Best Short-Barreled Shotguns

Do you realize how expansive the world of shotguns is? There are not only countless different models, but also a wide variety of categories. From single-shot shotguns to double barrel models, semi-autos, pump actions, and more, each category has its own subcategories. And it doesn’t stop there—some firearms that are essentially shotguns don’t even fall under the shotgun classification. Heck, some guns that essentially are shotguns aren’t considered shotguns, they can be AOWs, destructive devices, and other firearms can all be 12 gauge weapons.

Today we are going to be talking about short-barreled shotguns. This is a category that theoretically could encompass any type of shotgun as long as the barrel is shorter than average. When we say short-barrel shotguns, we need to actually explain what that means in-depth.

What’s a Short-Barrel Shotgun?

This seems like an easy question to answer when you look at a lineup of shotguns at your local gun store, and you can easily pick out which ones have short barrels and which ones have long barrels. Pretty simple right?

Sorry, it’s more complicated than your common sense answer. You see, the government has stuck its toe into the world of shotguns, and we have a very specific definition of a short-barrel shotgun.

NFA Definition

The NFA, or National Firearms Act, was passed in the 1930s and has established essentially a tiered system for firearms. This act regulates suppressors, machine guns, grenades, as well as short-barrelled rifles and shotguns. The NFA defines a short-barrel shotgun as a shotgun that has a stock and a barrel shorter than 18 inches, or a shotgun that has a stock but has an overall length of less than 26 inches.

NFA firearms are legal to own federally, but state laws may be more restrictive. To acquire an NFA firearm, you are subjected to some onerous paperwork, registration, a 200 dollar tax, and a lengthy wait for the ATF to approve your NFA firearm.

You can purchase an NFA shotgun from a dealer, or you could file to manufacture your own. Either method requires ATF approval, paperwork, a tax stamp, etc.

The Common Sense Definition

The common-sense definition of a short barrel is what most of us would consider a tactical shotgun. Without dipping into the NFA, the shortest shotgun barrel available is 18 inches. Your most common length non-NFA shotgun barrel lengths are 18.5 to 20 inches.

After 20 inches, the most common length is 24, then 28, and 32. Anything beyond 20 inches or so typically steps outside of being a short barrel, tactical design.

We Are Covering Both!

The good news is we are going to be covering both NFA short-barreled shotguns and non-NFA tactical shotguns. While legally there is a huge difference between the two, the practical difference can be very nil. Imagine the difference between a compact and subcompact pistol, and you have a good idea of the difference between NFA short-barrel shotguns and tactical shotguns.

Why A Short-Barreled Shotgun

Why not is the better question. Unlike rifles or pistols, shotguns can function extremely well with short barrels. Short barrels on rifles and pistols can kill velocity and limit a round’s ability to penetrate, expand, and longer-range performance. A shotgun gains and loses only about 5 feet per inch of barrel gained or lost. Shot loads gain most of their acceleration in the first 12 to 14 inches of the barrel, so short-barrels are a natural choice.

Short-barrel shotguns are the perfect length for defensive use, and the shorter barrels can make the guns handier in the field. Short-barrels make a light and more maneuverable shotgun overall. Maneuverability is a must-have for home defense.

No one wants a 28-inch bird gun for home defense when an 18.5 or even 14-inch barrel is an option. For hunting and sporting clays, a longer barrel makes sense. They offer a longer sighting plane, are better for swinging at aerial targets, and the extra weight helps with 3 and 3.5-inch magnum shells used by hunters

How I Chose the Best Short-Barreled Shotguns

With over twenty years of shooting experience as a former Marine, I’ve had the chance to test a variety of shotguns, including short-barreled models. This experience has helped me understand what makes a good shotgun.

To make this list as helpful as possible, I didn’t just rely on my own knowledge. I reached out to some friends who are professional shooters to get their input. By combining their expertise with mine, I’ve put together this list of the best short-barreled shotguns for different uses.

Choosing the right shotgun is a personal decision, so I’ve organized the options based on what they’re best for, making it easier for you to find what suits you. I’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you navigate your options and choose the right shotgun for your needs. Keep reading to find the perfect short-barreled shotgun for you..

Editor’s Choice of the Best Short-Barrelled Shotguns

Editor’s Choice Benelli M4 & M4 Entry		Rapid firing, soft shooting semi-auto action Reliable Gas Operation Choice of the USMC	Check Price
Best 20 Gauge NFA Ithaca Auto & Burglar		Superbly small and light Easy to use one-handed Beautifully Made	Check Price
Best 20 Gauge 590 Tactical		Nine shots of 20 gauge Super soft shooting Short length of pull	Check Price
Best Semi Auto Non-NFA Beretta 1301		Rapid cycling and easy shooting Ultra-reliable Weighs only 6.4 pounds	Check Price
Pump Action Non-NFA & NFA Mossberg 590A1		Modular Magpul Furniture Ghost Rings and Optics Ready Proven military shotgun	Check Price
Shortest Shotgun that’s not an NFA Option KS7		Holds seven rounds in an ultra-compact package 26.1-inch overall length with an 18.5-inch barrel Super lightweight design at 5.9 pounds	Check Price
Non-NFA Non-Shotgun Choice Remington TAC 14		Old School Cool Look Tons of Fun to Shoot Super Short and Manoeuvrable	Check Price

Specs for Best Short-Barreled Shotguns

Reviews of the Best Short-Barreled Shotguns

Benelli M4 and Benelli M4 Entry Review

The Benelli comes in both a standard configuration and an NFA model. It’s an outstanding shotgun and is most certainly the king of combat shotguns.

The M4 creates its magic through its gas-operated ARGO system. This dual-piston design is incredibly reliable and allows the shotgun to chunk rounds out with some real force and power. It’s a fantastic action that was designed by Benelli for the United States military. The Benelli M4 butchered, slaughtered, and destroyed the idea that semi-auto shotguns could be finicky or picky.

The M4 doesn’t care what you feed it. Light loaded birdshot to heavy-duty Brenneke slugs. The M4’s gas operation also gives you a healthy amount of recoil reduction compared to a pump-action design. The little M4 is equipped with ghost ring sights and is optic ready. This is a powerhouse of a shotgun that provides a premium-grade experience with a premium grade price.

The standard Benelli M4 has an 18.5-inch barrel and comes with a 5-round magazine tube. The gun comes with both tactical and straight stock options. With 922R compliance, you can move to a 7-round magazine tube and a collapsing stock.

The NFA model is known as the Entry model and is equipped with a 14-inch barrel and collapsing stock. The Entry model has a five-round capacity. Other than that, it’s the same as the standard model.

The Benelli M4 is my personal favorite shotgun, and I find it to be an absolute beast in the departments of reliability, ergonomics, features, and operation.

You can read the full Benelli M4 review here.

Benelli M4 Pros and Cons

Ithaca Auto and Burglar

There are not many NFA 20 gauge shotguns available. You can make your own, or you can look at an antique Ithaca Auto and Burglar. This double-barrel shotgun looks like the Mad Max Classic and was originally designed as an anti-carjacking tool to fend off highwaymen. I’d imagine facing down a double barrel, ultra short-barreled 20 gauge would be quite the fearsome sight.

This pistol grip firearm would likely be ruled an AOW, but for the sake of common sense, it’s more or less a shotgun. The Ithaca Auto and Burglar ceased production after the passage of the NFA, and unfortunately, this has limited availability. This small of a 12 gauge would be downright painful, but in 20 gauge, the Ithaca Auto and Burglar was a surprisingly pleasant shooting shotgun.

It could easily be utilized with one hand, and as a shotgun, it would be easier to have compromised aim and still be able to strike your target, especially in the days before purpose-built Flitecontrol wads and the like.

The Auto and Burglar needs an update, and with NFA weapons gaining massive popularity, I’d love to see a company take up the mantle and produce a proper AOW variant. Until then, if you can get your hands on one of these super small and ultra-easy handling firearms, I’d recommend giving it a go.

Ithaca Auto and Burglar Pros and Cons

590 Tactical 9 Shot 20 Gauge

The newest 590 20 gauge came to be because they made a Shockwave 20 gauge on the 590 platform. This opened up the machining and tech to build a true combat shotgun in the 20 gauge. Most 20 gauge ‘tactical’ shotguns are hunting guns with short barrels.

The 590 Tactical 9 Shot 20 gauge is a purpose-built tactical shotgun for those who find 12 gauge a little too unwieldy. Nine shots of 20 gauge are nothing to laugh at and provides a serious source of firepower in a proven fighting shotgun platform.

The 590 series are pump-action shotguns and are largely based on the Mossberg 500 but include added tactical features. The 20 gauge 590 is wisely built for smaller shooters with a short 13-inch length of pull. This model comes with ghost ring sights, multiple sling points, and composite furniture.

This is one of the most fearsome 20-gauge options out there and makes a great home defense shotgun.

590 Tactical Pros and Cons

Best Semi Auto Non NFA – Beretta 1301

The Beretta 1301 is a real contender for domination of the semi-auto shotgun market. The 1301 is the fastest-cycling shotgun on the market due to the Blink gas piston system. It operates rapidly and digests shell after shell in a manner in which no shooter could physically outshoot the action.

The Beretta 1301 is super lightweight and comes with the features shotgunners love. This includes an adjustable length of pull, an oversized charging handle, and plates to adjust drop and cast. The little 1301 can be tailored for the pickiest of shooters, and this is making the gun very popular with shotgunners.

The 1301 is also super lightweight at 6.4 pounds, which is quite light for a 12 gauge shotgun. The gun is also outfitted with ghost ring sights and some massive controls. If you hate small charging handles and bolt releases, then fret no more. The Beretta 1301 features some massive controls.

On top of all this good stuff, the Beretta 1301 is rock-solid in the reliability department. It eats lead and spits shells with a self-cleaning gas system that supposedly never says stop.

Best Pump Action NFA and Non-NFA- Mossberg 590A1

Mossberg seems to be one of the few companies that will openly sell their NFA shotguns to the gun-buying public. Many gun companies won’t concern themselves with the civilian sales of NFA short-barrel shotguns, but Mossberg fully embraces the market and sells 590A1 shotguns in tons of different configurations.

The 590A1 is the military’s choice of a pump-action shotgun. It’s the only pump-action shotgun to pass the US Army’s strenuous 3443E test. This brutal test involves thousands of full power buckshot loads and stress testing to an insane degree.

The 590A1’s configurations include a Magpul variant, an SPX model, and even a wood furniture Retrograde model that is quite slick. Barrel lengths vary from 18.5 to 20-inch barrels with models and accessories for everyone. Capacity can range from 6 to 9 rounds.

The NFA type comes with a 14-inch barrel, ghost ring sights, and a speed feedstock to carry four extra rounds. Capacity is topped at five rounds only, and that’s due to the shorter barrel. Other than that, the NFA model is also fitted with ghost ring sights, sling points, and a strap to keep your hand from drifting in front of the barrel.

Also, some models can be fitted with a bayonet, and who doesn’t love a bayonet on their scattergun?

The Shortest Shotgun That’s Not an NFA Option – KelTec KS7

The KelTec KS7 might be the shortest shotgun out there with a stock, and it’s not an NFA weapon. The gun is 26.1 inches long with an 18.5-inch barrel. The key to this gun’s short design is the bullpup layout. The action is placed further back and behind the trigger. This trims lots of length without affecting the barrel length of capacity.

The KS7 gives you seven rounds of 12 gauge power that gives you lots of capacity for such a shotgun. For comparison, a Mossberg 590A1 NFA shotgun is 33.75 inches overall, making the KS7 seven inches shorter, without the need for a tax stamp, and it can hold two extra rounds.

The KS7 is a pump-action design. The KS7 has fully ambidextrous controls and feeds and ejects from the bottom of the gun, making it truly ambidextrous. Lefties and bullpups traditionally do not get along well, but the KS7 is accessible for everyone.

It has a futuristic appearance, complete with an M-LOK enhanced carry handle for accessory mounting. The little fella weighs only 5.9 pounds, and most of the weight is to the rear of the gun. This makes it super manoeuvrable and perfect for home defense.

Read the in-depth review of the Keltec 7 here.

Non-NFA-Non-Shotgun Choice – Remington TAC 14 Hardwood

The Remington TAC 14 Hardwood is legally not a shotgun. It’s never had stock, and a shotgun has to have a stock by law. Since it’s not a shotgun, it can have a barrel shorter than 18 inches without a tax stamp, as long as the overall length is over 26 inches. The TAC 14 is a pump-action, 12 gauge firearm based on the 870 series of shotguns.

The TAC 14 and Shockwave series are not superbly practical weapons, but they are a ton of fun. The Hardwood model of the TAC 14 gives you wood furniture, a 5-round capacity, a metal handguard, and even a sling. It has that old school cool look that makes it look like a classic U.S. Marshall’s Service Witness Protection shotgun.

The TAC 14 Hardwood is 26.3 inches long overall with a 14-inch barrel and a 5.65-pound weight. The Hardwood model is all kinds of cool and invokes the guns of both the Marshall’s and bootleggers and mobsters. It’s not good for much beyond putting a smile on your face, but sometimes that’s all a gun needs to be.

New Shotguns Owners Must-Haves

If you are new to the world of shotguns, be they short barrels or long, there are a few accessories you have to have.

• Shotgun Cleaning Kit: The big bore of a shotgun requires you to find a purpose-built shotgun cleaning kit. You can get a big bore brush large enough to clear out the carbon and keep the barrel nice and clean. Pump actions can get filthy dirt and work fine. Semi-autos can be a little finickier. Regardless, get you a cleaning kit, some Hoppes No. 9, a rag, and you’ll be good to go.
• Hornady Shotgun Safe: The Hornady Shotgun safe is a minimalist designed for home defense. The mini shotgun safe attaches over the receiver of the gun and locks it down with the action opened. It is superbly safe and easily accessible. The Shotgun safe can spring open with either a key combination, an RFID chip implanted in a watch, sticker, or card, or your normal key type lock.
• Hearing Protection – In-Ear: Ears and Eyes are a must-have for shooting shotguns. Any type of eyes is acceptable, but with shotguns, earplugs work best. Earplugs allow you to get a good cheek weld on your shotgun. Over-ear protection tends to be more finicky regarding that. Sometimes over-ear protection is too big and makes a cheek weld impossible. My pick is the Surefire NP7 earplugs. They are ultra-comfortable, easy to use, and cheap! Plus, Surefire makes good stuff, and their earplugs are no different.
• A Good Sling – BFG Vickers Sling: Short barrel shotguns are tactical shotguns, and they need a tactical sling. My favorite tactical sling of all time is the BFG Vickers Sling. This two-point tactical sling has a quick-adjust pull tab that allows you to tighten or loosen the sling on the fly. This two-point tactical sling is perfect for combative use, and that includes home defense.

Best Short-Barreled Shotguns – Buyer’s Guide

When it comes time to shop for a short barrel shotgun, there are a number of things to consider. We’ve given you our favorite suggestions for short-barrel shotguns, but now my goal is to give you the tools to pick your own.

What You Should Look For in a Short Barrel Shotgun 

Stamp or No Stamp

The first thing you have to decide when it comes to short-barrel shotguns is if you want to deal with the ATF to obtain a shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches. To do so, your state needs to allow it first and foremost. If so, you’ll need to decide if you want to buy one or manufacture your own. They both have the same tax stamp requirements but require different forms.

The long waiting period is a pain, as is the 200 dollar stamp, but some may consider it a worthwhile investment.

Reliability and Durability

Reliability and durability is a category that’s critical for any weapon. If it doesn’t work reliably and falls apart, then it’s nothing more than an expensive paperweight. Out listed examples above are excellent examples of both reliable and durable shotguns. The best way to establish if a gun is reliable is through our reviews here at Gun University, by searching out honest review videos, and even forum posts. I find Reddit to be a great place to search for individual experiences.

Length of Pull

Length of pull is the length from the trigger to the end of the stock. For some reason, people who make shotguns love long lengths of pull. Some exceed 14 inches. For example, some Mossberg 590 models have a 14.5-inch length of pull. That’s massive and doesn’t lend itself well to a modern squared up shooting stance. Try a shotgun on, see if it feels long. Shotguns with adjustable LOPs are becoming more common, as are aftermarket stock options. Adjustable LOPs allow you to fit the gun to your body and make handling shotguns much easier.

Weight

Shotguns can get quite hefty. These bad boys can weigh up to 8.5 pounds, and that’s hefty for a modern shoulder-fired weapon. Picking up an empty shotgun isn’t always the most accurate weight to gauge weight, either. An eight-shot 12 gauge is substantially heavier when loaded then unloaded. So if it feels just a bit heavy empty, you can assume it’s going to be a beast fully loaded.

The Street Howitzer

Doc Holiday was famous for carrying his double-barrel, sawn-off shotgun used in the Shootout at the OK Corral. The gun was often referred to as a Street Howitzer, and the name stuck. Short barrel shotguns are ultra-powerful, compact weapons that excel for close quarter’s use. These little fellas are fearsome fighters, and while they aren’t for everyone, they can provide you with a potent shoulder-fired weapon.

If you are interested in your very own street howitzer, you’ve come to the right place. I hope you’ve learned a thing or two about short barrel shotguns. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them below.

If you have anything to add, please add it below and let us know what we missed.

Best Short-Barreled Shotguns – FAQs

Do I need a special license to own a short-barreled shotgun?

Yes, in the U.S., you need to register any NFA-regulated firearm, including SBS, with the ATF. This involves a $200 tax stamp, background check, and paperwork approval. Always check state and local laws, as some areas impose additional restrictions or outright prohibit SBS ownership.

Is a short-barreled shotgun good for personal protection?
Yes, short-barreled shotguns are ideal for personal protection in tight spaces, as they’re easy to maneuver and deliver substantial stopping power.

Can I add a shoulder stock to my short-barreled shotgun?

Adding a shoulder stock to a short-barreled shotgun can enhance stability and control, especially when firing powerful 12 gauge rounds. However, modifying the stock or other aspects of an NFA firearm without authorization can be legally complex. Always check ATF regulations and consult local laws before making any modifications.

What are the legal considerations for using defensive shotguns?

Ensure compliance with local laws, as some areas restrict barrel length and magazine capacity. For short-barreled models, additional ATF paperwork may be required.