Last updated and checked November 7, 2026 · By Nick Hall, an SBS owner who has done NFA Form 1 builds and factory SBS transfers
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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: The Mossberg 590 Shockwave is the best short barrel shotgun for most buyers, from $459.99 on Nov 7, 2026. It has a 14.375-inch barrel, is 26.37 inches overall and is sold as a non-NFA firearm, so there is no stamp and no stock. If you want a true short-barreled shotgun with a stock, the Mossberg 590A1 14-inch is our pick, from $829.99. The PTR Jack is the AOW you can buy today, the Rock Island VRF14 is the cheapest at $249.99, and the 590M Shockwave, from $539.99, is the one for detachable magazines.
Short barrel shotguns aren’t the most versatile guns you can own, and they aren’t the easiest to shoot. But a 14-inch pump is a great home defense gun in a tight house, and it’s good old-fashioned fun at the range.
Most of the guns here are built to sit just outside the National Firearms Act. They’re sold as plain “firearms” with no stock. That changed in October 2026, when ATF stopped enforcing the approval and registration rules for true short-barreled shotguns, so now a lot of you are shopping for the real thing. This list covers both, and every pick says which legal class it’s in.
Our overall pick is still the Mossberg 590 Shockwave. For a stocked SBS, it’s the Mossberg 590A1 with a 14-inch barrel. Read how we review and compare guns.
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
What Is a Short Barrel Shotgun? SBS vs AOW vs Non-NFA Firearm
Disclaimer: We are gun experts, not lawyers. This isn’t legal advice, and you should check your local laws before buying.
“Short barrel shotgun” covers four kinds of gun, and the law treats them differently. Know which one you’re buying before you add it to the cart. For the background, see our National Firearms Act explainer.
- Short-barreled shotgun, or SBS: a shoulder-fired shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, or under 26 inches overall. It’s still an NFA item. The federal tax has been $0 since January 1, 2026, and since October 9, 2026 ATF has not been enforcing the approval and registration requirements, as a matter of enforcement discretion. See what changed.
- Any Other Weapon, or AOW: a short, stockless smoothbore like the Serbu Super Shorty or the PTR Jack. Also an NFA item, and also covered by ATF’s October 9 non-enforcement.
- “Firearm,” with no NFA status: guns like the Mossberg 590 Shockwave and Remington TAC-14. They have a 14 inch barrel, but they leave the factory with no stock, only a bird’s-head pistol grip, and they’re at least 26 inches overall. Federal law doesn’t call them shotguns at all, so no stamp. State law is a separate question.
- Compact standard shotguns: bullpups like the Kel-Tec KSG and short guns like the Beretta 1301 keep an 18.5-inch barrel. They’re ordinary shotguns, and a bullpup is about the same length as a Shockwave.
| Type | Example | Barrel | Federal status in November 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm | Shockwave, TAC-14, VRF14, Mafteah | About 14 inches | Not an NFA item if 26 inches or more overall and never fitted with a stock |
| Short-barreled shotgun | Mossberg 590A1 14″, Gen-12 SBS, Benelli M4 Entry | Under 18 inches, with a stock | NFA item: $0 tax; approval and registration not enforced for now; Form 20 before interstate travel |
| Any Other Weapon | Serbu Super Shorty, PTR Jack | Very short, no stock | NFA item: $0 tax; approval and registration not enforced for now |
| Standard shotgun | KSG, KS7, M4 Tactical, 1301 | 18 inches or more | Not an NFA item |
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Best Short Barrel Shotguns in 2026 at a Glance
| Pick | Legal class | Best For | From (Nov 7, 2026) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Mossberg 590 Shockwave | Firearm | The compact 12 gauge to buy first | $459.99 | Price ↓ |
| 2. Mossberg 590A1 14-Inch SBS | SBS | A stocked 14-inch pump, now with no approval wait | $829.99 | Price ↓ |
| 3. Genesis Arms Gen-12 SBS | SBS | Magazine-fed semi-auto SBS | $2,184.99 used | Price ↓ |
| 4. PTR The Jack | AOW | The short AOW pump you can order | $884.24 | Price ↓ |
| 5. Serbu Super Shorty | AOW | The shortest 12 gauge pump, 16.5 inches | Small batches from Serbu | Price ↓ |
| 6. Remington 870 TAC-14 | Firearm | Steel receiver, takes 3 inch shells | $486.99 | Price ↓ |
| 7. Mossberg 590M Shockwave | Firearm | Pump with detachable 10-round magazines | $539.99 | Price ↓ |
| 8. IWI Mafteah | Firearm | Recoil-operated semi-auto, 14 inch barrel | $799 | Price ↓ |
| 9. Rock Island Armory VRF14 | Firearm | Pistol grip, rail and box magazines, cheapest here | $249.99 | Price ↓ |
| 10. Mossberg 590 Shockwave JIC | Firearm | Stainless Shockwave for a truck or boat | $579.99 | Price ↓ |
| 11. Black Aces Tactical Pro Series S | Firearm | Tube-fed semi-auto in a Shockwave layout | $489.99 | Price ↓ |
| 12. Henry Axe | Firearm | Lever action .410, and pure fun | $887.99 | Price ↓ |
How We Ranked These
#1 is the gun we’d tell most people to buy. #2 to #5 are the true short-barreled shotguns and AOWs, ranked against each other, because since October 9 that’s what a lot of you are searching for. #6 to #12 are the rest of the 14-inch “firearms,” ranked on how well they shoot, how reliable they are and what they cost. Prices are the lowest new price in each card on the date above, except the Gen-12, which is mostly sold used.
Which Short Shotgun Should You Buy?
| If you want | Buy this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One short 12 gauge, no paperwork | Mossberg 590 Shockwave | The simple, proven pump, and not an NFA item |
| A true short-barreled gun with a stock | Mossberg 590A1 14-inch SBS, or a stocked Shockwave | Real SBS. Read the rules below first |
| The smallest 12 gauge you can buy | PTR The Jack or Serbu Super Shorty | AOWs, both under 18 inches overall |
| A steel-receiver pump | Remington 870 TAC-14 | 870 action with 3 inch shells |
| Detachable magazines in a pump | Mossberg 590M Shockwave | 10-round magazines from the factory |
| A semi-auto with no paperwork | IWI Mafteah or Rock Island VRF14 | Recoil-operated and light, or the lowest price |
| The least recoil | Mossberg 590 Shockwave in 20 gauge or .410 | Same layout with far milder shells |
| Full barrel in a short package | Kel-Tec KSG or KS7 | 18.5 inch barrel at about Shockwave length |
| The most reliable semi-auto | Beretta 1301 Tactical | Compact, fast, and an 18.5 inch barrel |
1. Mossberg 590 Shockwave: Best 14-Inch Shotgun (No NFA Paperwork)
- Legal class: Firearm (non-NFA)
- Action: Pump
- Barrel Length: 14.375 inches
- Overall Length: 26.37 inches
- Capacity: 5+1 with 2.75 inch shells, 4+1 with 3 inch; the 590S holds 8+1 with 1.75 inch minishells
- Weight: 5.25 lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Pros
- No NFA paperwork federally
- Mossberg reliability
- Dual extractors, twin action bars
Cons
- Takes practice to shoot well
- Punishing with full-power buckshot
- Only 5+1 with standard shells
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave is the compact 12 gauge pump most people should buy first. It started this whole category in 2017.
With a bird’s head grip and a shorter barrel, this 12 gauge pump is built for narrow hallways and tight spaces, which makes it a popular shotgun for home defense.
By fitting a Raptor bird’s head grip instead of a stock, Mossberg built a gun that sits outside the NFA. It isn’t a pistol and it isn’t a long gun. It’s simply a “firearm.” If you want an actual handgun-format shotgun, like the Taurus Judge, S&W Governor or a Bond Arms derringer, see our best shotgun pistols guide.
The “S” model, the 590S, is the one we’d pay extra for. Its redesigned elevator cycles 1.75-inch minishells, 2.75-inch standard shells and 3-inch magnums without an adapter, and minishells take it to 8+1. It costs more, from $468.02 in the card below against $459.99 for the standard gun. Read our Mossberg 590S review.
Why we picked it: In a tight house it’s about as handy as a 12 gauge gets. It stores anywhere, hits hard, and needs no federal paperwork. The heavy-walled barrel and dual extractors make it tough. Just remember to keep two hands on it, because a bird’s-head grip is not a steady platform.
The Mossberg 590M at #7 is the box-magazine version, and the Mossberg 990 Aftershock is the semi-auto. If you want a stock and a metal trigger guard and safety, the Mossberg 590A1 at #2 is the one. There’s a lot of choice at Mossberg; see our best Mossberg shotguns and best pump-action shotguns.
Best For: A first short 12 gauge for home defense, a truck gun, or anyone who wants a 14-inch pump with no NFA paperwork.
Best True Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBS) You Can Buy Now
Since October 9, 2026, ATF hasn’t been enforcing the approval and registration rules for short-barreled shotguns and AOWs, and the tax has been $0 since January 1. So a factory SBS is now something you can walk into a gun shop and buy, and that’s what most people searching “short barrel shotgun” want now. Two catches come first: your state law still applies, and ATF still wants a Form 20 before you take an SBS across state lines. The steps are in How to Buy a Short-Barreled Shotgun below.
| Gun | Legal class | Barrel | Can you buy one? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mossberg 590A1 14″ | SBS | 14 inches | Yes, from dealers who carry NFA guns |
| Genesis Gen-12 SBS | SBS | 7 or 10.5 inches | Mostly used, and hard to find |
| PTR The Jack | AOW, or SBS in the FS version | 7.25 inches | Yes |
| Serbu Super Shorty | AOW | 6.5 inches | From Serbu, in small batches |
| Benelli M4 Entry | SBS | 14 inches | Sold mainly to law enforcement; the one listing we found was for qualified professionals only |
| Stocked Shockwave or TAC-14 | SBS once the stock goes on | About 14 inches | Yes, but read Stocking a Shockwave first |
The Benelli M4 Entry is the 14-inch version of a gun we like a lot, but Benelli sells it mainly to law enforcement. One store lists it as a law enforcement product, and another marks it “QP Only,” for qualified professionals. So we don’t rank it, and we don’t quote its police price as if you could pay it.
2. Mossberg 590A1 14-Inch SBS: Best True Short-Barreled Shotgun
- Legal class: Short-barreled shotgun (SBS, NFA item)
- Action: Pump
- Barrel Length: 14 inches, heavy-walled
- Overall Length: 33.75 inches
- Capacity: 5+1
- Weight: 6.75 lb
- Finish: Parkerized
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 3.5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- A real stock, so it shoulders
- Metal trigger guard and safety
- MIL-SPEC 590A1 build
Cons
- Seven inches longer than a Shockwave
- Few dealers stock it
- Form 20 before crossing state lines
This is the gun most people mean when they say “short barrel shotgun” now. It’s a Mossberg 590A1 with the barrel cut to 14 inches at the factory and a real stock, so you shoulder it like any other pump and aim it instead of guessing from the hip. Mossberg calls its 14-inch Class III model, 51689, an “NFA/Class 3 Short Barreled Shotgun” built to 590A1 MIL-SPEC standards, and lists it at $910.
The 590A1 receiver is aluminum, like every 590, but the trigger guard and safety are metal and the barrel is the heavy-walled one. It’s built to the same MIL-SPEC as the military 590A1, just shorter. Read our Mossberg 590A1 review and Mossberg 590 vs 590A1.
The card had it from $829.99, and the cheapest listing has ghost ring sights. Fewer stores carry it than carry a Shockwave, because until October every sale needed ATF approval before the dealer could hand it over. That approval isn’t being enforced now, and more dealers should stock it as ATF writes its new process.
The catch is the paperwork that’s still there. File a Form 20 before you drive it across state lines, and check your state first, because some states still ban short-barreled shotguns outright.
Best For: Anyone who wants a stocked, short 12 gauge they can aim properly, and lives in a state that allows an SBS.
3. Genesis Arms Gen-12 SBS: Best Semi-Auto SBS
- Legal class: Short-barreled shotgun (SBS, NFA item) with the stock fitted; a stockless 10.5-inch version is sold as a non-NFA “other firearm”
- Action: Semi-auto, short recoil
- Barrel Length: 7 or 10.5 inches
- Overall Length: Not published by Genesis; it depends on the barrel and stock
- Capacity: 5 or 10-round box mags, 15-round drums
- Weight: About 7.4 to 8.4 lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 1/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Pros
- Very fast cycling, per Genesis
- Starred in John Wick 4
- AR-style controls
Cons
- Costs over $2,000
- Hard to find new
- Used listings are often all there is
Price note: new Gen-12s rarely reach the retailers we track, so this card shows used listings when that is all there is. Used listings don’t always say which barrel or stock a gun has, so check before you buy.
For the full hands-on, see our full Genesis Arms Gen-12 review.
Most mag fed shotguns are cheap imports that need the right ammo and some patience. The Genesis Gen-12 is different. It uses a short-recoil system based on the AR-10 platform, with no gas tube or piston.
Stores sell the short Gen-12 two ways: as a stocked short-barreled shotgun, listed as the SBM or SBS with a 7 or 10.5-inch barrel, and as a stockless 10.5-inch gun classed as a non-NFA “other firearm.” The one we rank here is the stocked SBS, because that’s the version you can now buy without waiting on ATF.
This is the semi-automatic shotgun that John Wick loaded up with Dragon’s Breath shells in John Wick 4. Genesis says they’re the fastest-cycling semi-auto shotguns in the world, and they need to be at this price.
You can save a little by fitting the upper to a standard DPMS Gen 1 AR-10 lower, and put a red dot up top. The 10.5 inch barrel is a little less fiery and easier to control than the 7. These recoil-operated semi-autos will work for home defense, but it’s the most expensive gun here by a long way, and the only one that feels like a different category.
Best For: Shooters who want the fastest magazine-fed 12 gauge there is and don’t mind paying for it, or hunting for a used one.
4. PTR The Jack: Best AOW You Can Buy Today
- Legal class: Any Other Weapon (AOW, NFA item); the Jack SBS FS with a stock is an SBS
- Action: Pump
- Barrel Length: 7.25 inches
- Overall Length: 17 inches
- Capacity: 2+1
- Weight: 4.4 lb
- Safety: Cross-bolt
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 3/5 | 1.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
Pros
- Smaller than any non-NFA shotgun
- In stock at real retailers
- AOW, approval not enforced
Cons
- Only 2+1
- Stout recoil from this size
- State law may ban AOWs
PTR’s Jack is the short pump you can actually order today. The AOW version has no stock and holds two in the tube and one in the chamber, and it listed from $884.24 in the card. PTR also makes the Jack SBS FS, a stocked version with a 7.25-inch barrel, which makes it a short-barreled shotgun instead. Read our news story on the PTR Jack SBS shotgun.
An AOW is still an NFA item, but ATF’s October 9 non-enforcement covers AOWs too, and unlike an SBS it doesn’t need a Form 20 to cross state lines. The tax is $0. Your state is another matter, so check it first.
Two plus one isn’t much, and a gun this small kicks hard with full loads. Hold it firmly with both hands, push forward on the forend and pull back on the grip, and practice with light shells before you trust it.
Best For: Anyone who wants the smallest pump 12 gauge they can buy now without a waitlist.
5. Serbu Super Shorty: Shortest Shotgun You Can Buy (AOW)
- Legal class: Any Other Weapon (AOW, NFA item)
- Overall Length: 16.5 inches
- Barrel Length: 6.5 inches
- Weight: About 4 to 4.5 lbs, unloaded
- Action: Pump-action
- Capacity: 2+1 rounds, 12 gauge, 2¾ or 3 inch shells
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 1.5/5 | 1/5 | 5/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
Pros
- Shortest 12 gauge pump made
- AOW, approval not enforced
- The original shorty shotgun
Cons
- Small batches, expect a wait
- Only 2+1
- Kicks like a mule
The Serbu Super Shorty stopped production in 2022 and came back in late 2026: Serbu announced its first new batch of about 25 guns in October. None of the retailers we track had one on Nov 7, 2026, and Serbu’s web store had no listing for it, so ask your dealer or contact Serbu directly and expect a wait. It’s built on a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/Maverick 88 receiver and comes in at just 16.5 inches overall. It’s made without a shoulder stock and classified as an Any Other Weapon, not an SBS.
It holds two shells in the tube and one in the chamber, and that’s about all the mercy you’re going to get. It’s light, it kicks like a mule, and you won’t find a much smaller 12 gauge pump.
Ridiculous? Yes. But it’s also the original shorty shotgun and one of the most entertaining pump action shotguns ever made.
Best For: Collectors and anyone who wants the shortest 12 gauge pump ever made, and can wait for one.
Best 14-Inch Shotguns With No NFA Paperwork
Everything from here to #12 is a non-NFA “firearm”: no stock, a 14 to 15-inch barrel, at least 26 inches overall. No federal stamp, no Form 20, and you buy it like any other long gun, if your state allows it.
6. Remington 870 TAC-14: Best Steel-Receiver 14-Inch Pump
- Legal class: Firearm (non-NFA)
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Barrel length: 14 inches
- Overall Length: 26.3 inches
- Capacity: 4+1
- Weight: 5.6 lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 4/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- Steel 870 receiver
- Takes 3 inch shells
- M-LOK forend for a light
Cons
- Low 4+1 capacity
- Extreme recoil
- Costs more than a Shockwave
The Remington TAC-14 is one of the best pump action shotguns that can take up to 3 inch shells, so magnum loads, if you can take the recoil.
If you prefer steel over aluminum, the Remington TAC-14 is your Shockwave alternative. It’s built on the 870 receiver, a solid steel frame, and it feels it.
Like the Shockwave, this is a non-NFA “firearm” with a 14 inch barrel. The Magpul M-LOK forend comes standard, so it’s easy to mount a light for home defense.
In 2026 Remington’s firearms business was restructured as Frontier Defense Group, which does business as Remington Firearms and says it is rebuilding Remington. It hasn’t listed models yet, so you’re buying existing dealer stock; the card had it from $486.99. The last catalog also had a TAC-14 Hardwood, the one in the photo above, and a Marine version. The semi-auto Remington V3 TAC-13 exists as well, but it’s hard to find. See Remington 870 TAC-14 and our best Remington shotguns.
Why we picked it: The action feels smoother than the Mossberg out of the box. If you grew up shooting an 870 Wingmaster, this will feel like an old friend, just a much shorter, angrier friend.
Best For: 870 fans who want a steel receiver, 3-inch shells and an M-LOK forend for a light.
7. Mossberg 590M Shockwave: Best Magazine-Fed Short Shotgun
- Legal class: Firearm (non-NFA)
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Barrel Length: 15 inches
- Overall Length: 27.5 inches
- Capacity: 10+1 with the factory magazine
- Shells: 2.75 inch
- Weight: 6.55 lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- Detachable 10-round magazine
- Fast reloads for a pump
- Mossberg reliability
Cons
- Magazines cost real money
- Stiff action with a long magazine
- Only takes 2.75 inch shells
The 590M takes the Shockwave idea and swaps the tube for a double-stack box magazine. Reloads stop being a one-shell-at-a-time job, and you can run bigger magazines if your state allows them.
It gives up 3 inch shells and adds some bulk under the receiver, and a long magazine makes the pump stroke heavier. If you want simple, buy the regular Shockwave. If you want a magazine, this is the pump to get.
Two notes. Mossberg’s site no longer lists the 590M Shockwave, and its newer mag-fed pump is the 590RM, so buy a 590M while stores still have it. And stores also list a 590M “12/14 Breacher,” a different gun that costs a few hundred dollars more, so we filter it out of this card. Read our Mossberg 590M review.
Why we picked it: It’s in stock at several retailers, and no other pump here reloads this fast.
Best For: Pump fans who want fast reloads and a 10-round magazine, in a state that allows them.
8. IWI Mafteah: Best Semi-Auto 14-Inch Shotgun
- Legal class: Firearm (non-NFA)
- Action: Semi-auto, recoil operated
- Barrel Length: 14 inches
- Overall Length: 27.75 inches
- Capacity: 5+1 with 2.75 inch shells, 4+1 with 3 inch
- Weight: 5 lb 11 oz
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Semi-auto with no NFA paperwork
- Recoil operated, no gas to clean
- Lighter than the 990 Aftershock
Cons
- Costs more than a pump
- Bird’s-head grip still kicks
- Tube holds only 5+1
IWI’s Mafteah is a 14-inch semi-auto on the same “firearm” layout as the Shockwave: no stock, a bird’s-head grip, and enough overall length to stay outside the NFA. IWI lists it as recoil operated, so there’s no gas port to foul, and at 5 pounds 11 ounces it’s lighter than the gas-operated 990 Aftershock. It listed from $799 in the card, well under IWI’s list price.
Like any semi-auto, test it with your defense load before you count on it, and run some light target loads too so you know what it will and won’t cycle.
If you want a semi-auto that isn’t an AR-style box-magazine gun, this is the one we’d look at first. It sits close to the Mossberg 990 Aftershock on price, so the choice is recoil operation against gas.
Best For: Anyone who wants a light semi-auto 14-inch shotgun with a tube magazine and no gas system to clean.
9. Rock Island Armory VRF14: Best Cheap Semi-Auto Short Shotgun
- Legal class: Firearm (non-NFA)
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Barrel length: 14 inches
- Overall Length: 26 inches
- Capacity: 5+1, takes 9 and 19-round VR mags
- Weight: 6.6 lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Pros
- Takes 9 and 19-round mags
- Pistol grip beats birdshead
- Optics rail up top
Cons
- Plastic handguard, no M-LOK
- Expect occasional failures
- Five-round mag in the box
The VRF14 is modeled on an AR pistol, and that makes a lot of sense.
A pistol grip is a rare treat in this world of bird’s-head grips, and the Picatinny rail up top for a red dot is a nice touch on a short shotgun.
The supplied mag is a 5 round magazine, but this 12 gauge is compatible with VR Series mags that hold 9 or 19 rounds. At $249.99 in the card, it’s the cheapest pick here.
That turns a cheap polymer semi-auto into a serious home defense option, as long as you test it with your defensive load first. Check out the best AR12 Shotguns if you want the full length versions.
Best For: Budget buyers who want a semi-auto with a pistol grip, a rail and big magazines.
10. Mossberg 590 Shockwave JIC: Best Stainless 14-Inch Shotgun
- Legal class: Firearm (non-NFA)
- Action: Pump
- Barrel Length: 14.375 inches
- Overall Length: Mossberg no longer lists the JIC; the standard Shockwave on the same 14.375-inch barrel is 26.37 inches
- Capacity: 5+1
- Finish: Cerakote stainless
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Pros
- Stainless finish shrugs off weather
- Same 590 action as #1
- Comes with a carry tube
Cons
- Costs more than the standard gun
- Still 5+1
- Same bird’s-head recoil
JIC stands for “Just In Case.” It’s the same Shockwave as #1 with a Cerakote stainless finish, packed in a water-resistant tube so it can live in a truck, a boat or a cabin. Mossberg’s site no longer lists it, so buy it while stores have it. The card had it from $579.99, about $120 more than the standard Shockwave.
Nothing about how it shoots changes. You pay for the finish and the tube, and if the gun is going to sit in damp places, that’s money well spent. See our best truck guns.
Best For: A truck, boat or cabin gun that will sit in damp places for months at a time.
11. Black Aces Tactical Pro Series S: Best Tube-Fed Budget Semi-Auto
- Legal class: Firearm (non-NFA)
- Action: Semi-auto
- Barrel Length: 14 inches
- Overall Length: 26.5 inches
- Capacity: 4+1
- Weight: 6.45 lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 4/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Pros
- Semi-auto in a Shockwave layout
- Costs far less than an Aftershock
- Takes common accessories
Cons
- Not a premium brand
- Limited 4+1 capacity
- Quality control varies
Black Aces builds semi-auto short shotguns for much less than a Mossberg 990 Aftershock. The Pro Series S started at $489.99 on Nov 7, 2026.
This is the non-NFA 14 inch version, 26.5 inches overall. Black Aces also sells a Pro Series S Mini with a 10 inch barrel and an arm brace, 26.5 inches with the brace collapsed, sold as a braced firearm rather than an SBS. Brace rules have been a legal moving target, so check the current rules before you buy one.
It’s compact, it’s loud, and it punches well above its price point.
Why we picked it: It gets you into a semi-auto short shotgun without breaking the bank. Be aware that quality control isn’t on the same level as Benelli or Beretta.
Best For: Budget buyers who want a semi-auto with a tube magazine and the Shockwave layout.
12. Henry Axe: Best .410 Short Shotgun
- Legal class: Firearm (non-NFA)
- Action: Lever
- Barrel: 15.14 inches
- Overall Length: 26.4 inches
- Capacity: 5+1, 2.5 inch .410 shells
- Weight: 5.75 lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Lever action in .410
- Side gate for fast reloads
- Takes Invector-style chokes
Cons
- Pricier than a 12 gauge pump
- .410 ammo costs more
- Modest power for defense
The Henry Axe lever action shotgun is a world of fun, even though it’s just a .410.
Live out your cowboy fantasy or pretend you’re Woody Harrelson in Zombieland. Nobody is watching, it’s all fine, and these small shotguns are actually ideal as snake guns, or for pest control in your yard.
The Henry Axe is a “firearm” like the Shockwave, but it uses a lever action. Chambered in .410 bore, it’s a good option for shooters who are recoil-sensitive.
It has a side loading gate and a threaded barrel for choke tubes. The walnut version with the “axe handle” grip is the one in our photos; the black synthetic X Model was the cheapest in the card at $887.99, and the walnut gun was $934.99.
Some people worry about 12 gauge overpenetration and miss this obvious answer. If you have kids sleeping next door and thin interior walls, this is really something to consider for home defense.
These look like cut down lever action rifles, but the shotgun shells make it a great addition to any gun safe and a quirky alternative to the best pump action shotguns.
Why we picked it: It’s fun. A .410 isn’t a 12 gauge, but modern defensive loads make it viable. You also get to feel like the Terminator flipping it, but don’t actually flip it.
Best For: Recoil-sensitive shooters, snake and pest duty, and anyone who wants a short lever gun just for fun.
Shockwave vs TAC-14: Which 14-Inch Shotgun Should You Buy?
These two started the 14-inch “firearm” category, and they’re the two most people end up choosing between. Here’s how they compare.
| Mossberg 590 Shockwave | Remington 870 TAC-14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal class | Firearm, not NFA | Firearm, not NFA |
| Action | Mossberg 590 pump | Remington 870 pump |
| Receiver | Hard-anodized aluminum | Solid steel |
| Safety | Top-mounted, ambidextrous | Cross-bolt, in the trigger guard |
| Barrel | 14.375 inches, cylinder bore | 14 inches, cylinder bore |
| Overall length | 26.37 inches | 26.3 inches |
| Weight | 5.25 lb | 5.6 lb |
| Capacity | 5+1 with 2.75 inch shells | 4+1 |
| Forend | Corncob with a hand strap | Magpul M-LOK |
| Minishells | With an Opsol Mini-Clip, or 8+1 in the 590S | Not designed for them |
| Other gauges | 20 gauge and .410 | 20 gauge, rarely in stock |
| Price (Nov 7, 2026) | $459.99 | $486.99 |
Our verdict: Buy the Shockwave unless you already run an 870. It holds one more shell, it’s a little lighter, the top-mounted safety is easy to reach from a bird’s-head grip, and you can buy one new from several stores today. The TAC-14 has the steel receiver, the M-LOK forend and a smoother action out of the box, and if your hands already know an 870 safety, that matters more than the spec sheet. Neither one is a handgun, so don’t plan on carrying one concealed; see the FAQ below.
The Smallest Shotguns, Ranked by Overall Length
If you just want the smallest shotgun you can own, this is the list. Shortest first, with the legal class of each and the overall length from the maker’s page unless the row says otherwise. Non-NFA firearms can’t go under 26 inches; anything shorter is an NFA item. For how short a barrel can legally be, see our shotgun barrel length guide.
| # | Gun | Overall length | Legal class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Serbu Super Shorty | 16.5 inches (Wikipedia; Serbu has no spec page up) | AOW |
| 2 | PTR The Jack | 17 inches | AOW |
| 3 | Rock Island VRF14 | 26 inches | Firearm |
| 4 | Kel-Tec KSG | 26.1 inches | Standard shotgun |
| 5 | Kel-Tec KS7 | 26.1 inches | Standard shotgun |
| 6 | Remington 870 TAC-14 | 26.3 inches (retailer and review; Remington’s 2017 launch release said 26.2) | Firearm |
| 7 | Mossberg 590 Shockwave, 590S, 20 ga and .410 | 26.37 inches | Firearm |
| 8 | Henry Axe .410 | 26.4 inches | Firearm |
| 9 | Black Aces Pro Series S | 26.5 inches (retailer listing) | Firearm |
| 10 | Charles Daly Honcho 14-inch | 27 inches (retailer listing) | Firearm |
| 11 | Mossberg 990 Aftershock | 27.125 inches | Firearm |
| 12 | Mossberg 590M Shockwave | 27.5 inches (launch spec, Firearms News) | Firearm |
| 13 | Kalashnikov USA Khaos | 27.625 inches (retailer listing) | Firearm |
| 14 | IWI Mafteah | 27.75 inches | Firearm |
| 15 | Mossberg 590A1 Class III 14-inch | 33.75 inches | SBS |
| 16 | Benelli M4 Entry 14-inch | 35.5 inches (retailer listing; sold mainly to law enforcement) | SBS |
Notice the SBS rows. A stocked SBS ends up longer overall than a stockless Shockwave, because the stock adds length. If the smallest package is the goal, a 14-inch firearm or an AOW wins. If you want to shoulder it and aim, the SBS wins.
Best Compact Shotguns With an 18-Inch Barrel (No NFA Rules)
You might just want a compact shotgun for home defense without giving up the full length barrel. These are ordinary shotguns, outside the NFA rules altogether, from bullpup shotguns to short semi-autos. Related: our best shotguns for home defense and best tactical shotguns.
Kel-Tec KSG: Best Compact Bullpup
- Legal class: Standard shotgun (not NFA)
- Barrel: 18.5 inches
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Overall Length: 26.1 inches
- Capacity: 14+1 with 2.75-inch shells, 12+1 with 3-inch
- Weight: 6.9 lb
Pros
- About Shockwave length, full barrel
- Twin tubes, 14+1 capacity
- Rail for a red dot
Cons
- Switch tubes mid-magazine
- Internals need polishing
- Heavy when fully loaded
The Kel-Tec KSG 12 gauge shotgun is a perennial star in our lists of pump shotguns, defensive shotguns and more. Put simply, we love it.
Even with a full 18.5 inch barrel, the KSG is about the same length as a Shockwave, a quarter inch shorter on paper. It’s a bullpup pump with twin tubular magazines, a black synthetic stock and a rail up top for a red dot. Read our Kel-Tec KSG review.
Best For: Anyone who wants a short 12 gauge with a full-length barrel and the most shells on board.
Kel-Tec KS7: Best Lightweight Bullpup
- Legal class: Standard shotgun (not NFA)
- Barrel: 18.5 inches
- Overall Length: 26.1 inches
- Capacity: 7+1
- Weight: 6.1 lb
Pros
- Lighter than the KSG
- One tube, simple to run
- Carry handle with sights
Cons
- Fewer shells than a KSG
- Bullpup trigger feels long
- Loads from underneath
The KS7 is the single-tube version of the KSG. It’s lighter, simpler and cheaper, from $542.83 in the card, and it’s just as short. We still like the KSG more, because twin tubes are hard to give up, but if you want the smallest full-length 12 gauge that’s easy to carry, the KS7 makes more sense.
Best For: A light, short home defense pump with a full-length barrel and no NFA rules.
Benelli M4 Tactical: The USMC Door Kicker
- Legal class: Standard shotgun (not NFA)
- Barrel: 18.5 inches
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Overall Length: 35 with stock retracted, 40 extended
- Capacity: 5+1
- Weight: About 7.8lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Pros
- Law enforcement and military service
- Reliable A.R.G.O. gas system
- Soft shooting for a 12 gauge
Cons
- Standard length barrel
- Modest 5+1 capacity
- The price hurts
This is the real deal. The standard M4 Tactical has an 18.5 inch barrel and the A.R.G.O. gas system, and it needs no NFA paperwork. The 14-inch M4 Entry is a true short-barreled shotgun, but Benelli sells it mainly to law enforcement, and the only listing we found was marked for qualified buyers, so most people can’t buy one new. Check out our full Benelli M4 review, Benelli M4 vs Beretta 1301 and best Benelli shotguns.
Why we picked it: If the price doesn’t scare you, this is the tactical shotgun others get measured against. It is arguably the most reliable semi automatic combat shotgun ever made. These are some of the top semi-auto shotguns on the market.
Best For: Buyers who want the most proven semi-auto fighting shotgun and will pay for it.
Beretta 1301 Tactical C Mod 2: The Best Semi Auto
- Legal class: Standard shotgun (not NFA)
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Overall Length: 37.8 with the standard stock
- Capacity: 7+1
- Weight: About 6.8lb
| Price | Capacity | Length | Reliability | Prestige |
| 2/5 | 3.5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Cycles very fast
- Runs dirty and dry
- Compact receiver, short pull
Cons
- Costs about three Shockwaves
- Not short like the others
- Beretta paused the 7+1 model
If you don’t want to deal with the NFA but still want a compact fighting gun, the Beretta 1301 Tactical is the answer. With an 18.5-inch barrel, it’s technically a standard shotgun, but its compact receiver and length of pull make it feel like a short barrel gun. Read our Beretta 1301 Tactical review.
The “Mod 2” has a semi-flat trigger, an enhanced forend with M-LOK slots, and the BLINK gas system, which Beretta says cycles 36% faster than its rivals. Beretta paused production of the 7+1 model in late 2024, so stock today comes from what’s already in the pipeline; the card had it from $1,499. We filter out one 8-round Mod 2 with an “LE” part number, because it’s a different model from the 7+1 C in our heading. A store sells that LE model to the public, so it isn’t police-only, but its price isn’t for this gun.
Why we picked it: Reliability. You can run this gun dirty, dry, or full of cheap birdshot, and it will eat it all. It’s the semi-auto we’d buy for home defense in 2026 if money were no object.
Best For: Home defense buyers who want a fast, soft-shooting semi-auto and can live with an 18.5-inch barrel.
More Short Shotguns Worth a Look
These nearly made the list, or they answer a question the picks above don’t.
Mossberg 990 Aftershock
Mossberg’s semi-auto Shockwave, with a 14.75 inch barrel, 5+1 capacity and a grip shaped for a short gun. It costs nearly twice the regular pump, starting near $834.99. Mossberg also sells an 18.5-inch 990 SPX Aftershock, which isn’t a short gun, so we filter it out. Read our Mossberg 990 review.
Mossberg 590 Nightstick
A Shockwave with a wood corncob forend and a matching grip. It works the same way and costs more, so buy it because you like the look.
Charles Daly Honcho
The budget Shockwave copy from Chiappa’s Charles Daly line: a 14-inch pump with a bird’s-head grip, 27 inches overall, 5+1 and 4.7 pounds, per a retailer listing. We don’t card it, because the store listings we track don’t say which Honcho they are, and one of them looks like the three-barrel Triple Honcho at four figures. Plain Honcho listings started near $260 at Guns.com when we checked, and at that price it’s a fair way into the category.
IWI Tavor TS12
The high-end bullpup: three rotating tubes and an 18.5 inch barrel, so no NFA paperwork. Read our IWI Tavor TS12 review and best bullpup shotguns if you want a full barrel in a package this short.
Kalashnikov Khaos
An AK-pattern semi-auto with a roughly 13 inch barrel, about 27.6 inches overall, and a bird’s head grip. It takes KS-12 magazines and has an M-LOK handguard. We dropped it from the numbered picks because we can’t find new stock at the retailers we track. The 18 inch Kalashnikov KS-12 is the one you can still buy.
Best 20 Gauge and .410 Short Shotguns
If 12 gauge recoil from a 14 inch gun is the problem, step down. The Shockwave comes in both: 20 gauge from $449.99 and .410 from $459.99. Remington made a TAC-14 in 20 gauge, but we found none in stock. The Henry Axe is the other .410 here.
A .410 is the mildest of these and the most expensive to feed. 20 gauge is the better choice for defense, because the shells carry more shot and buckshot is easier to find. See our best 20 gauge shotguns and best .410 shotguns.
Short Double Barrel Shotguns
A short side-by-side or over/under is simple and hard to get wrong, and two shots is the tradeoff. Barrels are 20 inches here, so these are ordinary shotguns with no NFA paperwork. The Stoeger Coach Gun starts near $399 and the Stoeger Double Defense near $409.99, with a rail for an optic. See our best double barrel shotguns.
Best Ammo and Minishells for a 14-Inch Shotgun
A 14-inch barrel with a cylinder bore doesn’t take choke tubes, so the shell does all the work. For home defense, standard 2.75-inch 00 or #4 buckshot is the place to start, and reduced-recoil buckshot is easier to control from a bird’s-head grip. Skip 3-inch magnums in these guns unless you enjoy pain. See our home defense shotgun ammo guide and buckshot vs slugs vs birdshot.
Minishells: More Rounds in the Same Tube
Minishells are 1.75-inch 12 gauge shells, and they let a short tube hold a lot more. Mossberg says the 590S Shockwave needs no mini shell adapter, and American Hunter’s review lists it at 4+1 with 3-inch shells, 5+1 with 2.75-inch and 8+1 with 1.75-inch minishells. A standard Mossberg 500, 590 or 590A1, including the regular Shockwave, takes an Opsol Mini-Clip, which American Rifleman says lets those guns cycle Aguila’s minishells reliably. Minishells kick less, which helps from a bird’s-head grip, but run a few boxes through your gun before you trust them for defense.
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How to Shoot a Bird’s-Head Grip Shotgun
A Shockwave-style gun has no stock to brace against your shoulder, so you control it with your arms. The trick everyone learns eventually is push and pull: push the forend forward with your support hand, pull the grip back with your firing hand, and keep that tension on as you shoot. The gun stays where you put it and the recoil goes into your arms instead of your wrist.
- Use the hand strap. The Shockwave’s forend strap keeps your support hand from sliding in front of the muzzle. Don’t remove it.
- Hold it at chest or eye level, not on your hip. Hip shooting looks cool and misses a lot. Bring the gun up so you can see down the barrel, with your arms slightly bent.
- Start light. Run a box of light target loads first, then low-recoil buckshot, before you try full-power shells.
- Add a light or a laser. A bead sight is hard to use at night. A weapon light on the forend, or a laser saddle like Crimson Trace’s on the Shockwave, makes aiming much easier.
- Pattern it. Shoot your defense load at the distances inside your house and see where it goes. American Hunter shot Federal Shorty #4 buckshot from a 590S Shockwave at 7 yards and got a 3.75-inch group, opened to 5.25 inches by one flyer, so a 14-inch cylinder bore doesn’t spread much at room distances. You still have to aim.
Slings for a Short Shotgun
A single-point sling keeps a short gun on you without getting in the way. If you’re going to keep it in a truck or by the bed, a sling and a side saddle of spare shells are worth more than any other upgrade.
Slings for a Short Shotgun
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For more upgrades, see our Mossberg 590 accessories guide.
How to Buy a Short-Barreled Shotgun After October 9, 2026
This is how it works now for a true SBS or an AOW, using ATF’s own words where they matter. A Shockwave-style firearm is simpler: you buy it like any other long gun, if your state allows it.
- Check your state law first. Some states ban short-barreled shotguns, AOWs or both, whatever ATF does. See the state table below.
- Buy from a licensed dealer, the same as a long gun. ATF says dealers “must fill out an ATF Form 4473 and perform a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check before making the transfer.” For an SBS, that dealer sale also rests on ATF not enforcing a separate federal rule, 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(4), while it writes a new approval process, so some dealers may still be cautious.
- Expect no Form 4 wait and no stamp. ATF hasn’t been enforcing the approval and registration requirements since October 9, 2026, and the tax has been $0 since January 1, 2026.
- File a Form 20, ATF Form 5320.20, before you take an SBS across state lines. ATF says “individuals must continue to file a Form 20 before engaging in interstate transportation of a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun, even if it is unregistered.” An AOW doesn’t need one.
- Decide whether to register it anyway. ATF says it will keep approving “all NFA forms for those who voluntarily wish to submit them.” If your state ties legality to federal law, a registered gun is the safe answer.
- Remember it’s a policy, not a repeal. If enforcement comes back, ATF warns that unregistered guns are not automatically grandfathered.
What Changed on October 9, 2026
The $200 tax on short-barreled shotguns dropped to $0 on January 1, 2026. Then on October 9, ATF stopped enforcing the requirements to get approval before making or transferring an SBS or AOW, and to register it. Dealers still run a Form 4473 and a background check. For an SBS there’s one more wrinkle, in ATF’s own words: “At this time, no regulatory mechanism exists to authorize FFLs to transfer short-barreled rifles or short-barreled shotguns outside the NFA process.” ATF says it “is creating forms and drafting regulations as quickly as possible to implement a non-NFA approval process,” and in the meantime “ATF will exercise its enforcement discretion and not enforce 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(4) until such regulations exist.” Read our full breakdown of the ATF guidance.
Four catches. ATF frames all of this as enforcement discretion, the NFA has not been repealed, and ATF says “Material changes in legal or factual circumstances could cause NFA enforcement to resume.” If that happens, ATF warns there are no “provisions that would automatically grandfather unregistered NFA firearms.” ATF still says to file a Form 20 before taking an SBS across state lines. And it does nothing to state law: the guidance “does not supersede state and local laws that restrict NFA firearms.”
Short Barrel Shotgun Laws by State
State law comes first. This table only lists states where we read the statute itself, so it isn’t a complete list; if your state isn’t here, read its law or ask your dealer, and if you’re unsure, get legal advice. Several states allow an SBS only if it’s lawful under federal law, and ATF says it “cannot opine” on whether an unregistered gun held under its enforcement discretion counts as lawfully held for state-law purposes.
| State | True SBS | Shockwave-type firearm | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Banned: PC 33215 makes it a crime to make, sell or possess one | Also caught: PC 17180 covers any “firearm” that fires a shotgun shell with a barrel under 18 inches, stock or not | Cal. Penal Code 33215, 17180 |
| Massachusetts | Banned: owning or possessing a sawed-off shotgun is a felony under ch. 269, s. 10(c) | Retailers block the sale; the statute doesn’t settle it | M.G.L. ch. 140 s. 121, ch. 269 s. 10(c) |
| New York | Treated as a “firearm” under PL 265.00(3); possessing one without a license is a crime under PL 265.01 | Retailers block the sale; the statute doesn’t settle it | N.Y. Penal Law 265.00, 265.01 |
| New Jersey | Banned: possessing a sawed-off shotgun is a third-degree crime under 2C:39-3(b) | The statute doesn’t settle it; ask a New Jersey dealer | N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(o), 2C:39-3(b) |
| Washington | Banned, except one acquired before July 1, 1994, under RCW 9.41.190 | Washington’s “shotgun” must be fired from the shoulder, so a Shockwave likely isn’t an SBS there; check first | RCW 9.41.190, 9.41.010 |
| Michigan | Allowed if lawful under federal law, MCL 750.224b(3) | Not settled by the statute; check first | MCL 750.224b |
| Florida | Allowed if lawfully owned under federal law, 790.221(3); the attorney general said on November 6, 2026 that unregistered ones qualify. See our Florida memo story | Not an SBS federally | Fla. Stat. 790.221 |
| Texas | Not on the prohibited-weapons list in PC 46.05 | Not on the list either | Tex. Penal Code 46.05 |
Shockwave-type firearms aren’t NFA items, but some states define a short-barreled shotgun by barrel length alone, and some retailers won’t ship them to certain states: one Shockwave listing we checked said “Sale not allowed in California; Massachusetts; New York.” Check how your state reads a 14-inch firearm before you order one. Our US gun laws by state directory is a starting point.
Stocking a Shockwave or TAC-14
If you do it anyway, here is what changes. Federally, a stocked Shockwave or TAC-14 is now a short-barreled shotgun, which means a $0 tax, no approval or registration being enforced for now, and a Form 20 before you cross state lines with it. Under state law it may still be banned, so check first. Magpul’s SGA stock is the common choice, in separate versions for the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500/590. Once the stock is on, treat the gun as an SBS everywhere it goes.
Do Not Modify One Without Checking
Putting a shoulder stock on a Shockwave or TAC-14 makes it a short-barreled shotgun. Cutting a barrel, or dropping below 26 inches overall, changes its legal status too. Check the rules first, and get advice before adding grips or other parts to a non-NFA firearm.
Where to buy: See our guide to the best online gun stores for the lowest prices and trusted retailers.
Choosing the right platform? Our complete home defense firearms guide compares shotguns, handguns, and AR-15s side by side, covering overpenetration, accessories, and the best picks for every situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best short barrel shotgun?
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave for most buyers, from $459.99 on Nov 7, 2026: a 14-inch pump sold as a non-NFA firearm. For a true short-barreled shotgun with a stock, our pick is the Mossberg 590A1 14-inch, from $829.99. For the smallest you can order from retailers, the PTR Jack AOW, from $884.24.
Is a short barrel shotgun legal?
Federally, yes. Firearms like the Shockwave are not NFA items. True short-barreled shotguns are NFA items with a $0 tax, and since October 9, 2026 ATF has not been enforcing the approval and registration requirements, as a matter of enforcement discretion. State law still applies, and some states ban them, so check yours first.
What is the difference between a Shockwave and an SBS?
The Shockwave has a bird's head grip instead of a stock and is at least 26 inches overall, so federal law calls it a firearm. An SBS has a stock and a barrel under 18 inches, and it remains an NFA item even though ATF is not enforcing approval and registration for now.
Are short barrel shotguns good for home defense?
Yes, if you practice. They are easy to move through tight spaces and hit hard up close. Bird's head grip models take real practice to control and are hard to aim without a light or a laser.
What is the best short barrel shotgun for home defense?
For most homes, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave with a weapon light and reduced-recoil buckshot. If your state allows an SBS, the Mossberg 590A1 14-inch is easier to aim because it has a stock. If recoil is the worry, the 20 gauge Shockwave or the Henry Axe .410 kick far less.
What gauge is best for a short barrel shotgun?
12 gauge is the most common and hits hardest. 20 gauge has less recoil and is easier to control in a compact gun. The .410 Mossberg Shockwave is the mildest option.
Can you put a stock on a Shockwave?
Adding a stock makes a Shockwave a short-barreled shotgun. Federally there is now a $0 tax, and since October 9, 2026 ATF has not been enforcing the approval and registration requirements, but you still need a Form 20 to cross state lines with it, and your state may ban it, so check first.
Is a Shockwave better than a TAC-14?
For most people, yes. The Shockwave holds 5+1 to the TAC-14's 4+1, weighs a little less, and has Mossberg's top-mounted safety, which is easy to reach from a bird's-head grip. The TAC-14 has a steel 870 receiver, a cross-bolt safety, a Magpul M-LOK forend and a smoother action, so buy it if you already run an 870.
Are the Mossberg Shockwave and Remington TAC-14 legal for concealed carry?
We would not carry one concealed. Neither is a handgun, so a handgun carry permit isn't written for it, and federal law defines an "any other weapon" as "any weapon or device capable of being concealed on the person from which a shot can be discharged." Keep it cased or carry it openly where your state allows long guns, and check your state's carry law.
How much does a short barrel shotgun cost?
On Nov 7, 2026, the Rock Island VRF14 started at $249.99, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave at $459.99, the Remington TAC-14 at $486.99, the Mossberg 590A1 14-inch SBS at $829.99 and the Beretta 1301 Tactical at $1,499. Magazine-fed guns like the Genesis Gen-12 run over $2,000, and we mostly see used ones.
Is a short barrel shotgun hard to shoot?
Bird's head grip models like the Shockwave have significant recoil and require proper technique. Push forward on the forend, pull back on the grip, and keep your wrist straight. Practice with light loads first. Full-power buckshot from a 14-inch 12-gauge is punishing without experience.
What is the shortest legal shotgun?
Without NFA status, about 26 inches overall, which is where the Shockwave, TAC-14 and VRF14 sit. Shorter guns exist as NFA items, like the 16.5-inch Serbu Super Shorty, which is classified as an AOW. For barrel-length minimums, see our shotgun barrel length guide.
What is the smallest shotgun you can buy?
The Serbu Super Shorty at 16.5 inches overall, an AOW that Serbu builds in small batches. The PTR Jack AOW, 17 inches overall, is the small pump you can order from retailers today. Without NFA status, nothing goes under 26 inches overall.
Do you still need a tax stamp for a short barrel shotgun?
No federal tax applies: it has been $0 since January 1, 2026. And since October 9, 2026 ATF has not been enforcing the approval and registration requirements for an SBS. It still says to file a Form 20 before crossing state lines, and state law still applies.
Can I buy a short-barreled shotgun without a Form 4 now?
Yes, federally, for now. ATF is not enforcing the prior-approval requirement, so a dealer runs a Form 4473 and a background check instead. ATF calls this enforcement discretion and says enforcement could resume, and your state may still ban the gun.
Can I take a short-barreled shotgun across state lines?
Only after you file ATF Form 5320.20, the Form 20. ATF says "individuals must continue to file a Form 20 before engaging in interstate transportation of a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun, even if it is unregistered." The state you are going to must also allow it.
Do I need a special license to own a short-barreled shotgun?
No federal license. You buy it from a dealer with a Form 4473 and a background check, with no stamp and no ATF approval being enforced for now. Some states ban SBS outright, and New York requires a license to possess one.
Which states ban short-barreled shotguns?
Among the states whose statutes we read, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington ban short-barreled shotguns, and New York treats one as a licensed "firearm" you can't possess without a license. Michigan and Florida allow them if they're lawful under federal law, and Texas no longer lists them as prohibited. Check your own state before you buy; see the state table on this page.
What is the cheapest short shotgun?
The Rock Island VRF14 at $249.99 was the cheapest new pick we priced on Nov 7, 2026. The Mossberg 590 Shockwave at $459.99 is the one we would stretch to.
Is a 20 gauge short shotgun better for home defense?
For many shooters, yes. A short 20 gauge kicks less than a short 12 gauge, which means faster follow-up shots. The Mossberg 590 Shockwave comes in 20 gauge.