The worldwide web of shotguns is growing…both in popularity and options. One particular category of shotguns of great interest is mag-fed shotguns.
So, let’s explore the world of mag-fed shotties with why you might want one and some pros/cons for the models I recommend. Ultimately, I’m here to help you figure out which model is right for you.
With that, let’s jump in!
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best AR-Style Shotgun
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Softest Shooting Shotgun
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Best AK-Style Shotgun
Table of Contents
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How We Chose the Best Mag-Fed Shotguns
Before we discuss the models you should try, these weren’t haphazardly assembled based on Google research. I’ve had hands-on experience with every model and even own a few of them.
The products listed have spent time at the range and have had an opportunity to be handled by me or someone else at PPT. These shotguns are evaluated and recommended based on features, ergonomics, accuracy, reliability, and value.
Best Mag-Fed Shotguns
1. Mossberg 590M Series – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Classic shotgun feel
- 5 to 20 round capacity mags
- Reliable performance
Cons
- Mags are pricey
- Only uses 2.75" shells
Mossberg 590M
Specs
Features
The Mossberg 590M series is the brainchild of both Mossberg and Adaptive Tactical.
Adaptive Tactical created the original Sidewinder kit, so it’s safe to say they know how mag-fed shotguns work. The two companies worked together to produce the M series of Mossberg shotguns.
If you fall into the “classic shotgunner” category, the Mossberg 590 is the model for you.
The designs are almost entirely identical to a classic shottie, so the controls feel the same. Obviously, you’re going to see the addition of a magazine and mag release, though.
Its magazine release introduces a clever ambidextrous design into the platform, while the magazine rock is similar to an AK — but less of a pronounced rock. The magazines are what’s unique, big, bulbous beasts with capacities ranging from 5- to 20 rounds…without being ridiculously long.
Using a double-stack magazine design, the Mossberg is the only example I know of that uses double-stack mags for shotguns. Hence, why it packs a whopping 20 rounds without looking silly like a certain VR series 19-rounder.
Mags feed brilliantly and, bonus, are reliable. They can be taken apart easily and cleaned when necessary. Not to mention, they lock into the gun nice and tight — no shaking, stuttering, or movement.
Mossberg’s 590 is already an excellent combat shotgun, and that doesn’t change with the addition of a magazine.
In total, there are three models to choose from — two standard shotguns and one Shockwave variant. My favorite? The 590M variant with ghost ring sights, a choked barrel, and a heat shield.
The biggest complaint I have comes down to the price of mags. Are you sitting down? Mags are priced around $100.
Some may not like the fact that the gun only uses 2.75-inch shells, but these aren’t hunting shotguns. A 3-inch shell isn’t necessary.
To learn more about the 590M, check out our full review here. Also, see what upgrades I included in my Ultimate Build.
2. Rock Island Armory VR80 – Best AR-Style Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Magazine-fed
- M-LOK Rail
Cons
- Lengthy break-in period
Rock Island VR80
Specs
Features
I’ve handled every VR series shotgun, and this is by far my favorite.
The VR80 is another AR-like shotgun with AR carbine stock and pistol grip capability. Controls also mimic that of an AR. It features an excellent aluminum handguard with M-LOK slots and a flat-top optic-ready upper.
Add to that the ability to incorporate a collapsing AR-style stock out of the box, and you’ve got an excellent design. This fits the shooter much better than a fixed stock.
The only control that does not resemble an AR is the charging handle. But it is reversible for left or right-handed shooters.
Let’s talk about the magazine release and trigger. The mag release is massive and easy to engage, while the trigger is surprisingly nice. Of the three semi-auto VR series guns, this is the smoothest shooting. The gun cycles reliably and fast. You’re going to love to mag dump.
Recoil is very soft for a shotgun and possibly the softest shooting semi-auto shotgun at this price point.
RIA’s VR80 feeds from a magazine with a capacity ranging up to 19 rounds. Though you can choose among 5-, 9-, or 19-round mags, 9-rounders are the sweet spot for both size and capacity. These are single stack magazines, so the 19-round mag seems a bit ridiculous (and aimed more at 3-Gun than defensive use).
What could the VR80 be used for? It makes for an excellent home defense shotgun. The ability to bolt on a collapsing stock for an adjustable LOP, M-LOK for an easy light attachment, and various magazine capacities make it a winner.
Go more in-depth with the VR80 (as well as the VR60 and VRBP-100) in our full review here!
What do you think of the VR80? Rate it below!
3. Fostech Origin 12 – Softest Shooting Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Soft shooting
- Reliable
- Great ergonomics
Cons
- Pricey
Specs
Features
The Fostech Origin 12 is one of my grail guns, right behind the AA-12. Fostech’s Origin 12 is, without a doubt, the softest shooting shotgun I’ve ever handled. Not only is it a soft shooting gun, but it’s a fast-cycling weapon.
With the Origin 12, Fostech provides the most capable semi-auto shotgun out there.
My time with the Origin 12 was limited to a media event, and I kept getting back in line over and over to dump magazine after magazine through it. I wish I had more time with this gun. The Fostech Origin 12 proved super reliable. Dozens of different shooters firing thousands of rounds, and the gun never stopped chugging along.
As you’d imagine, the Origin 12 is unlike any other shotgun on the market. It’s built and laid out like a modern rifle but scaled up for a shotgun. The ergonomics are outstanding, stock folds, and the gun even comes suppressor-ready for the Salvo.
Using proprietary magazines, this build is rock solid.
Magazines come in varying capacities that include a basic 5-round mag, 8- and 10-rounders…all the way up to a 30-round drum.
You guessed it; the Fostech Origin 12 comes with a high price tag (as do the magazines), but boy, oh boy, it’s a brilliant weapon.
4. Kalashnikov USA KS-12 – Best AK-Style Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Faithful clone to the Saiga 12
- Can use Saiga 12 accessories
- Can handle a variety of ammo
Cons
- Not a lot of optics options
- Frequently out of stock
Kalashnikov USA KS-12
Specs
Features
Back in the day, the Saiga 12 series sold us on the idea of box mag-fed shotguns. They really kicked the whole thing off and helped the acceptance of box-fed designs. When Russian import restrictions fell in place, the supply of Saiga 12 shotguns dried up, and a dozen different companies from Turkey and China stepped in to fill the gap.
Most of these guns were kinda crappy, with low-quality designs and terrible reliability. It took an American company, Kalashnikov USA, to release a high-quality, reliable, and successful AK-style shotgun. The KS 12 is a faithful clone of the Saiga 12 series.
These guns can use Saiga mags, drums, muzzle devices, and chokes. It’s a very faithful clone of the original Saiga 12. This includes the realms of durability and reliability.
You can blast through a wide variety of ammunition. They eat up birdshot, buckshot, slugs, and more with ease. High brass, low brass, it doesn’t matter, and I’ve fired a good bit of tactical reduced recoil buckshot without a problem.
Kalashnikov USA simplified the sights a bit because shotguns don’t need sliding rear sights out to several hundred meters. Sadly, they didn’t do much for optical options outside of the side rail for tossing on optics.
The KS-12 comes in a few different options. Some include AR stock adapters, folding stocks, rails, and more. Others are a bit more standard. These guns don’t need to go through the 922R conversion process either. They come in the standard AK configuration.
These guns are a blast to shoot, and the classic rock in mags work well. Magazine options are abundant on the market. The guns tend to be fairly soft shooting since they are properly gassed and offer familiar ergonomics and quick reloads.
Notable Mentions
5. Genesis 12
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- AR-style platform
- Runs reliably
- Can mount a ton of accessories
Cons
- Frequently on backorder
Watching Genesis 12 grow has been exciting for me. The guys behind the company are passionate and have worked to develop an awesome product. The Genesis 12 reached new heights when John Wick used it to launch Dragon’s Breath into bad guys’ faces in John Wick 4.
They exploded in popularity, and their guns are back ordered by about 33 weeks. It’s easy to see why. These are awesome mag-fed shotguns that use a familiar AR-type platform to deliver 12-gauge awesomeness.
These guns use short recoil, which is fairly novel for a modern tactical shotgun that takes on the AR appearance. The barrel reciprocates slightly to push the bolt and operate the gun. It has no need for a gas system, so it tends to run clean, and most importantly, it runs reliably.
The gun offers surprisingly low recoil, and getting fast follow-up shots is very easy. While mag dumping is often considered a waste, I challenge you not to try it with a mag full of birdshot. Your shoulder won’t hurt, and control won’t be an issue.
The system cycles most rounds without a problem. This includes low recoil tactical loads and light birdshot loads. You might run into issues with super light birdshot loads designed for trap and skeet, but you’d have to go out of your way to do so.
Using the AR pattern allows for tons of accessory mounting, and optics are easy to attach. Mag changes are quick and easy, and Genesis makes a number of magazines in capacities from five to ten rounds, with an optional +2 extension being available. The big difference between this gun and ARs is the right-side charging handle, but it’s not a big deal overall.
The Genesis 12 guns are one of the few box-fed shotguns I’d take hunting, compete with, and trust for home defense. It’s incredibly reliable, and I don’t feel controversial in saying it’s the best box mag-fed shotgun on the market.
6. ATI Alpha Maxx .410 Shotgun Upper
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Upper can be put on mil-spec AR lower
- Adjustable gas system
- Not a lot of recoil
Cons
- Restricted to 2.5-inch rounds
American Tactical’s latest shotgun is an AR, not just an AR-looking shotgun like many companies produce. The Alpha Maxx is a .410 upper receiver that can be slapped on top of any Mil-Spec AR lower receiver, and bam, you have a shotgun. Its magazine will fit in the multi cal magwell without a problem.
This isn’t the first AR upper, but it’s the smartest I’ve seen so far. First, the gas system is adjustable and allows you to tune it to function in a wide variety of .410 loads. This allows you to use buckshot, birdshot, and slugs. At the end of the barrel, there appears to be a muzzle device; it’s actually a choke system.
This makes it easy to adjust the pattern of your shot. You might want to tighten up some of those buckshot loads for defensive use. The gas system paired with the choke makes it a smart design overall and more shotgun than AR.
The magazines will vary from 5 to 15 rounds and are a single stack design. The gun is restricted to 2.5-inch rounds. The magwell can’t let you sit a big 3-inch option. The downside is that the way companies measure 2.5 inches can vary. Sometimes, they can be fractionally longer; if so, those rounds won’t fit in your Alpha Maxx.
The semi-auto action and low recoil of the .410 rounds make it super easy to shoot and a ton of fun to shoot. It’s controllable for nearly any skill level and doesn’t have the same thump as most shotguns. It could be a solid defensive option for shooters in restrictive states.
Plus, it’s a ton of fun overall, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one. I should mention they are doing a pistol version. It’s still a .410, but it has a rifled barrel. How that rifling will affect the shot pattern is unknown, but I’d love to find out.
Mag Fed Shotgun Advantages
Well, the most immediate advantage is the ability to quickly reload the weapon.
If you run the gun dry, you can immediately slam a new magazine home and just keep on going. With a traditional tube-fed tactical shotgun, you have to do one or two rounds at a time.
If you are primarily a rifle shooter, you’ll have an easier time switching to a magazine-fed shotgun than a tube-fed shotgun. However, with a tube-fed shotgun, you can always top off your shotgun as you run and gun.
A mag-fed shotgun offers a greater capacity than a standard tube-fed model without a 4-foot tube sticking out. Your average tactical shotgun offers around 8 rounds, but some mag-fed variants can squeeze up to 20 rounds in a magazine.
A magazine-fed, semi-auto shotgun can be a real beast of a weapon.
Downsides to a Mag-Fed Shotgun
Weight is the most imminent downside. Packing in 20 rounds of 12-gauge gives a lot of heft to a gun.
Another issue is magazines. These shotguns all hinge on a reliable magazine.
But we aren’t at a point where a common magazine type has been chosen. (The models listed here are all outfitted with reliable magazines.)
Another downside – you can’t instantly swap ammo types. It’s tough to pull off a slug transition drill with a mag-fed shotgun.
Also, forget about continuously loading your shotgun like a tube-fed model. But you can always do a tactical reload with retention.
Final Thoughts
Mag-fed shotguns might not ever replace tube-fed guns, but they are becoming increasingly popular for a reason. Offering faster reloads and greater capacity, it’s no surprise these are taking off among shooters.
I’m not rushing to replace my other Benelli or Mossbergs anytime soon, but I can’t help but find myself drawn to mag-fed shotguns and wanting to experiment with them.
What’s your take on mag-fed shotguns? Love ‘em or leave ‘em? Let us know below. Need even more shotguns in your life? Check out all the reviews in our dedicated Shotgun Section.
Latest Updates
May 20, 2024: Removed Citadel, Standard MFG, and Sentry 12. Added KS-12, ATI Alpha Maxx, and Genesis 12. Added supplemental data to each product and added data to how we tested.
25 Leave a Reply
I know this article is old but I thought I’d chime in. I bought a Remington 870 DM so I could leave the mag loaded and throw it in the gun if needed (the gun and mag weren’t stored next to each other, this felt safer because of my little kids). Anyway, I learned that the shells were getting deformed after being kept in the mag for too long. I am now selling the gun and buying something that isn’t mag fed.
What is your opinion on the Panzer AR12?
Could we please stop with the "hence, why..." sentences? It's the grammatical equivalent of walking around blackout drunk with a loaded pistol, handgun in one hand and a bottle of tequila in the other. (See? Redundancies in language sound dumb, just like using two words for the same weapon side by side. Use "hence" or "why, or even "therefore", but not two of them stacked together.)
Otherwise, thanks for the article!
Mr. Pike, awesome article. Make mine a VR80 with several upgrades. I have had the opportunity to test fire the VR60, VR80 and the VRBP100, with the VR80 becoming my duty shotgun. The VR60 is vintage M16 style and is an awesome shooter. The Bullpup version is a bit stout, but also a superb shooter. However, the VR80 lends itself to trigger and safety selector upgrades that will rock your shotgun experience. The only 'break in' I had to do was slightly oil where the low recoil gas check slides and no problems! I typically run 50 slug and 50 00BUCK every range session. Thanks again for a great article.
I would like to nominate Tokarev mag fed shotguns. I've seen several videos where they get the job done. I'm not crazy about bullpups, but these appear to be reliable.
Anyone else?
I usually use the one ounce slugs, if you need more than one of those you're in deep s***
Genesis 12 is the best true AR style, DPMS 308 lower, magazine feed SG.
ALL American made!
Great research.Thanks
What about the kalashnikov ks-12 and komrad-12?
Don’t forget to check out the Genesis Arms Gen-12. The best money I ever spent
Was kinda hoping that the Black Aces Firearm would've made this list......
As do I...I have one and it's a great shotgun,a kind of Beneli spin off..I was hoping it would make the list too,I enjoy smooth,reliable shooting with the Black Aces..
So was i.i love my Black Aces Beneli spin off
Dissident Arms should've been number 1 by miles.
I know they aren't easy to find, but the Vepr-12 is 1 bad ass mag fed semi-auto shotgun. Based on the AK system. Super reliable(just use high velocity shells). Vepr mags are the best. The 10 rd banana mag looks awesome and is reliable. One bad mamma jamma!
Plus 1 for the Vepr 12. Just bought one a few months back and haven't had a problem with it yet. I use OEM Molot mags as well as SGM's straight mags and 25 round drum. No feed or cycling issues yet with a variety of slugs (full power and reduced recoil versions) & 00 Buck. While I have a reduced power spring for low brass loads, I haven't tried it out yet with them.
It's a bit on the heavy side but damn is it a fast shooting soft recoiling shotty!
Thousands of rounds through VR80. Sold 19 round silly mags and use drums and 9s in 3Gun. Been running like tank. Satisfying gun. Pulled the springs from hold open 'lever' on the mags and swapped them with springs from BiC Velocity pens. Now the mags still hold open and will drop out also. Panzer Bullpup is remarkable. I think the second generation one has removable chokes.
Where do you get your magazines from?
Dude perfect timing on saddling up on mag fed shotguns. I've spent the last week deciphering the u-tubers for "professionals" and "look at me I'm bout to blow my camera mans face off. Just trying to get the best dependable semi-auto on a blue collar budget. Kinda was wondering about Panzer. It's pretty and goes bang bang. You're the greatest, we the people appreciate you and your crew.
AKDAL MKA 1919 Match Pro, 5 rd mags, after market 10 rd. Is actually a Turkish Army issue option for some units with special needs. Wiki has that article. Mine is the Gen 2 with the rails. The Gen 1 had a hiccup or two so you don't want one of those used. MUST break in with high brass, about 50 rounds. Comes with 2 gas rings, one for heavy, 5 chokes and tools. Got mine at Buds. Paid under $500 and mags were just $30. After market 10 rd mags but that's getting heavy to manuever and not bang on something and knock your mag out. I'd stick with 5 unless you are just breaking it in using the EX mag or you are under a full zombie attack. Save the $$$ and get two 5 rd mags is my advice. Nice thing about mags is ya run out, just slap another one in. Need a little more range, use 00 buck, or a tad closer, my preferance is #1 BUCK. For in the house use against someone already in, grab the mag with the #4 shot to not hurt any neighbors next door yet neutralize the threat. If actually under zombie attack a pump tube fed shotgun is a paper weight after you empty it once. You would never have time to reload. Not true with a mag fed given having some extra loaded, ready, close. Pop in a go. Some know Hornady makes a 1,600 FPS 00 Buck defense round!!! FAST!! Remington makes a rifled 1 oz slug that comes at ya at 1,600 FPS as well and flat out to the other goalpost!!
Many magazine fed shotguns jam constantly. Search the videos on YouTube. The vinyl rounds warp after time in mag.
Another plus you didn't mention.. In a jurisdiction where you're prohibited from storing a weapon loaded (eg. anywhere in Canada), a mag fed shotgun is easier to load in an emergency, (home defence type situation.) Store the shotgun with a loaded mag next to it and you're in compliance with the law, but you can snap it in in a second.
Late response but those magazines shouldn't be left stored since they warp the plastic hulls of shotgun shells over time; that'll prevent them from feeding.
Not late at all. That's good to keep in mind. Thanks.
I have an ATI Bulldog 26” overall AR style. 2 3/4” and 3” 5 and 10 rd mags. STD iron sights but integral picatinny rail for optics. I’ve yet to have a FTE, FTF or double feed after 500 rds. Handles birdshot, OO buck and slugs. Comes with 3 removable chokes Best features for me? It’s compact. 26” overall. 10 rd mags reload easily. Kinda neat too is that the 5 rd mag has a slot in the forend to allow it to become a vertical grip I think I paid $499 earlier in 2020 Turkish made. Turkey is turning out some excellent firearms.