Best Short-Barreled Shotguns [2023]

Do you realize how expansive the world of shotguns is? They are not just tons of various shotguns out there, but tons of different categories. From single shotguns to multiple double barrel models, semi-autos, pump actions, and so on and so forth. Inside of those categories is subcategories. 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-barrel 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.

WHAT’S A SHORT-BARREL SHOTGUN?

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 a tiered system for firearms essentially. 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.

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 and non-NFA tactical shotguns. While legally there is a huge difference between the two, 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 A SHORT-BARRELED SHOTGUN

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.

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 20 GAUGE NFA ITHACA AUTO & BURGLAR		Superbly small and light Easy to use one-handed Beautifully Made	CHECK PRICE
BEST 20 GAUGE 590 TACTICAL		Nine shots of 20 gauge Super soft shooting Short length of pull	CHECK PRICE
BEST SEMI AUTO NON-NFA BERETTA 1301		Rapid cycling and easy shooting Ultra-reliable Weighs only 6.4 pounds	CHECK PRICE
PUMP ACTION NON-NFA & NFA MOSSBERG 590A1		Modular Magpul Furniture Ghost Rings and Optics Ready Proven military shotgun	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

SPECS FOR BEST SHORT-BARRELED SHOTGUNS