Why We Think Box Magazine Fed Shotguns Are The Best
You may know I have a fetish for high-capacity shotguns and I think now is the time to buy a box magazine shotgun. That is the tech that has won the day.
Now Mossberg and Remington have released official shotguns, rather than third party conversions, it’s time to get one.
The Mossberg 590M and Remington 870 DM are the best shotguns in the world right now, in my humble opinion. Well, there’s a curveball here in the Vepr 12, but the box magazine shotguns are the step forward we have been waiting for.
Shotguns are great, but they’re generally limited by a puny capacity that means they’re just not the first port of call for most of us when it comes to home defense anymore.
AR Pistol Now Preferred Home Defense Weapon
Grandpa used to grab his trusty shotgun. Now? The trusty AR-15 or even more trusty AR pistols offer 30 rounds and unerring accuracy with a red dot.
The tactical shotgun was in danger of becoming a forgotten memory.
Novelties like the Kel-Tec KSG and Tavor TS-12 showed the way back to relevance with radical and yet complex designs. The box magazine fed shotgun is simply the combination of age-old tech that we know works. This is the
Here are the best mag fed shotguns on sale right now.
1. Kalashnikov Komrad 12.5
- Price: $1,069.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action:
Semi auto - Barrel Length: 12.5 inch
- Total Length: 31.5 inch
- Weight: 7.85lb
- Capacity: 5+1
The Kalashnikov Komrad is a 12 gauge shotgun in an AK-47 pistol frame. Just think about that for a second. How could it not be the best box mag 12 gauge shotgun in the world?
The only gun that can beat a Kalashnikov here is another semi auto Kalashnikov shotgun. If we’re being entirely honest, this should be number two. That’s how far ahead of the game we think this
The Kalashnikov Komrad pistol is an AK shotgun pistol with a
There, we said it. Bring your Benelli M4, your John Wick special, whatever you want. This, right here, is probably the closest you can buy to an assault shotgun. It’s a great Close Quarters Combat weapon, you can mix up mags with buckshot and slugs and it’s about as potent a weapon as you can reasonably have by the side of your bed.
This is a semi-auto shotgun with sawn-off shotgun manoeuvrability, AK-47 simplicity and insane capacity, Like the longer AK-47 rifle style shotgun, this shorter pistol uses any and all Saiga shotgun magazines, which include the 50-round drum mags.
So you can turn the Kalashnikov Komrad shotgun for sale into an absolute weapon of war. There are rails for all your tactical gear, a solid SB Tactical SBA3 pistol brace that you normally see on an AR pistol and that pistol grip up front are just special for a gun in this class.
There’s a
Upgrade to the 10-round shotgun magazines for sale from Kalashnikov USA and you have got real options with this gun. The short barrel turns serious buckshot into pure evil at close quarters, while slugs will be effective at anything like personal defense distances.
You will lose some of the top end range that you’ll get with the 18.5 inch barrel version. That’s inevitable, but you get an awful lot in return. This is a pretty unique weapon, it’s easily the best tactical shotgun on this list and it might usurp your AR pistol’s place in the home defense firearms collection.
This is the next generation shotgun, high technology in gunporn form. There really isn’t a more complete defensive shotgun out there right now. Get one…
2. Remington 870 DM
- Price: $259.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Pump Action
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 38.5 inch
- Weight: 7.10lb
- Capacity: 6+1
We don’t expect this insane price for the Remington 870DM Tactical to last long. That is $275 off the retail price and the best deal we have seen by a mile. Buy your
The pump action magazine shotgun war inevitably has come down to Mossberg vs Remington. For a long time, the Remington held the advantage thanks to the price.
Remington just kept undercutting the
The Remington’s other USP is that it can take either 2 3/4 inch or 3 inch shells. The Mossberg can only take the smaller shells and this does make the Remington more flexible in the field.
On the downside, the Remington can only take six shells in the mag and we’re waiting to see if this pump action shotgun with a a magazine gets a bigger box mag in the future.
The pistol grip, Picatinny rail and straigh
A SuperCell recoil pad helps soak up the impact on your shoulder and this is a great shotgun that is simply a Remington 870, with a mag. That makes it awesome in our eyes.
The Remington 870 pump-action shotgun is an icon. It has been with us since 1950 and although it has evolved, it has been basically the same shotgun since. Until now, when the Remington 870 Express has basically sprouted a mag.
The addition of a magazine changes the gun’s character, as well as it’s potential. This is a real tactical shotgun now, a shotgun that gives you options in the field. You can hunt with it, you can keep it loaded with slugs and by your door, you can use it for what you want.
It’s very clearly an 870 that has been modified with the grafted on mag receiver, and that’s good. It just needs a bigger mag and we are sure that is on the way.
3. Mossberg 590M Ghost Ring
- Price: $549.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Pump Action
- Barrel Length: 18.5″
- Total Length: 39.5″
- Weight: 7.75lb
- Capacity: 10+1 rounds / 20+1 Optional
The Mossberg 590M pump shotgun comes with an optional 20-round mag. Really, 20 rounds of 12 gauge venom and then you can pop in another mag and start firing again.
It also means you can load up an ammo belt with buckshot and slugs, so this tactical pump shotgun suddenly becomes a versatile gun as well. Fit a red dot, use the right slugs and this is a total
You can order the Mossberg 590M as a a real tactical shotgun, with ghost ring sights, a heat shield and collapsible AR-style stock.
In every form it is a
In my humble opinion,
It is also a simple
A simple pump action shotgun holds a lot of
Gun reviews have noted, though, that the 20-round mag is noticeably harder to rack. It isn’t smooth and it is hard work, so you might opt for the 10-round version of pure performance reasons. The mags are also expensive for this tactical pump 12 gauge shotgun.
The pump action shotgun itself was way more expensive than the Remington, too. Mossberg seems to have relented and we’re starting to see sensibly priced 590M. Now with this deal that gives you the ghost ring sights and much more menacing set-up than that base-level for a price that isn’t too far away, the Mossberg 590M is one of the best magazine-fed shotguns on sale in 2019.
The Mossberg 590 has been with us since 1960 and there’s a vast number of Mossberg parts and accessories. You can produce a fully custom Mossberg 590M, then, and turn this gun into something truly special.
A lightweight, AR tactical brace and pistol grip can turn your Mossberg 590 into a serious black synthetic warrior.
4. Kalashnikov KS-12T Tactical Shotgun
- Price: $1049.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi auto.
- Barrel Length: 18.25 inch
- Total Length: 38 inch
- Weight: 8.86lb
- Capacity: 10+1
If the shorter barrel version of this gun hadn’t won, this one would have. In a fairer world, Kalashnikov USA would have a one-two here, with the Kalashnikov KS-12T basically sharing the top step of the podium.
The
Kalashnikov was hit with a US import ban for a while, but Kalashnikov USA has solved that thorny issue with US-built firearms and you can now get an official Kalashnikov USA shotgun that looks like an AK-47 to the untrained eye. I mean why wouldn’t you want that?
The 10+1 magazine is just the cherry on the cake as far as we are concerned. You can also use Saiga parts & accessories on the Kalashnikov USA shotgun, including those infamous 50-round drum magazines.
If you’re looking for a semi automatic, mag-fed shotgun and you like a modern take on military history then this is about as good as guns get. You don’t need a sales pitch, this is really one of those ‘Shut up and take my money’ moments.
The modern collapsible black synthetic stock and handguard give this fresh look at the AK-47 the edge in my humble opinion, especially when combined with a traditional AK-47 lever action safety. This is a great looking shotgun that comes with enough rails to hang all your tactical gear off this assault shotgun and the pistol grip is perfectly situated.
It’s a rifle layout, whereas others have the folding stock, but don’t think you’ll be restricted to proprietary Kalashnikov parts. All the Saiga mags, drums, muzzle devices and more will slot straight on to this firearm and turn it into a semi-automatic weapon of war.
6. Mossberg 590M Shockwave
- Price: $554.01
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Pump Shotgun
- Barrel Length: 14.37″
- Total Length: 27.5″
- Weight: 6.55lb
- Capacity: 10+1 rounds / 20+1 Optional
Shockwave is Like a Sawn Off Shotgun With AR Capacity
The mag-fed Mossberg 590 Shockwave version is even more menacing in its own spectacular way. It’s a home defense Pitbull of a
Of
We love the 590M mag-fed Mossberg Shockwave pump action shotgun for that optional 20-round magazine.
But you might find yourself opting for the lighter 10-round magazine instead for a smoother, lightweight pump-action shotgun. If you do, then the Mossberg 590m mag-fed loses its decisive competitive advantage as a
Box Magazine vs Drum Magazine
The smaller detachable box magazines make it easier to swing and pivot the pump-action gun, though, so there’s always a trade-off. Shotgun shells are heavy and you will feel the difference between a slimline detachable box magazine and a clunky drum mag.
A box magazine fed shotgun has its advantages, then. It’s a very different kind of tactical shotgun and you have to decide if you would trust this gun with your life. I would, although there are other options with serious appeal.
The
That’s because the 590m mag-fed uses tried and trusted
It’s a compact, devastating firearm, as well as a mag fed shotgun. This is exactly the kind of weapon that could end a home invasion before it begins. It’s an intimidating gun that gives you the edge, as long as you have the capacity to back it up. With the magazine reload system, you really do.
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave magazine fed shotgun is a fussy eater. It will only take 2 ¾ inch shells, while the Remington happily spits and swallows 3” magnum shells.
Right now, you can only get a 6-round magazine for the Remington 870 DM, but it will shoot anything and the 20-round mag might be just round the corner.
The Mossberg is still a real contender with this capacity. Find the right ammo
Cheap 12 gauge shotgun shells at BrownellsC
7. Fostech Origin 12 Gauge
- Price: $2,900
- Capacity: 10+1/30+1 Round drum optional
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 36.25 inch
- Weight: 9.2lb
The FosTech Origin 12 is one of those rare weapons that started life as a gaming shotgun and actually turned into a winning recipe in the real world.
Yes the Fostech Origin 12 is expensive, but it’s an unbelievable shotgun and a modular system that gives you a variety of different weapons in one.
Go for an AR pistol style semi-auto shotgun that can mix it with the Kalashnikov, or go for the longer barrel and turn this into a 12 gauge slug firing marksman’s rifle.
The Fostech Origin 12 can do it all. And if you want the best mag fed shotguns in the world at any cost, you just might be looking at it.
8. EAA MKA 1919 Match Style
- Price: $449.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge ammo
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Total: 39.5 inch
- Capacity: 5+1
The MKA 1919 Match Style shotgun has achieved the seemingly impossible. It’s a well-proportioned Colt M4-style shotgun that doesn’t look completely ridiculous. In fact, it’s kind of nice.
EAA bills this as an out the box low budget competition shotgun. Features include an extended bolt release and mag release. You get two gas rings, the gun can take 3″ Magnum loads or 2 3/4 inch shells and shotgun slugs.
This is a solid 3-Gun Competition shotgun for less than $500. If that’s what you want, you don’t have a huge amount of options.
9. Remington 870 Tac-14 DM
- Price: $444.26
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Pump Shotgun
- Barrel Length: 14″
- Total Length: 26.3″
- Weight: 6lb
- Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
Remington 870 Tac-14 is Awesome
Remington has its own alternative to the Mossberg Shockwave in the Remington 870 Tac-14 DM pump-action shotgun. It’s compact, it looks like a
The
The gun just looks sexy, and the overall length of 26.3″ means it’s a compact firearm you can have fun with. It’s not quite a concealed carry shotgun, but it’s close.
And only the Remington 870 DM finishing so highly explains why the Remington 870 Tac-14 DM is all the way down here.
10. Rock Island Armory VR60
- Price: $429.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action:
Semi automatic - Barrel Length: 20″
- Total Length: 39″
- Weight: 7.4lb
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
Rock Island Armory and Armscor, it’s all basically the same thing with
With the 19 round extended magazine, it’s an absolute weapon of war when it needs to be as well. It also works as an entry-level 3-Gun shotgun.
There’s nothing fancy about the Armscor shotgun, or RIA VR60 shotgun in this form. All the furniture is basic polymer down to the
Apart from
11. Panzer Arms BP-12
- Price: $599.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 29.5 inch
- Capacity: 5+1
We are getting down into the new breed now, which you will either love or instantly dismiss as novelty shotguns. When you break it down, though, the Panzer Arms BP-12, that’s BullPup 12 Gauge, has a lot of positive features.
This is a compact shotgun, which nestles in the shoulder by design. The barrel is long enough to take it on a turkey shoot, although people might stare, and yet it’s one of the most intriguing shotguns here when it comes to
Put a red dot on that top rail and a strobe lamp and you’ve got more or less a home intruder’s worst nightmare. As defense shotguns go, it’s an almighty weapon out in the field, too, especially with larger 10-round mags that you can obviously source pretty easily. The fold-down iron sights that come with the Panzer Arms BP-12 shotgun are enough for pretty much all
That Picatinny rail could handle a full-on scope and with shotgun slugs tuned for long-distance shooting, you’ll find this shotgun can outperform an entry-level AR-15 when it comes to range and the payload at the far end. It’s a legit hunting weapon with 10+1 rounds at your disposal, Picatinny rails everywhere, a recoil pad and a form that basically makes sure your shooting technique is right. That’s got to work for some of you.
There are plenty of bullpup 12 gauge shotguns hitting the market right now and it’s really down to personal taste and your own brand allegiances rather than any real discernible difference. Panzer Arms has a solid rep at a sensible price point and this gun certainly looks the business, although we have to be honest we’re playing safe with our money and opting for the big names.
It’s our personal favorite of this new breed of bullpup shotguns, but we want to point out that there’s an element of personal bias.
12. Standard Manufacturing SKO Shorty
- Price: $559.49
- Capacity: 5+1/ 10+1 Rounds
- Barrel length: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 26 inch
- Weight: 7.14lb
The Standard Manufacturing SKO Shorty was a magazine fed shotgun before they were a thing. It’s an AR-style semi auto shotgun. What’s not to love?
In its time, this gun was really something, but the compact Kalashnikov USA, Remington and Mossberg shotguns have probably rendered the Standard Manufacturing SKO Shorty largely redundant.
That’s a shame, and if you like guns then you might just want one of these Standard Manufacturing shotguns for your firearms collection.
The receiver is machined from billet aluminum and the Standard Manufacturing was well know for cycling reliably thanks to the overengineering that went in to this AR pistol style shotgun.
13. EAA Akdal MKA 1923
- Price: $649.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi Auto
- Barrel Length: 20 inch
- Total Length: 29.5 inch
- Weight: 9.7lb
- Capacity: 5+1
This is one of many bullpup shotguns for sale in 2019 and it’s basically a clone of the IWI Tavor bullpup rifle layout, tweaked to take 12 gauge shells. The action and the mag sit behind the trigger and it’s a surprisingly fun, durable and solid shotgun.
There isn’t much innovation here and it is generic, but the EAA shotgun works and the layout means it’s great for home defense. It’s short enough to swing
The 5-round mags switch out for a 10-round alternative, which means it can mix it with the supposed big guns.
You can also get a solid grip on this black synthetic polymer frame with a rubber recoil pad. There’s a long rail for a red dot, iron rear sights and tower front that comes with the package or other
That fixed front sight is kinda fun, but we think we’d be looking for something more substantial in terms of a red dot.
It’s not the most prestigious shotgun here, but the bullpup mag-fed shotgun is showing just how to make friends and influence people with great reviews on gun sites and user reviews on the
14. SRM Arms M1216
- Price: $1,499
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi Auto
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 33.75 inch
- Weight: 7.75lb
- Capacity: 16+1
The four rotating tubes on the SRM Arms M1216 makes it look a little like the much more famous Tavor TS-12. But there’s another trick up this shotgun’s sleeve. As well as a 16+1 starting capacity, you can pop those four tubes out as one and replace it with another 16 rounds of buckshot.
That’s cool, but be under no illusion that this is as smooth as popping out a mag from a box mag shotgun. It really isn’t. But there’s a lot of trick-tech on this shotgun that we do like.
Like the Tavor TS-12a semi-automatic. So you rotate the tube into place and if there’s a shell in the pipe then it will load automatically. It’s a roller-delayed blowback firing system, much like the iconic HK SP5K, which isn’t a bad system to copy if you’re going looking for inspiration.
The synthetic stock and recoil pad work pretty well and this is a soft-shooting semi-automatic shotgun. The flip up sights are basically a hybrid of ghost rings and AR-15 irons. They work.
+
15. Panzer Arms AR-Twelve
- Price: $421.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action:
Semi Automatic - Barrel Length: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 39.75 inch
- Weight: 8.12lb
The Panzer Arms
This is a mongrel of a shotgun, but it also works pretty well as a tactical shotgun. The mag-fed shotgun aspect excites us, because we love the new wave of fast reloading shotguns, and it costs less than $400. So you really should get one.
Panzer Arms has a bullpup shotgun on sale and a growing line of rifles. The Turkish firearms manufacturer is making a name fast with great user reviews on online gun stores. The Panzer Arms AR-12 is a 12 gauge is hardly a new idea, but it really does work here as a functional shotgun for everything from home defense to shotgun hunting.
5. AA-12 Shotgun
- Price: $3000
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi-auto
- Barrel Length: 18″
- Total Length: 39″
- Weight: 11.4lb
- Capacity: 20+1 rounds / 32+1 Optional
This is basically an overgrown Uzi, according to the creators. There is almost no recoil on this gun, it comes with a massive capacity and it’s an absolute beast of a home defense system.
It comes with a 20-round drum mag, although 32-round drums are available. Put a red dot on it, and this would be a monster to have in your home, in modern semi-automatic form.
Originally, this was just for the special forces, which needed an automatic warrior for the increasing issues presented by urban warfare. That explains the basic black synthetic finish. Calling this a matte black synthetic stock is missing the point, the whole thing is one big plastic wedge.
As a SHTF, last line of defense, zombies are closing in kind of gun, I can’t think of a better one. Mag fed shotguns really could be the grim future. Up close, they’re AR-15 killers.
You can fit box magazines with a lower capacity if you don’t need the full fury of the drum mags, too.
It was a secret military weapon for many years, but Max Atchisson signed over the rights to this gun in 1987. Jerry Baber has refined the basic concept since then and finally the gun went on sale to the public this Summer. Kind of.
Every sale is limited to 1000 units and they’re going through Gunbroker. So you have to be on your toes to get one of these. if you do, you will simply love one of the best shotguns for sale in 2018. It’s a seriously expensive semi-auto shotgun, but it is basically Milspec.
You get a basic bullpup design that looks like someone made it at home, but that’s a simple polymer case for the serious welded metalwork underneath. It’s stainless steel, it doesn’t even need lubrication and it has been taken into action by some very serious fighting forces around the world.
The Russian fella got one too, and he thinks it’s even better than the Saiga thanks to the reduced recoil and the sheer stopping power of a 32-round shotgun.
Of course his is automatic, natch. But even in semi-auto shotgun form, the AA-12 is an almighty magazine fed shotgun that could make you rethink your home defense firearms collection..
16. MOLOT Vepr 12 Tactical
- Price: $899.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Barrel Length: 19″
- Overall Length: 38.5″
- Weight: 8.5lb
- Capacity: 5+1 / 8+1/ 10+1 optional
Long before Mossberg and Remington opted for box magazine shotgun options, the Eastern Bloc was making waves with the Saiga 12 semi-automatic shotgun.
Due to the vagaries of Russian copyright law, there are several variations of the basic AK 12 Gauge. The MOLOT Vepr 12 is one of the best.
This is AK functionality with 12 gauge shotgun horsepower.
It’s not just one of the best mag fed shotguns, it’s one of the best home defense shotgun for sale in 2019. It’s a tactical shotgun and then some.
You get a pistol grip, Picatinny rail, a folding stock and a 5+1 round mag that can easily be switched out for the 10+1 mags that can be found on the web. There are even 20-round drums, so it depends on exactly how much ass you need to kick at any given time.
It was designed around the AK basics, which means it’s tried and trusted technology and nobody tried to get too clever.
Check this one out, the crazy Russian has a fully automatic version of the Saiga-12. You will get the semi-auto shotgun, which does almost as good a job.
Now the gun is used in 3-gun competitions and it’s a star on Youtube. All the gun reviews are basically eulogies to the best semi auto shotgun in the world.
It is an assault shotgun, not just a magazine fed shotgun. You can even trust the bigger drum mags from these guys, as they’ve been around so long and they’ve just kept working on the basics.
Fit a drum mag and you can have 20 shells, with no pump action required. Bear in mind, burn through that in a home defense situation and you’ll remodel your own house in the process.
That is a serious weapon right there folks, and could make you think twice about grabbing for the AR-15.
It is also a seriously well-loved hunting shotgun, with the longer barrel, because it’s more or less an AK platform.
That means accessories fit, you can slap your red dot on top, you can tune your MOLOT Vepr 12 and there is even a cottage industry in custom parts and high-end firearms. It’s basically unique, but some have taken it to the next level.
You won’t get much change out of $4000 for a Lone Star Saiga 12 conversion, but it is an intense shotgun that shoots like nothing else.
You can find bullpup
It’s one of the best magazine fed semi-auto shotguns in the world. Get one.
Check Out These Other Awesome Shotguns on Sale
These are cool guns, but by definition you won’t get all the top shotguns in a post devoted to shotgun magazines.
So if you’re looking for Benelli shotguns, Smith & Wesson shotguns or hunting shotguns, well you’re shit out of luck here. But we want to make you happy too. We’re people pleasers, if anything. We’re working on it…
But here are some other posts where you will find your Smith & Wesson,
This falls short not calling out the actions of each gun. Some are pump , some are semi auto. A very big difference to some and especially in comparison to each other when considering price.
I can take that on the chin and I’ll add it in to the spec list. I have to do a bit of work on that piece anyway, but I also have others on the best semi-auto tactical shotguns, so I’m trying to do a general post like this, then drill down. But you’re right, I can highlight that difference here too.
I’m surprised the RIA VR80 isn’t on this list. All great guns though.
You know I keep meaning to put it in there. I think I even started once. It’s on the never ending list of things to do! I still don’t think it threatens the big guns, but it deserves a place somewhere.
Price on the 590’s are cheap because the clips are ludicrous. Plan on a c-note+ for any capacity. Each.
Yep it’s a fair point, and another reason why Mossberg is losing the price war. It’s a good looking thing and I am kind of drawn to it, but the numbers keep giving this one to Remington!
What about the panzer arms ar12? No love?
There will be, it’s like all these things, we do it in terms of priority and we’re constantly adding when questions like yours come in. We kind of respond to what you want. So it will go in, but I don’t think it’s a number one contender if I am honest!
No Fosstech Origin 12? Granted they have stopped accepting new orders for these as Fosstech is a small company and they already have more orders than they can fill this year. …however it HAS been sold in 2019 and many people have been getting them.
Funnily enough it is on my other big list of high capacity shotguns you can find here. https://www.usa-gun-shop.com/7-badass-tactical-shotguns-for-home-defense-mag-capacity/
I wasn’t convinced enough by the project to put it everywhere, but I’m happy to hear from people actually getting their guns. I might put it in there now and thanks for the input!
First, great list. If was fun an informative. I was a bit surprised, but assumed the Origin 12 omission was due to the price.
It is just a blast to shoot. Very reliable, and the adjustable gas system makes it easy to tune to the load. It’s also fast…I mean, really fast. Even trying, I’ve not been able to outrun it. It’s a really great fun, but I find myself intrigued by the Komrade.
You know I wasn’t 100% sure on availability. It is crazy expensive, but I’m actually not averse to that. It’s up to you what you want to pay after all and the price is there clear as day. I just wasn’t sure they were still shipping them. But will check it out! Thanks for the feedback and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!