotguns…
11. Charles Daly N4S Bullpup
- Special Price: $429.99
- Barrel: 18.25 inch
- Total Length: 29.25 inch
- Weight: 7.6lb
- Capacity: 5+1
This looks similar to a few others, but Charles Daly has established a solid reputation and we think the customer service will be top quality.
A new arrival to the 12ga semi auto shotgun world, it has focused on cheap guns that work and punch above their weight.
This 12ga semi auto bullpup semi auto tactical shotgun should do exactly that.
Others that look similar include the SDS Imports BLP M12, but we can’t find a new one and SDS Imports seem to be focusing on the AR style shotguns now.
Where to Buy Shotgun Parts & Accessories
Palmetto State Armory has emerged as one of the best parts suppliers in the firearms industry. Yes that’s the same PSA that does a mean line in low cost rifles, tactical gear and handguns with their own badge. They also sell gas operated semi automatic 12 gauge shotguns from the likes of Benelli.
If you can’t find what you need at Palmetto State Armory, then try Primary Arms or Brownells for the real specialist parts and upgrades.
- Palmetto State Armory – Great range of shotgun parts.
- Brownells – A pistol grip, shotgun ammo, a choke tube and just about everything else.
And What About 12 Gauge Shotgun Ammo?
Now you need some shells to put in that bad boy. There’s seriously wide variety of slugs, buckshot, birdshot and some other random things.
Again Palmetto State Armory is the hot tip, but Brownells is great too. If you want to save money on bulk ammo deals on 12 gauge ammo, then check out shotgun Black Aces Tactical shells, from as little as 60c a round.
Those 12 gauge shotgun Black Aces Tactical buckshot and slugs are turning into best sellers by the way,
You might also want to pick up some 9mm ammo, or 45 ACP. You do you. The important thing is that these places have bulk deals for all your bolt action rifle and bullpup 12ga shotgun needs.
So where should you buy shotgun shells?
- Brownells – Budget through to high performance for shotguns.
- Palmetto State Armory – Great bulk deals on big name shells. Or a charging handle..
- Lucky Gunner – Bulk deals on shotgun shells and 12 gauge ammo.
Consider a 410 Gauge Shotgun
For a 410 shotgun, try this post and you’ll be surprised what is on offer.
What About a Nice Bullpup Rifle?
If you’re just looking for gun deals and you like the basic bullpup rifles and shotguns layout, well we have got a few for you here.
1. Springfield Hellion
- Price: $1,799.99
- Barrel: 16
- Length: 28.25-29.75 inch
- Weight: 8lb
The Springfield Hellion is one of the new arrivals in the bullpup rifle sector and it might well be the best. It is based on the Croatian VHS-2 and is widely considered one of the finest rifles in this sector.
It comes with a level of adjustability for the length of pull. Not much, but enough to make this Springfield Armory very long indeed for a bullpup.
The Springfield Hellion also comes with a great pistol grip, ambidextrous controls and a reversible case ejection system for left hand shooting. The trigger pull is never the best on a bullpup, but this is one of the best of the breed.
Springfield Armory make great rifles, tactical, bullpup and even sniper rifles. This Springfield Hellion could be among the best yet.
2. Steyr Aug A3 M1
- Regular Price: $1,999.99
- Barrel: 16
- Length: 28.25-29.75 inch
- Weight: 8lb
The Steyr Aug A3 might just be the most famous bullpup rifle in the world. The Austrian Army adopted this rifle in 1977 and specialist fighting teams around the world just love this thing.
It has an even bigger reputation thanks to its cartoonish looks landing the Steyr Aug more than a few movie roles over the years. Fitted with the OEM scope tube, it’s quite the visual experience. Of course you can go for red dot sights on your Steyr Aug M1.
Some very influential folks think the Steyr Aug A3 is the best bullpup rifle ever made. An adjustable short stroke gas piston was designed to run suppressed, or not, and you get a Wylde chamber too.
It is simple to convert for left handed shooters and the Steyr Aug is possibly the best bullpup rifles you’re going to see today.
3. Kel Tec RDB
- Regular price: $1,049.00
- Barrel: 17.4
- Length: 27.3 inch
- Weight: 6.7lb
Kel-Tec’s commitment to producing cheap guns has also resulted in a seriously lightweight rifle, in bullpup terms, and the company also went to town with a list of 11 new innovations.
The big seller is the downward ejection port, to prevent brass burns and the constant distraction of shell casings flying through your line of sight from a side ejection port. It is fully ambidextrous and also works for left-handed shooters.
The Kel Tec RDB is ready for red dot sights with that long Picatinny rail, you can order a wide range of calibers, including 308 Win Mag, and you can adjust the gas system to cope with a range of ammunition and switch over to left hand operation easily.
It is one of the best bullpup rifles on pure merit, and when you look at the special price it might just be the best period.
4. Desert Tech MDRx
- Regular Price: $2,399.99
- Barrel: 16.5
- Length: 26 inch
- Weight: 8.3lb
The Desert Tech MDRx was a new arrival in 2020, but it has made an instant impression. There is a forward ejection upgrade that you might want to look at, but apart from that this rifle is a beast in a number of calibers.
We love the AAC Blackout, the 6.5 Creedmoor with the longer barrel and insane muzzle velocity, all of them really. This is the shorter barrel 5.56 version for consistency, but you can choose from a range of Desert Tech rifles here.
5. IWI Tavor X95
- Price: $1,749.99
- Barrel: 16.5
- Length: 26 inch
- Weight: 7.9lb
The Tavor SAR and Tavor X95 bullpup long rifle set-up inspired half of the shotguns on this list. The X95 is the current model, but the SAR really got things rolling.
The complex IWI Tavor X95 bullpup rifle is the next generation. Check out the latest incarnation here and buy the new Tavor X95. Check the reviews, gun owner verdicts etc first, as always on the best bullpup rifles & shotguns.
But why are these bullpup guns special?
The bullpup design means the action is behind the trigger in even the best bullpup rifles. That helped build a compact battle rifle for the close combat in urban settings that the Israelis kept finding themselves in. It also makes it an intriguing option for personal defense.
Although the trigger pull is typically terrible and those extra connections don’t help the best bullpup rifles, the barrel is long despite the compact nature and the muzzle velocity matches a standard rifle layout..
SAR: Pros and Cons
While the Tavor TAR-21 bullpup rife worked for the Israeli military, the Tavor SAR civilian version was far from a smash hit. It had to compete with the best AR-15s on the market and it just wasn’t the best gun or a particularly special price.
Magazine swaps took longer due to the position, it lacks the natural balance of the best modern sporting rifles and there are other compromises built in to the best bullpup rifles. It’s not the best for long range shooting either.
Left handed shooters, in particular, could look forward to brass burns in the face. This was not an ambidextrous rifle. Although the new rifle is fully ambidextrous and the side charging handle switches over easily. Now it’s much easier for left hand shooters to use arguably the best bullpup rifles.
What other Random Stuff Can We Sell You?
We got shotguns, bullpup rifles and shotguns, bullpup shotguns, pump shotgun black market, gun accessories, cleaning kits, just about everything really. Even the best concealed carry 9mm pistol with red dots for you and ear protection to keep you safe.
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