Shotguns are the home defense tool of choice for many gun owners, and for good reason. A quality 12-gauge is a great defensive weapon when it’s combined with the correct ammunition and an understanding of how it patterns at various distances. As an FFL holder, it’s your job to keep shotguns in stock that are reasonable choices for self-defense use. Some customers will want one for home defense, while others may desire a tactical shotgun for hog hunting or use as a truck gun. There are many options and takes on the platform on the market, so we’ve compiled a list of the top tactical shotguns you should consider having on hand for your customers.
GForce Arms 12Hammer
Many customers will prefer the familiarity of an AR-style shotgun, and that makes the GForce 12Hammer the perfect fit. This is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed to reliably cycle lighter shotshells as well as the usual heavier loads. GForce Arms states it runs well with anything from 7 1/2 shot to 3-inch T-shot (the gun has a 3-inch chamber). It’s a side-charging shotgun and is specifically designed for home defenders.
GForce Arms put serious thought into the 12Hammer. Customers will be interested to learn that the upper receiver is T6-7075 hardened aluminum, but the lower is a polymer blend. That combination cuts weight for a shotgun that’s easier to maneuver and carry for unknown lengths of time while simultaneously making it simpler to fire offhand. The barrel of the 12Hammer is 18.5 inches in length and the gun does ship with five chokes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full). A telescoping stock makes adjusting length of pull for different shooters straightforward and changes the overall length from 31.1 inches to 48.2 inches. Picatinny rail over the receiver and at the top and bottom of the muzzle end of the handguard makes adding aftermarket accessories easy. MLOK compatibility of the handguard means customers can add even more gear if they like. The gun’s capacity is 5 +1, and it ships with flip-up iron sights.
This shotgun is ideal for home defenders who demand a reliable performance but prefer to operate an AR-15 style platform. It’s ruggedly made and accurate, and it offers more tactical features than standard shotguns.
Visit gforcearms.com for further details.
MSRP $379.00
Citadel Tidalwave
The Citadel Tidalwave is a versatile firearm that just happens to be chambered in 12-gauge. Due to its bird’s-head grip, it’s not technically a shotgun—it’s classified as a “firearm” by the ATF—but we’re including it because it’s a 12-gauge. The Tidalwave is not designed to be shouldered, and it’s easier than customers might realize to fire offhand, pistol-style. It’s even accurate at greater distances and can be easily aimed by raising the iron sights to eye level (meaning it does not need to be fired from the hip). This compact 12-gauge is a stellar option for use as a truck gun or for home defense. It’s well-made and reliable, and it doesn’t take up much space.
This 12-gauge firearm boasts a 5 +1 capacity and a pump action. The bird’s-head grip and forend are made from synthetic materials for greater durability and resistance to the expected scrapes and bumps that come with hard use. Citadel utilizes a 3/8 receiver for this firearm. Barrel length is 14.75 inches and the gun’s overall length is 27 inches. It has a fixed cylinder choke, gold front bead sight, and texturing on the grip and forend to encourage a positive hold during live fire. There’s also a sling attachment point on the grip, and the gun does ship with a paracord sling. And thanks to the 3-inch chamber, customers can use either 2 ¾-inch or 3-inch shotshells.
Customers interested in a more compact, highly maneuverable 12-gauge will benefit from the Citadel Tidalwave. Citadel produces the Tidalwave in black, FDE (Flat Dark Earth), gray, and with a USA flag finish.
Visit CitadelFirearms.com for further details.
MSRP $359.00
Mossberg 590RM Mag-Fed Stand-Off
The tang-mounted safety is a known feature of Mossberg shotguns, but for tactical applications, some shooters prefer a different style. In response, Mossberg is launching a line of shotguns with safety selectors similar to what you’d find on an AR-platform rifle. That makes manipulating the shotgun far more smooth and allows for rapid transitions as needed during defensive situations. The Mossberg 590RM Mag-Fed Stand-Off is chock full of tactical-friendly features and just might be ideal for customers who love Mossberg, but not that tang safety.
The 590RM Mag-Fed Stand-Off is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel, integrated heat shield, and a five-position adjustable stock. It boasts a 10-round capacity thanks to the detachable, double-stack box magazine, and the 2 3/4-inch chamber will work with most popular self-defense shotshells. Picatinny rail over the upper receiver simplifies the addition of red-dot sights or optics. The barrel is stand-off style, which is a good feature for tactical use. Overall weight is 7.9 pounds, empty. The entire 590R line of shotguns is made for superior tactics.
This shotgun is a great fit for customers interested in a tactical variant of a classic model as well as for those who specifically want a pump-action.
Visit Mossberg.com for further details.
MSRP $1190.00
Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2 Chisel Stock
The Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2 Chisel Stock is a high-end shotgun designed and executed according to demanding specifications. This model’s fixed Chisel stock not only cuts the overall weight of the shotgun but also reduces dimensions and creates a more streamlined platform. If customers prefer a classic shotgun stock, that model is also available. The 1301 Tactical Mod 2 utilizes Beretta’s B-Link gas-operating system for rapid cycling and reliable performance. This is a 12-gauge shotgun with a 3-inch chamber and 7 +1 capacity.
Everything about this shotgun is made to facilitate effective self-defense. The forend is knurled for an improved grip during use, there’s Picatinny rail atop the receiver, and the trigger is a semi-flat tactical style. Barrel length is 18 inches and overall length is a manageable 37.8 inches. A ½-inch Microcore recoil pad absorbs felt recoil for a more comfortable shooting experience. Even loading is easier thanks to the new Pro-Lifter feature. Additional useful features include MLOK slots at the muzzle end of the forend, textured pistol grip, and oversized, reversible cross-bolt safety. This is a beautifully made tactical shotgun that’s the type of firearm customers are likely to pass down to future generations.
Consider recommending the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2 Chisel Stock to customers who demand enjoy a streamlined, high-quality firearm. This shotgun weighs under 7 pounds empty and there are options for Beretta-made aftermarket accessories.
Visit beretta.com for further details.
MSRP starts at $2279.00
Escort BullTac Mag Fed
Customers who prefer options beyond 12-gauge will enjoy the Escort BullTac Mag Fed, a bullpup shotgun that’s available in 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 bore. All chamberings feature 18-inch barrels, 3-inch chambers, and a compact bullpup design. The Escort BullTac Mag Fed is 27.75 inches overall and weighs in at 7 pounds, empty. It’s a pump-action that’s purpose-built to excel at security and defensive applications. Magazine capacity is five rounds using Escort’s VTS mags.
The Escort BullTac Mag Fed’s barrel is proof-tested to ensure its performance over time. In addition, the barrel is chrome-plated, extending longevity and lending it resistance to oxidation. The upper receiver is manufactured from a durable alloy, and the lower is synthetic. Escort designed the shotgun with side accessory rails on the carry handle, making it possible for customers to add aftermarket gear, and if the customer prefers not to have the carry handle, it is removable. The gun ships with an adjustable rear sight and fixed front sight. Where the bullpup design excels is tactical use, and that makes the BullTac a great option for home defense or use as a truck gun.
This is the ideal shotgun for customers who want a magazine-fed shotgun but prefer the compact nature of the bullpup. The fact that it’s available in more than 12-gauge is an additional bonus.
Visit EscortShotgunsUSA.com for further details.
MSRP not known at this time.
