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The death of the shotgun as being a viable defensive tool has been greatly exaggerated. Sure, ammunition capacity is not exactly in the 30 round magazine territory, but the short range power that comes from some of today’s modern shot shells will protect Saint Nick from the overwhelming majority of beasts on his Christmas Eve route.
Pause: I can’t wait for one of our readers to drop a link to a video showing a charging bull elephant, brushing off three inche slugs like gnats.
Even so, whether you are looking for a home defense gun, a woods gun, a range toy or some other purpose all together, a trusty scattergun is still an option. Besides, there’s something very classic to a shotgun under the tree on Christmas morning.
Note: Just because some of the below firearms shoot 12 Gauge ammunition doesn’t mean that the are all shotguns. There’s a growing number of non-NFA firearms that are both short and useful and are classified simply as firearms.
TFB’s 12 Days Of Christmas: Scatterguns For Saint Nick
Reming TAC-13 Marine
The Remington 870 Marine Magnum TAC-14 is part of a new group of non-NFA shotshell-firing guns that don’t quite meet the ATF’s description of a short-barrel shotgun, making them legal for purchase without ATF approval.
The Remington 870 Marine Magnum TAC-14 is equipped with a Raptor birdshead grip and features a Magpul M-LOK forend for a solid gripping surface. The gun is built on the company’s 870 shotgun receiver and is made from nickel plated steel.
- Chambered in 12-gauge
- Capacity: 4+1
- Barrel length: 14 inches
- Overall length: 26 inches
The Remington 870 Marine Magnum TAC-14 weighs in at 5.6 pounds and features a standard bead sight.
Benelli M2 Tactical
The Benelli M2 is the workhorse of the semi-auto Benelli shotguns, with the speed of a thoroughbred. Light, nimble, but ruggedly built, the M2 12-gauge shotgun is built around the ultra-reliable Inertia Driven bolt mechanism. The Inertia Driven system allows the M2 to digest nearly any 12 gauge cartridge, from 2-3/4″ target loads to the heaviest 3″ magnums.
Chiappa 1887 Lever Action
Designed by John M. Browning for the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the 1887 lever action shotgun is considered to be the first successful repeating shotgun. The Chiappa Firearms’ 1887 is a faithful reproduction of this classic firearm. The 1887 utilizes the design of the original solid lever that includes an innovative internal safety. Featuring a synthetic stock and forearm and blue finished receivers, the 1887 is as beautiful as it is functional. The T Model has a fixed modified choke.
Remington TAC-13
The Remington V3 Tac-13 is not just another shotshell-firing firearm not covered under any NFA regulation. It’s rather obvious Remington took a concept to the next level with the V3 TAC-13 Compact.
Unlike earlier grip-equipped firearms, the Remington V3 TAC-13 Compact is built on the company’s compact V3 semi-automatic operating system. Since the entire mechanism is contained inside the gun’s aluminum receiver, the company can maintain the short overall length of the platform while still providing reliable, dependable semi-auto function.
- Caliber: 12-gauge
- Capacity: 5+1
- Overall length: 26.5 inches
- Weight: 5.94 pounds
Each Remington V3 TAC-13 Compact is equipped with a hand strap attached to the handguard, allowing users to keep control of the gun during rapid fire. The VersaPort gas system allows the gun to self-regulate, providing manageable recoil in addition to its reliable operation.
Kel-tec KSG
Kel-Tec’s KSG is a simple and reliable pump action shotgun able to feed from either the left or right tube, with a manual feed side selector lever located behind the trigger guard. Each tube holds up to 6 shells for a total 12+1 capacity. The pump includes top and bottom Picatinny rails to mount accessories and optics. The soft rubber butt pad helps to tame recoil. The KSG receiver is made from hardened steel and the magazine tubes have been welded in place. The grip and stock assembly is made of glass reinforced nylon (Zytel) and is easily disassembled by pushing out two pins, which store in two holes in the grip when removed. It has built-in forward and rear sling loops, and includes a basic sling.
Mossberg 590M
The 590M 2.75-inch pump action 12-gauge includes non-binding twin action bars, anti-jam elevator, dual extractors, and an anodized aluminum receiver drilled and tapped adding optics.
The heavy-walled barrel comes with ghost ring sights, and the shotgun features a convenient cleanout magazine tube, and universally-recognized, ambidextrous top-mounted safety.
- Barrel Length: 18.5”
- Length: 39.5”
- Weight: 7.75 lbs.
The 590M includes a 10-round magazine to have a total round capacity of 10+1.
Mossberg 590 Tactical
The Mossberg 590 is a 12 gauge shotgun with a 3 inch chamber. This home defense weapon has a 9 round capacity, along with a 20 inch barrel, and a ghost ring sight system
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