Best Shotgun Bullpup Designs for Compact Power
When it comes to tactical firepower in tight spaces, few options are as practical and powerful as bullpup shotguns. By placing the action and magazine behind the trigger, bullpup designs offer full-sized performance in a much shorter overall package ideal for home defense, close-quarter combat, and maneuvering in tight environments. Here’s a look at some of the best bullpup shotguns available today, each bringing a mix of compact design, solid firepower, and tactical flexibility.
Kel-Tec KSG
The Kel-Tec KSG is one of the most recognizable bullpup shotguns on the market. Its dual-tube magazine system allows for a whopping 14+1 round capacity, with the flexibility to load different shell types in each tube. Whether you’re switching between buckshot and slugs or simply maximizing capacity, the KSG’s versatility is unmatched. It features an 18.5-inch barrel and measures just over 26 inches in overall length, making it compact enough for tight quarters. Weighing around 6.9 pounds, it’s relatively light for a pump-action shotgun with this much firepower. Ambidextrous controls and bottom ejection make it user-friendly for both right- and left-handed shooters.
Smith & Wesson M&P 12
The M&P 12 is Smith & Wesson’s take on the bullpup platform, and they didn’t hold back. Like the KSG, it offers a dual-tube magazine setup, providing a 14+1 round capacity. With a 19-inch barrel and a total length of 27.8 inches, the M&P 12 delivers compact power while maintaining excellent ergonomics. It weighs a bit more at 8.3 pounds but includes thoughtful features like ambidextrous controls, bottom ejection, and M-LOK slots for accessories. One of its standout capabilities is compatibility with mini-shells, allowing you to increase capacity even further.
IWI Tavor TS12
For shooters who prefer semi-automatic firepower, the Tavor TS12 from IWI is a top-tier option. This gas-operated shotgun holds 15+1 rounds, thanks to its innovative rotating magazine tube system that houses three tubes with five shells each. The TS12 features an 18.5-inch barrel and an overall length of 28.34 inches. Despite its high capacity and semi-auto action, it maintains a manageable weight of 8 pounds. The design is ambidextrous, and with a full-length Picatinny rail and M-LOK slots, it’s ready for customization with optics, lights, and other tactical gear.
Rock Island Armory VRBP-100-A
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly semi-automatic bullpup, the VRBP-100-A is worth a look. It features a 20-inch barrel, an overall length of 32 inches, and comes standard with a 5+1 capacity magazine. The magazine-fed design makes reloading quicker and more intuitive than traditional tube-fed systems. At 7.9 pounds, it’s not too heavy and includes essentials like adjustable sights and a Picatinny rail for optics. It’s a solid performer, especially for those just getting into bullpup shotguns.
Black Aces Tactical Pro Series Bullpup
This offering from Black Aces Tactical comes in both semi-automatic and pump-action versions, giving buyers more flexibility based on their preferences. With an 18.5-inch barrel and an overall length of 28 inches, it balances size and power well. The Pro Series Bullpup has a standard 5+1 magazine-fed setup and includes features like M-LOK accessory slots, a top-mounted Picatinny rail, and multiple configurations to suit different tactical needs. At around 9 pounds, it’s a bit on the heavier side, but its rugged build and reliability make up for it.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bullpup Shotgun
Before deciding which bullpup shotgun to go with, take a moment to think about how you’ll use it. If your focus is home defense, look for models with easy handling, good reliability, and quick target acquisition. If you’re using it for range shooting or tactical drills, a higher capacity and accessory compatibility might take priority.
Other important factors include:
Action Type: Pump-action models are generally more affordable and reliable, while semi-automatics offer faster follow-up shots.
Capacity: Depending on your needs, the ability to hold 10+ rounds without reloading can be a major benefit.
Ergonomics: Controls should be intuitive and easy to operate under stress.
Ambidextrous Features: If you’re left-handed or plan to share the shotgun, ambidextrous controls and ejection systems are valuable.
Accessory Mounting: A rail system or M-LOK slots allow you to add lights, lasers, and optics to customize the shotgun for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Bullpup shotguns are a perfect blend of compactness and raw power. Whether you go with the feature-rich IWI TS12, the budget-friendly VRBP-100-A, or the versatile Kel-Tec KSG, you’ll get a powerful firearm built to perform in close quarters. With thoughtful features like high capacity, accessory support, and ambidextrous handling, these shotguns stand out as top choices for tactical use, defense, and more.