Short-barreled shotguns: the top 5, from PTR Jack to Benelli M4

Key points: Short-barreled shotguns top 5

• NFA classification primer: an "other" 12-gauge with a bird's-head grip needs an overall length past 26 in and carries no tax stamp; an SBS (stock, sub-18-in barrel) is a $0 stamp; an AOW (bird's-head or pistol grip plus vertical foregrip) still runs $205.
• No. 5: PTR's The Jack, built on a Maverick 88 receiver, runs a 7.25-in barrel and a 2-round tube for under $1,000, offered in AOW or SBS configuration.
• No. 4: The Kalashnikov USA Comrade AK-12 shotgun, now discontinued but still findable secondhand; Molot Vepr and Dissident Arms are named as other AK-12 shotgun sources.
• No. 3: The Mossberg 590 family, including the magazine-fed 590M Breacher (10-round mag, 7-in barrel) and the semi-auto 990 Aftershock/Shockwave.
• No. 2: The Benelli M4 (14-in barrel, gas-operated, USMC-issue) and the newer, cheaper M2; honorable mentions go to the Beretta 1301 (barrel-cut via Langdon Tactical) and the Remington 870 MCS breacher kit.
• No. 1: AR-12 platforms take the top spot for magazine-fed capacity and AR-pattern controls — the Derya (11-in barrel, new to the US market) and the Kel-Tec/Genesis Gen-12 both get called out.

About this Gun Review video

Short-barreled shotguns ranked five to one: Classic Firearms' Ryan and Jason cover the PTR Jack, the Kalashnikov USA Comrade AK-12 shotgun, the Mossberg 590/990 family, the Benelli M4 and M2, and AR-12 platforms like the Derya, plus honorable mentions (Beretta 1301 via Langdon Tactical, Remington 870 MCS). Opens with a rundown of SBS vs. AOW vs. 'other' 12-gauge classifications and their NFA tax-stamp rules.

Transcript: Short-barreled shotguns top