Looking to build the ultimate self-defense shotgun? This article will cover the best Kel-Tec KSG upgrades and accessories to unlock its full potential.
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Adding these Kel-Tec KSG upgrades and accessories will allow you to get the most out of this shotgun and make it a better weapon.
This article will cover the best Kel-Tec KSG upgrades and accessories.
What Is A Kel-Tec KSG?
The Kel-Tec KSG has been around since 2011 and is a bullpup design pump action 12 gauge shotgun with two magazine tubes for extra capacity.
You get extra capacity and standard velocity in a shotgun that measures slightly shorter to drastically shorter in length than most tactical shotguns on the market.
This is the advantage of the bullpup design and that the shells eject from the bottom, making it a truly ambidextrous shotgun.
Legal in all 50 states, the KSG holds 6+6+1 (or 7+7+1 depending on shell length) in a 26.1” package.
It comes standard with an 18.5″ barrel and Picatinny-style rails for mounting your favorite accessories on both the top and bottom.
Where To Purchase A Kel-Tec KSG?
If you do not already own a Kel-Tec KSG, your best chance is to find one online. Every gun store in my area has not had any of these in stock for a while, but if you are lucky, you might find one at your local gun store.
Ordering one online and sending it to your local FFL is the easiest way to pick up one of these awesome guns. Here is a link to the Kel-Tec KSG if you want to order one.
Click Here to check the current prices and availability of the Kel-Tec KSG
KEL-TEC KSG CURRENT MODELS IN PRODUCTION
- Click Here to view them on Kel-Tec’s website
- Click Here to download the owner’s manual
Best Kel-Tec KSG Upgrades & Accessories
There are many different ways to dress up this shotgun to make it better and more user-friendly. A good optic, weapon light, and sling are the main upgrades, but many smaller accessories will improve the KSG.
The best Kel-Tec KSG upgrades and accessories I recommend starting with are the three main parts mentioned above, and over time you can keep adding stuff.
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Best Kel-Tec KSG Optics
Most people overlook an optic on a shotgun because they believe it’s just point and shoot and don’t think you have to aim. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and yes, you can easily miss with a shotgun.
Also, a good optic that can hold up to the recoil is needed because of the higher recoil. The best Kel-Tec KSG optic is a good quality red dot.
Best Kel-Tec KSG Red Dot
There are three main red dots that I recommend for this shotgun. They will withstand the recoil of 12 Ga and be quick and accurate.
The three I recommend are:
- Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II
- Trijicon MRO HD
- EOTech EXPS3
Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II
One of the newer red dots on this list is the Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II.
The new AMG UH-1 Gen II picks up where the Gen I left off, now with a dedicated night-vision button providing quick access to 4 NV settings, with an immediate recall to your last daylight setting.
With the UH-1 Gen II, you get an improved sight picture through the enlarged viewing window, making target acquisition even faster and easy battery changes with the toolless battery cover, plus a lighter load at just 11 ounces.
The reticle is a circle with a dot in the center, similar to the EOTech, and the recoil of the 12 Ga will not shift zero on this optic.
Another great feature of this red dot is that the mount is built in. It has a throw lever to secure it to the Picatinny rail and can also be quickly removed and swapped to a different weapon.
More pros of the UH-1 Gen II include long battery life, (8) NV settings, a large window, and a warranty that will cover anything that might ever happen to the optic, regardless of circumstance.
With standard height irons, the UH-1 Gen II allows for a lower 1/3 co-witness.
This is an amazing hologram optic. This optic has a crystal clear reticle with both eyes open for a large field of view, with very little to no parallax shift. It is quick to find the reticle when bringing the shotgun into position.
| Manufacturer: | Vortex |
| Color: | Black |
| Fabric/Material: | Aluminum Alloy Chassis |
| Magnification: | 1 x |
| Reticle: | 1 MOA EBR-CQB |
| Illumination Type: | Holographic |
| Illumination Color: | Red |
| Brightness Settings: | 15 |
| Eye Relief: | Unlimited |
| Adjustment Type: | MOA |
| Adjustment Click Value: | 1/2 MOA |
| Parallax: | Parallax Free |
| Optical Coating: | Fully Multi-Coated |
| Attachment/Mount Type: | Picatinny |
| Battery Type: | Lithium, CR123A |
| Battery Quantity: | 1 |
| Shockproof: | Yes |
| Fogproof: | Yes |
| Length: | 3.6 in |
| Width: | 5 in |
| Height: | 2.7 in |
| Weight: | 11.8 oz |
| Condition: | New |
- 15 Illumination Settings
- Armortek
- Unlimited Eye Relief
- Rear Facing Controls
- Night Vision Compatible
- Integrated Quick-Release Mount
- Parallax Free
- FHQ Technology
Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II
Trijicon MRO HD
The Trijicon Miniature Rifle Optic HD (MRO) is a reflex-style, sealed sight for the Kel-Tec KSG to provide fast target acquisition.
It is designed to be used with both eyes open, giving the operator maximum situational awareness.
The large aperture and tapered light path maximize the viewing area in a small optic, allowing for fast target engagement, especially from non-standard shooting positions.
It also features ambidextrous brightness controls, sub-flush adjusters, advanced lens coatings, and a fully sealed, waterproof, hard anodized forged 7075-T6 housing, making the MRO the ultimate mini reflex sight.
The MRO HD has a re-engineered objective lens to produce a refined 2.0 MOA center dot surrounded by a 68 MOA segmented circle reticle.
The ambidextrous reticle and brightness control allows the user to choose between a full reticle and a center dot. Being able to choose between two different reticles is a nice feature.
| Manufacturer: | Trijicon |
| Color: | Black |
| Finish: | Matte |
| Fabric/Material: | 7075-T6 forged aluminum |
| Magnification: | 1 x |
| Objective Lens Diameter: | 25 mm |
| Reticle: | 68 MOA ring w/ single 2 MOA dot |
| Illumination Type: | LED |
| Eye Relief: | Infinite |
| Adjustment Type: | MOA |
| Battery Type: | CR2032 |
| Operating Temperature: | -60 – 160 Fahrenheit |
| Length: | 2.9 in |
| Width: | 1.7 in |
| Included Accessories: | MRO Manual, Lens Cloth, Trijicon Logo Sticker, Warranty Card |
| Magnification Type: | Fixed |
- Fully Ambidextrous Knob
- Easy Grip Adjustment Knurl
- Multiple Illumination Settings
- 1/2 MOA Sub-Flush Adjusters prevent accidental adjustment
- Forged 7075 Aluminum Housing
- Waterproof 100ft/30m submersion
- Large Objective lens
- Fully Multi-Coated Broadband Anti-Reflective Glass
This red dot can be purchased with a mount from Trijicon, but I do not like these mounts and recommend getting a different one.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon MRO HD
Geissele Super Precision MRO Mount
The Geissele Super Precision MRO Mount is designed to support the Trijicon MRO and is the perfect mount for the MRO on the KSG.
These are made from 7075-T6 high-strength aluminum that provides a tough platform at a lighter weight than other materials.
Each Geissele Super Precision MRO Series Red Dot Scope Mount is complete with a Type III hard coat anodize to enhance its resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
This mount secures a red dot to your fun with 1,400lbs. The 3 shear lugs provide optimal rigidity and return to zero of clamping force for a reliable fit.
These are made in two different colors and three different heights for co-witnessing with iron sights.
| Manufacturer: | Geissele |
| Finish: | Type 3 Anodized |
| Height: | 1.93 in |
| Fabric/Material: | 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Condition: | New |
| Base/Mount Type: | Picatinny |
| Quantity: | 1 |
- Precision machined from a single piece of 7075-T6 high-strength aluminum
- Type 3 hard coat anodize
- This mount will attach your red dot to your weapon with 1,400 pounds of clamping force
- 3 shear lugs for maximum rigidity and return to zero
Click Here to check the current prices of the Geissele Super Precision MRO Mount
EOTech EXPS3
The EOTech EXPS3 Extreme Holographic Sight is the shortest, lightest holographic weapon sight on the market today and is very popular and trusted.
It allows for an elevated level of precision in short to medium-range tactical environments and is the perfect red dot for the Kel-Tec KSG.
Because it is a holographic sight, it is parallax free and great for anyone with astigmatism.
The EOTech EXPS3 features easily adjustable side buttons with a single, quick-release throw lever to easily attach or remove the sight.
The waterproof and fog-proof design will withstand tough environments and perform in any tactical environment.
The average battery life is between 500 to 600 hours, and the reticle is a circle dot that is great for fast target acquisition.
If you do not own an EOTech yet, you should pick one up.
| Manufacturer: | EOTech |
| Finish: | Hard Coating |
| Magnification: | 1 x |
| Objective Lens Diameter: | 0.85 in |
| Illumination Type: | Holographic |
| Illumination Color: | Red |
| Brightness Settings: | 30 |
| Eye Relief: | Unlimited |
| Adjustment Type: | MOA |
| Adjustment Click Value: | 0.5 MOA |
| Field of View, Linear: | 30 yds at 4 in |
| Lens Material: | Front Window 1/8in solid glass Rear Window 3/16in Laminate |
| Optical Coating: | Anti-Reflection coating on the external surface |
| Attachment/Mount Type: | Weaver, MIL-STD 1913 |
| Battery Type: | CR123A |
| Battery Quantity: | 1 |
| Battery Life: | 1000 hours |
| Operating Temperature: | -4 – 122 Fahrenheit |
| Water Resistance Level: | Submersible |
| Water Resistant Mark: | 10 m, 33 ft |
| Fogproof: | Yes |
| Gun Make: | Universal |
| Gun Model: | Universal |
| Length: | 3.5 in |
| Width: | 2.4 in |
| Height: | 2.8 in |
| Weight: | 11.2 oz |
| Additional Features: | Standard |
| Included Accessories: | Standard |
| Package Type: | Polymer hard case |
| Magnification Type: | Fixed |
| Lens Finish: | Fog-resistant internal optic |
| Brightness Index: | 20 daylight settings |
| Quantity: | 1 |
| Switch Type: | Button |
| Fit: | Both 1in Weaver and MIL-STD-1913 rail |
- Single transverse 123 battery to reduce sight length
- Shortened base only requires at most 2 3/4 inches of rail space
- The battery cap and latch are eliminated and replaced with a simple O-ring, tethered cap; better sealing is achieved
- The battery compartment is now separated from the base to allow it to hover over the delta ring of the rifle
- Average battery life at brightness level 12 is roughly 500-600 hours
- Side buttons, NV compatible with a single quick detach throw lever
Click Here to check the current prices of the EOTech EXPS3
Best Kel-Tec KSG Light
For any serious self-defense shotgun, you need a good weapon light. It needs to be reliable and bright.
There are many good options nowadays for weapon lights, but I always go back to the tried and true one.
SureFire M600 Ultra Scout Light
Identifying your target is crucial; if it’s dark, you will need a weapon light.
The Surefire M600 is my go-to for this. It is bright, reliable, and has the option to add a tape switch with a pressure pad for momentary on and off.
These have been around a while and are still trusted as one of the best weapon lights.
Click here to check the current prices of the Surefire M600
Arisaka Defense Picatinny Offset Scout Mount
I mount this on the top Picatinny rail using the Arisaka Defense Picatinny Offset Scout Mount. It’s slim and rock solid.
It takes up minimal rail space and is MLOK, so you can easily attach the Surefire M600 to the Kel-Tec KSG.
Click here to check the current prices of the Arisaka Defense Picatinny Offset Scout Mount
Tail Cap Pressure Pad
They make a Tail Cap Pressure Pad with a button, letting you have a constant on and off button.
This setup is kind of tricking on a shotgun because the forend moves back and forth, so this is unnecessary. If you like having the option of momentary on and off, you can still have this setup.
With this switch, you can have the most efficient ergonomic light setup and will not have to move your hand to activate it. This will stop you from breaking your shooting grip.
Click here to check the current prices of the Tail Cap Pressure Pad
Cloud Defensive LCS Mount
If you run the pressure switch, you will need a way to mount the switch to the shotgun.
I have the tape switch running to a Cloud Defensive LCS Mount that works great. I am super happy with this setup and believe it’s the best solution for mounting a weapon light with a pressure pad.
One of my favorite Kel-Tec KSG upgrades and accessories is a good weapon light on a shotgun.
Click here to check the current prices of the Cloud Defensive LCS Mount
Midwest Industries Keltec KSG M-Lok Light Mount
Now you can mount the light directly to this handguard attachment, but then the light would move with the pump action, which isn’t ideal.
Nothing wrong with that setup, but I recommend having the weapon light in a stationary location at the furthest possible point down the barrel.
The Midwest Industries Keltec KSG M-Lok Light Mount will allow you to mount the pressure switch on the handguard that moves with the pump action while leaving the light on the top rail.
With this, you still need to be careful that the cable will not snag on anything, and you need good cable management.
This part also has a handstop built, a good feature, and an upgrade.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Midwest Industries Keltec KSG M-Lok Light Mount
Best Kel-Tec KSG Sling
No good setup is complete without a sling. A good sling is one of the most important Kel-Tec KSG upgrades and accessories.
Because of how compact this shotgun is, and it is a bullpup, I suggest a single-point sling setup. In a smaller profile weapon, this will make it the most maneuverable.
Magpul MS3 Gen 2 Sling
The perfect sling for the KSG is the Magpul MS3 Gen 2 Sling because it is a hybrid sling. It can be used as a two-point sling or a single-point sling, so really, the best of both worlds.
The Gen 2 has a slider buckle that can be adjusted quickly while the weapon is slung to tighten or loosen the sling.
Safety clips can mount the sling to the shotgun and change the configuration.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul MS3 Gen 2 Sling
Kel Tec Single Point Sling Attachment Kit
You will need this Single Point Sling Attachment Kit to mount the single-point sling. Both left and right-side single-point sling attachments are included in this kit.
No tools are needed. The single-point sling attachment was easy to install.
This kit has a small slot for your sling to grab onto.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Single Point Sling Attachment Kit
Best Kel-Tec Vertical Foregrip
Another great upgrade for the KSG is a vertical foregrip. Many people like angled foregrips, but on a pump-action shotgun, a vertical foregrip makes more sense and is superior.
It will be moving with the action, and a vertical one will allow you to have more purchase on the pump action and give you more control to help prevent a short stroke.
Magpul RVG Rail Vertical Grip
The best vertical foregrip for this setup is the Magpul RVG Rail Vertical Grip. This one is simple and sleek without anything to snag on.
It is a Picatinny style mount, so it will easily secure on the under rail of the Kel-Tec KSG and will assist with the action.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul RVG Rail Vertical Grip
Best Kel-Tec KSG Ammo
Ammo has been increasing in price, even for 12 Ga shotgun shells. I like having a good mix of target rounds, buckshot, and slugs.
I recommend having a few hundred rounds of 12 Ga in your stockpile at a minimum. Always try to stock up when there is a sale or buy in bulk to save a little money.
- 12 Ga Ammo
Kel-Tec KSG FAQ
What is the best ammo for the KSG?
The best ammo is good quality buckshot, slugs, or a mix of both. The great thing about this shotgun is that there are two magazine tubes, so you can have one side loaded with buckshot and the other with slugs.
Are the KSG shotguns reliable?
Because of the pump action design, the Kel-Tec KSG is a reliable shotgun that will shoot various shells.
Can you put a choke on the Kel-Tec KSG shotgun?
If you add a choke adapter on the muzzle, you can add different chokes on the KSG shotgun. Modified, full, and cylinder bore chokes will work with the adapter.
Is the Kel-Tec KSG shotgun worth buying?
This is one of the best options if you want a compact tactical shotgun that can shoot a wide variety of ammo. It’s small and easier to maneuver in tight spaces, making it ideal for home defense.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)
- Kel-Tec KSG
- Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II
- Trijicon MRO HD
- Geissele Super Precision MRO Mount
- EOTech EXPS3
- Surefire M600
- Arisaka Defense Picatinny Offset Scout Mount
- Tail Cap Pressure Pad
- Cloud Defensive LCS Mount
- Midwest Industries Keltec KSG M-Lok Light Mount
- Magpul MS3 Gen 2 Sling
- Single Point Sling Attachment Kit
- Magpul RVG Rail Vertical Grip
- 12 Ga Ammo
Have you added any accessories to the Kel-Tec KSG?
Did you initially start with an optic?
Let me know in the comments below.
Further reading on Firstworldcrusader.com: Are you interested in learning more about guns and gear?
This list of the Best Red Dot Sights can help you choose the best optic for your rifle.
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