There’s no arguing with the power of a shotgun when it comes to personal defense. Here’s the latest in defensive and competition scatterguns for 2024.
Beretta | 1301 Tactical Mod 2
Enhancing an already outstanding defensive shotgun was never going to be easy, but Beretta accomplished just that with this latest version of the 1301 platform. Among the improvements are a new trigger that offers a crisp break with minimal reset and a new Pro-Lifter that promises effortless reloading.
▶Adjustable ghost-ring rear sight
▶Semi-flat tactical trigger
▶Aggressive texture on gripping surfaces
▶Three M-Lok sections on fore-end
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 37.8 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $1,899
(800) 237-3882 beretta.com
Breda | B12i T4 PG
Ready for shotgun action-shooting games out of the box, the B12i T4 is a serious competition gun that also lends itself to effective tactical deployment. While several teams have selected it for IPSC competition, the PG variant with 18.5-inch barrel and pistol grip make an ideal home-defense arm.
▶Stepped rib
▶Pistol grip
▶Fiber-optic front sight
▶Oversize bolt handle
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 39.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $1,899
+39 (030) 803-1515 bredafucili.com
Citadel | Mariner
The new Mariner pump-action shotgun comes from the factory with a nickel finish. It includes many features that are add-ons for other shotguns, including an adjustable rear sight with a blade front sight and a Picatinny rail to mount your choice of optic on the gun.
▶Sidesaddle shell holder
▶Full-length barrel heat shield
▶Ships with three choke tubes
▶Available in walnut or synthetic stock
Specifications
Gauge: 12, 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 39 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $279
(775) 828-0555 citadelfirearmstore.com
Dickinson Arms | RP-12
This bullpup shotgun promises to be ideal for home defense thanks to its short overall length. It loads and ejects from the same centerline port behind the grip assembly, making it simple to use, too.
▶Crossbolt safety
▶Non-slip buttpad
▶Removable carry handle with built-in sights
▶Multiple rail sections
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 29 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $394
(805) 978-8565 dickinsonarms.com
Mossberg | 590S Magpul-Holosun Combo
Constantly expanding its popular line of 590S scatterguns, the latest addition combines Magpul MOE furniture with the added versatility of an included Holosun HS407K MRDS. That configuration, along with a 12- to 13-inch length-of-pull, make it as practical as the price.
▶RMSc optic footprint
▶Twin action bars
▶Ambidextrous thumb safety
▶Redesigned shell lifter
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 38 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $1,035
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com
Mossberg | 940 Pro Thunder Ranch
Designed with input from firearm instructor Clint Smith, the latest addition to the 940 line has been engineered to withstand the practical uses of a self-defense shotgun. Mossberg’s new 940 Pro Thunder Ranch builds on the 930 line of shotguns with a redesigned gas system, oversize controls and an enlarged loading port.
▶Redesigned gas system
▶Enlarged and beveled loading port
▶Pinch-free lifter
▶Bright-orange anodized follower
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 37 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,295
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com
Retay | GPSPGTAC18
Ready for home defense right out of the box, the Retay GPS Pump Action Compact offers the simplicity associated with a bead-front sight, the enhanced comfort that comes with a pistol grip and the unwavering reliability of a pump action—all at an attractive price.
▶Finger-groove pistol grip
▶Eyelets for a sling
▶Crossbolt safety
▶Sculpted, micro-cell polyurethane rubber recoil pad
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 3 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 40.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $449
(800) 977-5749 retayusa.com
Standard Manufacturing | DP-12 Gen2
Dubbed the “Syzslak special” (in honor of Moe the bartender) when we reviewed the first-generation DP-12 (for its unique double-barrel, pump-action operation), this updated version has an improved barrel contour and polymer and aluminum frame.
▶Twin seven-round tubes
▶Ambidextrous controls
▶Tru-Choke compatible
▶Two Picatinny rails included
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 14 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.9 inches
Overall Length: 29.5 inches
Weight: 9 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $1,495
(860) 225-3401 stdgun.com
Winchester | SX4 Defender FDE
This semi-automatic, home-defense shotgun is powered by the proven Active Valve Gas System that offers superior reliability with a wide range of loads and impressive cycling speed. Adding to its versatility, a rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a reflex optic.
▶LPA ghost-ring sights
▶Barrel and receiver finished in FDE Cerakote
▶Three Invector-Plus choke tubes included
▶Oversize bolt-release
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 39.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $1,190
(800) 333-3288 winchesterguns.com
