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. Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 Bullpup Shotguns
- Price: $490.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Barrel length: 20 inch
- Total Length: 32 inch
- Capacity: 5+1
The Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 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 bullpup 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 length 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.
There’s a lot to like about this bullpup design, and a shotgun that can basically do everything you throw at it.
2. IWI Tavor TS12
- Price: $1,299.99
- Barrel length: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 28.75 inches
- Weight: 8.85lb
- Capacity: 15+1
The IWI Tavor TS12 bullpup has a mechanism so complex it puts Swiss watches to shame. It’s a semi-auto shotgun with 3 rotating tube magazines up front. What a feat of engineering…
Now this 12 gauge 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. With a clear conscience, we can’t tell you this should be the only defensive shotgun you own. But if you love weird bullpup 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.
3. 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 both barrels at the same time. But now you want it, don’t you?
The Standard Manufacturing DP-12 is a 12 gauge 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 with these bullpup shotguns.
Is that worth the additional weight and complexity? Probably not, but it’s fun.
Now this is home defense, bear defense and just about everything else.
If you need more than this, you have a real problem. Also, you might want to upgrade your ear protection…
4. Kel-Tec KSG Shotgun
- Price: $669.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 26.1 inch
- Capacity: 12 + 1
You might remember the Kel-Tec KSG 12 gauge shotgun 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 pump shotguns that has landed a global reputation based on its bad boy looks and stunning capacity. The Kel-Tec was a 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 magazine tubes technology is a little outdated in this company, but six shells in each tube is still pretty badass. A selector switch to manually change tubes was important for the regulations, to make the Kel Tec shotgun legal at all.
Now, though, in the face of this increasingly advanced opposition, that feels like a stumbling block.
Let’s not forget the Kel -Tec KSG shotgun was the home defense 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 Kel Tec KSG 12 Gauge definitely deserves a place in your gun safe. For intimidation factor alone…
Want Lots More Shells? Or Less?
The KSG has evolved into a model line in its own right. Now you can get the Kel Tec KSG-25, which basically holds 12 shells in each tube for a combined total of 25 shells. See that here in our large capacity shotguns post.
It is also cumbersome, awkward, muzzle rise is an issue and it is not the most reliable shotgun. apart from that? Awesome…
Alternatively, the company made a single tube shotgun Kel-Tec KS7 that offers 7+1 rounds. Both are different kinds of shotgun that could fit your needs that little bit better.
KS7 is a Star
That gun has found a home due to its smaller dimensions, lighter weight and simpler feed system. The smaller Kel Tec KS7 pump shotgun comes with a carry handle and a range of colors, from burnt bronze to matte black, and it has become a sales sensation.
It weighs just 5.9lb, the carry handle can be used to rack the slide and the ambidextrous system is ideal for left-handed shooters. We like the Kel Tec KS7, a lot, and the trigger pull is creamy.
But the twin tube, 12 round tactical pump shotgun is the original and still the best.
5. Panzer Arms BP12
- Price: $605.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Barrel length: 18.5 inch
- Total: 29.5 inch
- Capacity: 5+1
The Panzer Arms BP-12 set the standard for the best bullpup shotguns on the market right from the start, and arguably still holds the overall crown. Depending on the price at the moment.
Now there are more innovative bullpup designs here, and more desirable guns. But if you’re wading through a sea of roughly similar firearms and you’re just not sure then the Panzer Arms BP12 bullpup 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun is almost certainly the gun you’re looking for. It’s the safe bet.
This is the classic magazine-fed bullpup shotgun that is the best overall compromise of fit and finish and price. It looks like a much more expensive gun and the finesse in the detail work here is simply missing from some of the bigger names.
Panzer also produces an AR-style shotgun and several others, so it has the basics down. The bullpup layout is obviously different, but the company was one of the first and it is still the best tactical shotgun options here.
6. 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 defensive shotgun for the home gun safe.
This pump gun is a clear rival for the Kel Tec. In some ways it’s an improvement on that dual tube magazine set-up and this is a better gun for a home defense weapon.
But the UTAS UTS-9 now has to go head to head with the detachable box mag opposition. That’s a tougher fight, and yet still the UTAS has found a niche in the world of bullpup defensive shotguns. The Flat Dark Earth version is badass too.
7. SRM Arms M1216
- Price: $1,679.99
- Action: Semi Auto Shotgun
- Barrel: 18.5 inch barrel
- Total Length: 33.75 inch
- Weight: 7.75lb
- Capacity: 16+1
She’s a funky looking thing isn’t she? Like the first rough sketch of what would later become the IWI Tavor TS12. But no, this is an actual gun you can buy and, in some ways it’s better.
This is another gun that went for the revolving magazine tubes approach to big capacity. Unlike the Tavor, though, these magazine tubes pop out and you can replace them relatively quickly.
So you could reload an SRM M126 on the run, if you really had to.
I mean it’s still not as easy as popping out a detachable box magazine. That’s why this shotgun design should go the way of the video cassette and minidisc in short order. But we’re glad that it’s here right now.
This shows a different kind of magazine. In reality, all it does is confirm that box magazine fed shotguns are the present and the future. So if you’re a firearms collector, and you want a revolving tube set-up, or you just like quirky guns, buy yours while you still can in black or Flat Dark Earth.
8. Black Aces Tactical Pro Series Bullpup 12 Gauge
- Price: $447.99
- 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 and you’ll see that in our high-capacity shotguns and semi-auto shotguns features. This is the cheaper pump shotgun for the sake of variety and you do get the best gun deals on PSA.
But you can choose from a number of Black Aces Tactical bullpup layouts, colors, actions and all that jazz with the Pro Series. A Black Aces Tactical bullpup has got you covered, from tiger stripes to burnt bronze to SWAT team black.
Palmetto State Armory has the full line up of Pro Series Black Aces Tactical bullpup shotguns. So go here, to this live link for the latest in stock.
9. Smith & Wesson M&P12
- Price: $1,049.99
- Barrel length: 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 pump action shotgun world with a, well, bang.
OK it’s not the company’s first pump action shotgun, but we haven’t seem them round these parts for a while…
The Smith & Wesson M&P12 doesn’t have the biggest capacity and it’s a pump action shotgun for simplicity. But it also has a pistol grip straight off the company’s 9mm handguns, some great slide work, ambidextrous controls and there’s a lot to like.
The R&D of a big brand has helped make some major strides in 12 gauge bullpup shotgun design.
We’re looking forward to more S&W bullpup shotguns…
10. Charles Daly N4S Bullpup
- Price: $449.99
- 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 shotgun world, Charles Daly has focused on cheap guns that work and punch above their weight.
This 12 gauge semi auto bullpup tactical shotgun should do exactly that.
11. Dickinson Ranger BP-12
- Price: $386.99
- Cal: 12ga Shotgun
- Barrel: 18.25 inch
- Total Length: 29.25 inch
- Weight: 7.6lb
- Capacity: 5+1
The price is the real USP for the Dickinson Ranger. I mean this is a bullpup with a detachable magazine, for less than $270.
That’s good. Really good.
OK so the fit and finish isn’t great and the barrel looks like it’s being held in by a pipe connector. And the barrel itself looks like a piece of plumbing. The Vietnam era carrying handle is kinda generic,, too. But that aside, these bullpup shotguns work like a charm.
Not everybody cares about the nth degree of fit and finish on a bullpup semi-auto. Some people just want a cheap gun they can shoot until it dies an honorable death. The Dickinson Ranger might be your huckleberry…
12. Garaysar Fear 105
- Price: $561.99
- Cal: 12ga Shotgun
- Action: Pump Action bullpup
- Barrel: 19.7 inch
- Total Length: 29 inch
- Weight: 8.6lb
- Capacity: 5+1
The Garaysar Fear 105 is another relatively generic shotgun design with a large capacity magazine that can drop out and replace at the touch of a button. You can also find the best gun deals from time to time.
It’s here because it’s popular and has received a lot of love on the forums and that pistol grip is dead center, so we think it at least looks balanced.
The detail heavy design, in stark contrast to the simplicity of the Rock Island Armory, also affords some unique opportunities.
The adjustable cheekrest is a solid touch and could matter for hunting expeditions. Although you probably won’t have time to set it up in the event of a home invasion, so it’s horses for courses.
While it’s covered in mounting points, even confusingly on the barrel shroud, you’ll use the Picatinny rail and maybe even the flip-up sights on these bullpup shotguns.
Garaysar offers a number of fairly random looking firearms and we’re pleased to have it here. While we prefer the simplicity on offer elsewhere, this is a definite look that some of you will want more.
13. TriStar Compact Bullpup
- Price: $864.99
- Cal: 12ga Shotgun
- Action: 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Total Length: 30 inch
- Weight: 8lb
- Capacity: 5+1
The TriStar Compact Bullpup might look a little plasticky for some tastes, including mine, but there are some neat features on this bullpup.
We also like the fact that TriStar has departed radically from the old Tavor design.
We like the AK-47 style safety that you could operate in the dark with gloves on. Also, we appreciate the long rail up top, the folding sights and the sling hooks.
The molded plastic surface could be better, but overall this is a solid shotgun market offering that could also be in cheesy movies. Does that even count for something? Maybe…
14. ATI Bulldog SGA
- Price: $510.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- 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 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 bullpup, 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.
Simply put, this gun has a slight novelty feel to it. The plastic rail and sights aren’t the sturdiest. But it really does work and on the right day, the gun deals on PSA and other sites can be fantastic.
15. EAA Akdal MK 1923
- Price: $629.99
- Action: Bullpup Semi Automatic shotgun
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Total Length: 29.5 inch
- Weight: 9.7lb
- Capacity: 5+1
This is another clone of the Tavor bullpup rifle set-up, and both price and availability count against it at the moment.
EAA has brought us some stunning guns from the likes of Tanfoglio recently and is a constant star in our 9mm pistols categories. Now EAA has cherry picked this shotgun from the massed ranks of 12 gauge bullpups, and so far the signs are good.
Akdal supplied the MKA 1919 AR-type shotgun to the Turkish armed forces. Now this bullpup 12 gauge shotgun is finding favor in its homeland and abroad with a longer length barrel giving it accuracy and versatility with slugs.
There’s an AR-15 safety on that bullpup stock, an accessory rail for red dots up top and a 20 inch barrel contained in a sub 30 inch footprint. It’s impressive stuff, the longer barrel and footprint helps control muzzle rise and we like how far the ejection port is from your face.
As always there are pros and cons with every shotgun layout, but this long barrel in a compact footprint is mighty compelling.
16. AA-12 Assault Shotgun
- Price: $3,000
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Barrel length: 18 inch
- Weight: 11lb
It might look like a poor child carved it from wood, but this compact shotgun is a legend among elite fighting forces around the world in full automatic form.
While it has never really gone on sale in any concerted way to the general public, it keeps threatening to. You could buy them, ever so briefly, too, and we hope that you can again soon. So we’re keeping it here, is the short version.
Public Version ‘in the works’ Since 1987
This gun was a military secret for decades until Max Atchisson finally sold the designs in 1987. It was time for the AA-12 Sledgehammer to meet the world. The magazine capacity on offer with the drum and the sheer destruction on offer from that many slugs and 3 inch shells is a sexy combo.
Apparently, 12,000 were made and some were sold through Gunbroker. Then the ATF got involved and the rest of it is a little hazy.
The world needs this shotgun, though. We need the best bullpup shotgun back. So someone buy the rights and make this bullpup semi auto shotgun legal…
Where to Buy Shotgun Parts & Accessories
You need a pistol grip, shotgun ammo, red dots, charging handle, scopes, best prices and more, then we know where to go. You want a new gas operated semi automatic shotgun? We can do that too. And a new spring for a lighter trigger pull. Whatever you like really.
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 and handguns with their own badge. They also sell pump action shotguns and gas operated semi automatic shotguns from the best.
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 have your 12 gauge shotgun, 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 Black Aces Tactical shells, from as little as 60c a round.
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 concealed carry, bolt action rifle and bullpup 12ga.
So where should you buy shotgun shells?
- Brownells – Budget through to high performance for shotguns, bullpup 12ga and tac.
- 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: $1,699.99
- 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 a difference.
The Springfield Hellion also comes with ambidextrous controls and a reversible case ejection system.
2. Steyr Aug A3 M1
- Price: $1,599.99
- 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 they are possibly the best bullpup rifles you’re going to see today.
3. Kel Tec RDB
- Price: $980.64
- 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. It is one of the best bullpup rifles on pure merit, and when yo look at the price it might just be the best period.
4. Desert Tech MDRx
- 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 best bullpup rifles and IWI 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 of the best bullpup rifles Israel has to offer here and buy the new Tavor X95. Check the reviews, gun owner verdicts etc first, as always on unique new products and this bullpup rifle.
But why are these special?
The bullpup configuration means the action is behind the trigger in a bullpup rifle. That helped build a compact battle rifle for the close combat in urban settings that the Israelis kept finding themselves in.
It also serves as a brutal club in close quarters combat and works in a very unique set of circumstances, in tight alleyways and stairwells. Basically it is built for geurilla warfare, but then so is an AR pistol or lightweight AR-15.
The best bullpup rifles and shotguns were designed primarily for the military, civilians came later and shotgun manufacturers looking to rip off an idea later still.
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.
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 this bullpup rifle.
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.
That weight in the buttstock means you need to change your shooting position to accommodate the IWI, too. It doesn’t mold to you, like at all. Not everybody likes that with bullpup rifles and shotguns.
With AR15 rifle manufacturers going at it hard for your business, you really have to want one of the best bullpup rifles, shotguns etc. I’m not sure I can make a case for this vs a Daniel Defense. But while it doesn’t especially work as a bullpup rifle, this idea does work as a bullpup 12 gauge shotgun.
What other Random Stuff Can We Sell You?
We got rifles, shotguns, bullpup rifles and shotguns, cleaning kits, just about everything really. Even the best concealed carry 9mm pistol for you and ear protection to keep you safe. If you need a Sig Sauer P365 or a Glock 43x, or pistol caliber carbine semi-autos, check these posts:
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