Last Updated September 6th 2023
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Winners at a Glance
The Benelli M1014 is the best semi auto tactical shotgun, but it faces some seriously stiff competition. Check the highlights here.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Benelli M1014 Tactical |
| Best Price |
 | Kalashnikov KS-12T |
| Best Price |
 | Tavor TS-12 |
| Best Price |
 | Black Aces Tactical Pro M |
| Best Price |
 | ATI Bulldog |
| Best Price |
 | Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol |
| Best Price |
Introduction
There are few sexier weapons than the 12 Gauge Semi-Automatic Tactical shotgun.
Why? Because it’s a weapon of war.
It’s not a hunter, or a gatherer. This is not a toy for clay pigeons. It’s an assault shotgun designed for close quarters combat.
The semi-automatic shotgun has lethal intent and is destined for serious stuff like home defense…
Shotgun Mag Capacity is a Problem
Of course, even the best semi-automatic shotguns always face that one big problem: capacity.
There are a couple of novel solutions to that dilemma on this list. But even with limited shells, they’re still absolute beasts of home defense shotguns.
Modern slugs give you real options to traditional buckshot and we think these are some of the best guns on the open market.
So, what are the best Semi Auto Tactical Shotguns for sale in 2023? The classic Benelli M4 Tactical is still the champion, but we have some left-field options for you here too.
1. Benelli M4 Tactical (M1014)
- Price: $1,995.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inches
- Total length: 40 inches
- Weight: 7.8lb
- Capacity: 5+1/ 7+1 with extension tube.
Overall Winner
Price: 2/5 Reliability: 5/5 Capacity: 2/5 Prestige: 5/5
On a technical level, we don’t think the Benelli M4 actually belongs here, this high up the list, anymore. There are simply better, more tactical options.
So if you’re looking for pure performance, keep scrolling down for added capacity and fast reloads.
If you want the benchmark, though, the tried and trusted 12 gauge semi auto tactical shotguns that are also an absolute work of lethal art, then the Benelli M4 is still the daddy.
So there’s a certain respect for tradition that has gone into this list, as well as just an objective look at the firepower.
Tech Highlights
The self-cleaning, Auto Regulating Gas Operated ARGO piston gas system is just stellar.
You will need the mag extension tube, in fact if you’re going for the best tactical shotgun then I have assumed you would. But it’s still 7+1 and that makes me nervous. You’d need a sidearm, or an AR pistol as a back-up. Unless you’re super awesome with quad loading, of course…
The elephant in the room with the Benelli M4 is always going to be capacity for an assault shotgun.
When we get mag-fed guns from Benelli, then I think we’ll have the best home defense shotgun in the world by a comfortable margin.
Even without one, the Benelli M4 is still arguably the best 12 gauge
It is still the chosen one for the US Marine Corps and many other elite fighting forces and law enforcement agencies. So who are we to say this isn’t the best home defense firearm?
2. Kalashnikov KS-12T Shotgun
- Price: $991.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Barrel length: 18.25 inch
- Total Length: 38 inch
- Weight: 8.86lb
- Capacity: 10+1
Best AK/AR Style Shotgun
Price: 4/5 Reliability: 4/5 Capacity: 5/5 Prestige: 3/5
This is a modern sporting rifle spitting out shells from a detachable box magazine you can change in a second. It takes drum mags, you can have 50 rounds and the Kalashnikov KS-12T will turn you into a one man wrecking crew.
This is an update on the classic AK-47 design, with a collapsible AR-15 style stock, proper grip and Picatinny rails giving a quad rail
With some serious slugs or other heavyweight combat shotgun shells, this mag-fed shotgun could be a monster.
It comes loaded with 10 rounds and you can pop out a mag and start firing again in under half a second. Inevitably, it’s a gas-operated system and could provide the best home defense.
3. IWI Tavor TS12
- Price: $1,385.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Total: 28.75 inches
- Weight: 8.85lb
- Capacity: 15+1
Best High Capacity Shotgun
Price: 3/5 Reliability: 2/5 Capacity: 5/5 Prestige: 3/5
We love the IWI Tavor TS12, and now, seriously, you can buy one. We thought it was never coming too, but you can.
It’s an evil looking shotgun isn’t it? And while some of you will be seriously questioning my sanity, and maybe my parentage, in its own way this is tactical as f**k.
The Best Shotgun With 25 Rounds
You get 15 shells, five in each of three tubes. Rotate the tube, the next shell finds its way to the chamber and you’re ready to go again. With mini-shells, which might work, you could have up to 25 rounds on tap.
It makes the Tavor TS-12 one of our favorite high-capacity shotguns out there.
That mag is fixed in place and can’t be switched out for a full one. There is a loading tube at the rear and you can load one and fire. But basically once you’ve let loose with those 15 rounds, you’ve got an issue.
But when was the last time you actually did need more than 15 shells for a self-defense situation?
There is a left handed conversion kit, which will make a small proportion of you happy. And it does come in a fetching Flat Dark Earth and Drab Olive Green, if you want to step away from the stock black finish.
4. Black Aces Tactical Pro Series M
- Price: $229.99+
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Total Length: 38.75 inch
- Weight: 8lb
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
Best Low Budget Shotgun
Price: 5/5 Reliability: 4/5 Capacity: 3/5 Prestige: 1/5
Black Aces Tactical made third party magazine fed custom shotguns, before the big boys started to make their own.
Now, the company has refined the product and made a cost effective alternative to the Mossbergs and Remingtons of this world with the Black Aces Tactical Pro Series magazine fed shotgun…
This tactical shotgun gets a billet aluminum receiver, an AR style lever action safety. it also gets a seriously attractive price tag for a mag shotgun.
With ghost ring sights up top, or a red dot sight, this could be a very special semi auto shotgun.
Now Black Aces Tactical has a full range of shotguns, from pump shotguns through to the Black Aces Tactical Pro Series semi autos and bullpups.
5. Rock Island Armory VR60
- Price: $415.99
- Barrel length: 20 inch
- Total Length: 39 inch
- Weight: 7.4lb
This is quite clearly a rebranded Armscor. RIA hasn’t even changed the name of the VR60 and this is really a slightly more Colt M4 looking version.
That’s fine, as this is a solid addition to the list.
You might like the homage to the old-school Colts with the carry handle up top and a vague profile that fits the American hero.
That might be enough to swing it in favor of these semi-automatic shotguns for sale. The 5+1 OEM mag switches out for another high-capacity magazine. You get proper adjustable choke tubes in the clumsy handguard, with an adjustable choke to accommodate different loads.
6. ATI Bulldog SGA
- Price: $402.99
- Action:12 gauge Semi Auto Shotgun
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Total: 29.5 inch
- Weight: 7.75lb
- Capacity: 5+1
American Tactical Imports cherry picks the world’s finest firearms, at a certain price point, and then imports them to the United States under the ATI badge.
They include the majestic plastic AR-15 for $500 and the GSG Firefly 22 pistol. a plastic AR15 rife and they also import the GSG Firefly.
Now ATI has brought one of the best 12 gauge shotguns on sale. If you organize the price low to high and don’t go above about $400. That’s OK, lots of people want a cheap shotgun with skills.
It’s also easy to switch the ambidextrous controls for left handed shooters too.
7. Benelli M2 Tactical
- Price: $1,299.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch
- Total: 39 inches
- Weight: 6.7lb
- Capacity: 5+1
What’s the main difference in your hands when it comes to the Benelli M2 vs M4? Weight…
There are other critical differences, that contribute to the significant price difference. But for most of us thisl is all the 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun we will really ever need. And it’s more than 1lb lighter.
The gas operated M4 vs inertia driven M2 is the discussion you’re really having there, and the inertia system is tried, tested and trusted around the world.
You can opt for the best selling Benelli Super Black Eagle, too, if you want a versatile hunting shotgun. But the M2 with ghost ring sights is more versatile than the Benelli Super Black Eagle. Much more versatile, but this is the best home defense…
8. Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical
- Price: $948.99
- Barrel length: 18.5 inch
- Total: 39 inches
- Weight: 7.5lb
- Capacity: 7+1
If you’re on a budget, these are some of the top rated traditional tac semiautomatic shotguns with the pistol grip and proper stock. It’s a bargain in this company.
Here the best selling Mossberg 940 Pro comes with a full length stock, you can then fit ghost ring sights at the rear on the Picatinny rail and an M16 fiber optic front sight. Aside from that, 7+1 is a solid capacity and actually gives it the edge over far more expensive offerings.
Mossberg does have a stellar reputation for reliability and LEOs all round the country rely on a Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical as their duty shotgun and home defense shotgun.
9. EAA Girsan MC312 Sport
- Price: $599.99
- Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Barrel length: 24 inch
- Weight: 6.75lb
- Capacity: 5+1
EAA has won our hearts and minds with a wide range of imported pistols and they’ve managed to find another winner with this 12 gauge semi auto shotgun that combines the best tactical, sport and turkey gun components.
EAA is also confident in this gun’s abilities. The company is marketing this 12 gauge shotgun with a 24 inch barrel as a cut price competition shotgun. Is it? Time will tell…
10. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol
- Price: $1,062.99
- Barrel length: 19.1 inch
- Weight: 7.1lb
- Capacity: 7+1
This Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun is probably the prettiest 12 gauge shotgun in the Beretta line-up. But the A300 Ultima Patrol is the best-seller in the line-up for good reasons.
It is relatively high capacity, the A300 Ultima Patrol is competitively priced and it’s a great shotgun for the money.
So if you’re looking for the all-round best shotgun, and don’t quite have Benelli money, this might just be the best gun for you. Especially with the ghost ring sights set up.
The Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun is still a beautiful gun, but this is probably the more complete 12 gauge shotgun. But if you have a little more money, we can’t really argue with anybody that spends the extra on the Beretta 1301 Tactical that might be best for home defense.
11. Tokarev TBP
- Price: $279.99
- Barrel: 18.5
- Weight: 7.8lb
- Capacity: 5+1
The Tokarev TBP is one of those budget bullpup semi auto shotguns that is basically a cheaper version of bigger names you’ve seen before.
It’s turning into a popular shotgun, which generally means it’s a good combat shotgun.
The Tokarev TAR is another option you might want to take a look at. The Tokarev TAR is a cheap AR-style tactical shotgun that costs less than $300 and could be your first choice of home defense shotguns.
Get a fiber optic front sight on there, or a red dot, and you’ve got a real home defense weapon here.
12. SDS Imports Radikal
- Price: $503.99
- Barrel: 19
- Weight: 8.5lb
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
The SDS Imports Radikal MKX3 is an aggressive looking combat shotgun, right?
It’s a slightly overdone AR style semi automatic shotgun with all the bells and whistles in terms of aesthetics.
SDS Imports features on our cheap 1911 pistols list too, and basically they focus on fun, affordable firearms.
That generally works pretty well with semi auto shotguns.
13. Charles Daly AR12S
- Price: $360.99
- Barrel: 18.9 inch
- Total: 38.75 inch
- Weight: 8.5lb
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
This is a pretty generic matte black AR layout shotgun, to be honest, and we think the company makes some interesting magazine fed shotguns.
But this is a good price for a solid combat shotgun with a lookalike fixed stock and all the 12 gauge goodness underneath a matte black plastic shroud.
This is a perfectly solid choice that shouldn’t give you any surprises. And we like the price.
14. Citadel Boss 25
- Price: $362.99
- Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel: 18.75 inch
- Total Length: 41 inch
- Weight: 6.5lb
The Citadel Boss was one of the pioneers of the AR-12 and it has stood the test of time well.
You won’t find too many surprises here. It’s a little plasticky and yet this is a reliable shotgun with detachable box mags. There’s a little adjustability in the stock and a barrel shroud and faux compensator that might make it look like a custom rifle, from a distance, if you squint.
And it’s cheap.
So yeah, we like these semi auto shotguns and if you’re looking for that kind of home defense.
15. Panzer Arms BP12 Gen2
- Price: $804.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch barrel
- Total Length: 39.75 inch
- Weight: 8.12lb
The Panzer semi automatic shotgun is pretty deep into gimmick territory if you want to take the cynical approach.
It’s a basic bullpup semi automatic shotgun without some of the more important features if you’re being kind and that makes it a pretty good start as mag fed semi-auto shotguns go.
You get a stock black polymer finish, a meaty pistol grip and a butt pad for the recoil.
Panzer has an AR style shotgun on sale, too. The Turkish firearms manufacturer is making a name for itself with solid feedback and great user reviews on online gun stores for cheap home defense weapons.
This mag fed semi-auto shotgun resembles a Colt M4 AR-15 and that is hardly a new idea, but it really does work here as a functional semi-automatic shotgun for everything from defensive duties to bizarre tactical hunting shotgun.
I would love to see someone pull this 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun out at a field sport event too.
Check out more of the best bullpup shotguns here.
16. Fostech Origin 12
- Price: $3,134.99
- Capacity: 10+1/30+1 Round drum optional
- Barrel: 18.5 inch barrel
- Total Length: 36.25 inch
- Weight: 9.2lb
It looks crazy, the price is crazy and the back story is crazy. But everybody that has shot the Fostech Origin 12 comes away saying the same thing. This gun is the real deal.
You can choose the longer shotgun or a shorter AR-pistol type layout, or AK pistol if we’re being precise. It offers a wide range of configurations. Get red dot sights up there and this thing is amazing.
The high price, high spec Fostech is heavy. But it’s a beast of a weapon and the world’s fastest and arguably best tactical shotgun…
17. SRM Arms M1228
- Price: $1,679.99
- Barrel: 18.5 inch barrel
- Total: 33.75 inch
- Capacity: 28+1 rounds
No, seriously, 28+1 12-gauge shotgun rounds, with a slight catch. It’s a novel approach, but you have to say it ticks most the boxes.
This bullpup shotgun is built around the Aguila mini-shell shotgun ammo, so it doesn’t carry that many 3 inch slugs. That’s a limitation, we’re not going to lie and that and other reasons mean it is not the best for home defense.
But the payoff is that you get 28+1 rounds in those four-tubes, seven in each tube in that clever rotary magazine.
So you keep hold of the pistol grip stock and you should be able to obliterate anything that was in front of you with this bullpup shotgun in Flat Dark Earth or matte black.
Honorable Mentions…
When we get time, we might go further into these guns, but for now we just don’t think you want us to think we’ve forgotten the likes of the Smith & Wesson M&P12 pump action shotgun.
That’s a potentially awesome gun, with some teething issues, and it’s a pump action shotgun.
Typhoon Defense is another one creeping up the rail with a series of interesting semi-automatic shotguns. Next time round we’ll include them…
The Century Arms BP-12 is another bullpup that looks the part. They make a lot of cool stuff, too, including the Draco Gun.
What About the Kel Tec KSG?
It obviously doesn’t fit here, but we’re fond of the best high capacity Kel Tec KSG pump action shotgun too.
You can get the twin tube magazine Kel Tec KSG best sellers or the lesser known single tube Kel Tec KS7.
We have other list for pump action shotgun choices, of course we do, you can find the pump shotguns here:
But that’s a pump shotgun, and this isn’t a pump shotgun list…
Where to Buy 12 Gauge Ammo
The price of 12 gauge shotgun ammo is rising, and things like copper prices are having a big time effect. Handgun ammo, rifle ammo, reloading supplies, optics, scopes, it’s all up. But there are still places to get bargain shotgun shells…
Our favorite suppliers include Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide and Lucky Gunner…
- Palmetto State Armory – Discount shotgun slugs and buckshot.
- Sportsman’s Guide – Great deals on ammo, rifle ammo, handgun ammo.
- Brownells – Budget through to elite shotgun ammunition, rifle ammo etc.
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Have a look at some of these posts for the best of the best, new arrivals, and the cheapest of the cheap. We do that sometimes too, but they’re still the best cheap guns and home defense shotguns we can find…
Again Palmetto State Armory is a great store for guns and parts, so check out Palmetto State Armory daily deals and more in these lists.
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Really great article!
Thank you very much!