7 Best Short-Barreled Shotguns in 2025 [Our Picks] By: Travis Pike

[[{“value”:”

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to follow and signup for notifications!

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.

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.

There are also firearms that fire shotgun shells but are not “shotguns” (one of them is included in this list). Some firearms that fire shotgun shells can simply legally be a “firearm,” they can be handguns, or even classified as another type of NFA firearm, an AOW.

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, on AOW, and non-NFA tactical shotguns. While legally there is a huge difference between the three, 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 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

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 AOW PTR The Jack		Superbly small and light Easy to use Fun To Shoot	Check Price
Best Semi-Auto Non-NFA Firearm 990 Aftershock		Semi-auto Action 590 Compatible Controllable	Check Price
Best Semi Auto Genesis Arms Gen-12 PDW		Rapid cycling and easy shooting Ultra-reliable Comes With A Suppressor	Check Price
Best Inertia Driven IWI Mafteah		Reversible Charging Handle Optics Ready Inertia Driven	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

Benelli M4 and Benelli M4 Entry

The Benelli M4 wins as both the best Non-NFA and NFA short barrel shotgun. The Benelli comes in both a standard configuration and an NFA model.

Check Latest Price

• Shootability
  A
• Reliability
  A
• Ergonomics
  A
• Accuracy
  A
• Value
  C

Our Grade

A-

Reader’s Grade

B

Based on

6 Reviews

Your Grade

Do You Own This Gun?
Leave A Review

Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

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.

PTR The Jack

The PTR The Jack is a micro-sized 12 gauge that packs a punch. Technically its not a shotgun, but an AOW.

Check Latest Price

• Shootability
  C+
• Reliability
  A+
• Ergonomics
  C+
• Accuracy
  C-
• Value
  C+

Our Grade

B-

Reader’s Grade

TBD

Based on

0 Reviews

Your Grade

Do You Own This Gun?
Leave A Review

Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

This isn’t a shotgun by law; it’s technically an AOW, or Any Other Weapon. While legally it’s not a shotgun, functionally it acts and behaves like a shotgun. The Jack is a fully custom weapon that PTR builds from a Maverick 88 receiver and barrel set. It is super small and highly compact. There are some revolvers bigger than the Jack. 

The Jack features a seven-inch barrel, and it has an overall length of a mere 17 inches. As a compact tube-fed shotgun, it only holds two rounds of 2.75-inch rounds, but with an adapter, you can shoot mini shells, and it’ll hold three rounds. The gun has both rear and forward pistol grips. You cannot attach a stock unless you file to make the AOW a short-barreled shotgun, so keep that in mind. 

The Jack seems like it would be a nightmare to fire, but proper technique goes a long way. The twin pistol grips allow you to engage with a good push/pull technique that results in great recoil mitigation. Most of the force generated by recoil will land in your support hand with this setup. It gets tiring to fire, and I doubt most shooters will take a high-round-count class with the Jack. 

Do yourself a favor and keep your ammo selection in the low-velocity buckshot, under 1,300 feet per second. Federal Flitecontrol at 1,145 FPS is the sweet spot for usability and controllability. The gun does pattern rather loosely. Perhaps the short barrel messes with velocity, which can affect patterns, but it does well enough for intended close-range use. 

The Jack will take a seasoned hand to use efficiently, but with some practice, it can be an effective and powerful close-range monster. 

Mossberg 990 Aftershock

The Mossberg 990 Aftershock brings a gas-operated semi-auto option to the 12-gauge firearm world.

Check Latest Price

• Shootability
  A-
• Reliability
  A+
• Ergonomics
  A+
• Accuracy
  B
• Value
  B

Our Grade

A-

Reader’s Grade

TBD

Based on

0 Reviews

Your Grade

Do You Own This Gun?
Leave A Review

Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

Mossberg came out swinging this year with the 990 Aftershock. The name gives it away. Mossberg blended elements of the 940 series with the 590 series to create a semi-automatic 12-gauge short-barreled firearm. Legally, it’s not a shotgun, but a firearm. The name Aftershock is a clear reference to the Mossberg Shockwave, which is one of their most successful firearms of all time. While legally not a shotgun, it’s functionally a shotgun.

The gun has a 14.75-inch barrel, but there is also an 18.75-inch barrel model. The longer barrel would allow you to mount a stock without a tax stamp and ATF approval if you so chose to do so. The Aftershock comes optics-ready with the same pattern as a Mossberg 590, and there will also be a model with the Crimson Trace laser saddle.

The 990 Aftershock ditches the portion of the gas system that requires an extension of the receiver into the stock. The gas system is entirely contained beneath the foreend. The rear of the gun uses a Mossberg 590/500 series setup so it can accept all grips, and with a tax stamp, stocks to create a true short-barreled shotgun. The 990 Aftershock is surprisingly easy to shoot and comfortable to handle.

The gas system takes some serious bite out of the gun and creates a pistol grip-only 12-gauge that’s easy to control. With standard power ammo, it might feel like a handful, but with reduced recoil ammo, the Mossberg 990 feels downright smooth shooting. I was putting multiple rounds on multiple targets with ease and landing solid and repeatable hits.

The Aftershock is looking to be one of my favorite new shorty firearms and mine will have a stamp sooner than later.

Genesis Arms Gen-12 PDW

Check out the suppressed power of the Genesis Arms Gen-12 PDW

Check Latest Price

• Shootability
  A+
• Reliability
  A+
• Ergonomics
  A+
• Accuracy
  A
• Value
  D

Our Grade

A-

Reader’s Grade

TBD

Based on

0 Reviews

Your Grade

Do You Own This Shotgun?
Leave A Review

Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

PDW stands for Personal Defense Weapon, and they typically apply to ultra compact firearms that either fire pistol rounds or a dedicated PDW cartridge like the 5.7x28mm. Shotguns aren’t typically considered PDWs, but Genesis has begun to produce the Gen-12 PDW. The Gen-12 PDW is a micro-sized short-barreled shotgun that is out of this world. It’s far from traditional in more ways than its overall size.

The Genesis 12 PDW is a short-barreled semi-auto shotgun that feeds from a box magazine. Genesis Arms went with an AR-like layout that gives users a very ergonomic platform. As a PDW, we get a PDW-like stock that collapses to make a very short and maneuverable shotgun. The Gen-12 PDW has a five-inch barrel, which is designed to be used in conjunction with a suppressor.

In fact, the Gen-12 PDW is designed to function and is sold with the HUXWRX VENTUM 12 K Suppressor. Short recoil systems can be a bit finicky when it comes to suppressors, so having one you know works is beneficial. The Gen-12 PDW is only 26 inches long overall with the suppressor and 20 inches long without it. This might be the shortest semi-automatic shotgun ever made!

It’s magazine-fed, and there are five, eight, and ten-round magazines available. As an AR-pattern gun, you know what to expect ergonomically. It’s a bit beefier than your classic AR, but it’s also a 12-gauge and not a .223.

The Genesis 12 PDW is a two-stamp gun, which means you have to add $400 dollars in tax stamps to the already 5,000 dollar price point. It’s not for the NFA-shy or those who have to make mortgage payments.

#5
IWI Mafteah : Best Inertia Driven

IWI Mafteah

The IWI Mafteah brings a semi-auto option to the 12-gauge firearm world.

Check Latest Price

• Shootability
  A-
• Reliability
  A+
• Ergonomics
  A+
• Accuracy
  B
• Value
  B

Our Grade

A-

Reader’s Grade

TBD

Based on

0 Reviews

Your Grade

Do You Own This Gun?
Leave A Review

Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

The Mafteah is a 12-gauge semi-automatic firearm and the first in the genre to use a recoil-operated inertia system. It is novel not just for its operating system but also for a ton of features we don’t see on modern semi-auto shotguns or firearms. The name comes from King Solomon’s key, which makes a lot of sense since the Mafteah could open most doors.

The Mafteah’s use of an inertia-operated system ensures the gun is lighter than most of the competition. Guns this small should be light, and the Mafteah certainly delivers. At less than six pounds, it’s well balanced and maneuverable. The lack of a gas system means the gun doesn’t feel front-heavy or inconvenient.

In terms of recoil, I found the Mafteah to be very controllable, and with a few practice runs, I was shooting two shots on one target in less than a second. That was with birdshot, but to me, that’s still impressive enough. The Mafteah ran like a champ and ate through a few hundred rounds of birdshot in the hands of two dozen different shooters.

Regarding features we don’t see elsewhere, we have a unique red dot ready design. It uses Glock MOS plates so you can direct mount a ton of different optics without a problem. There is a Picatinny option as well. Another feature I like is the ability to reverse the charging handle to the left side to make it easier to use for right-handed shooters. Finally, look at the vent rib! It looks fantastic!

#6
KelTec KS7 : 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.

Check Latest Price

• Shootability
  A
• Reliability
  A
• Ergonomics
  C
• Accuracy
  A
• Value
  A+

Our Grade

A-

Reader’s Grade

C

Based on

8 Reviews

Your Grade

Do You Own This Gun?
Leave A Review

Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

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.

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.

Check Latest Price

• Shootability
  C
• Reliability
  B
• Ergonomics
  C
• Accuracy
  A
• Value
  A

Our Grade

B

Reader’s Grade

C-

Based on

10 Reviews

Your Grade

Do You Own This Gun?
Leave A Review

Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

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.

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.

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.

Note, just because the barrel is less than 18 inches does not mean it is a short barreled shotgun – for example, without a buttstock, it can never be a “shotgun.”

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.

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 and AOWs, additional ATF paperwork may be required.

“}]]