Pros and Cons of Different Styles of 12 Gauge Shotguns
The 12 gauge is one of the most common gauges used for hunting both bird
and big game; one of the most often used for home protection; and is
typically the main gauge used by law enforcement and for military
applications.
As such, different styles of the 12 gauge ammo slug are going to be focused on here. Of course, many of the pros and cons of the variable shotgun constructions are less general benefits or shortcomings than they are those shotguns being engineered for different purposes. A two-shot over/under shotgun is going to be as ill-advised for law enforcement, military operations, or home defense as a tactical pistol grip only (PGO) shotgun would be for taking ducks. Those differences will be taken into account, so hopefully, readers will find themselves a little more informed regarding the shotgun option that serves them best.
Over/Under
As mentioned, over/under shotguns only have the capability for two shells. That modest capacity has compelled many shot gunners to ask, “Why bother?” when there are common guns now that carry over six times that number on board. The answer: reliability. An over/under doesn’t jam, can’t be short-stroked, and they’ll handle any length-appropriate 12 gauge ammo without feeding or extraction issues. They’re also incredibly tough, with fewer moving parts to foul or fail and have great balance.
Kel-Tec KSG Pump 12 Gauge
The virtual antithesis to an over/under, the Kel-Tec KSG pump is an ammunition beast with the capacity to keep 12 shells altogether in two dual magazines, plus one in the breach. It’s a short bullpup, meaning you get the maneuverability of a PGO tactical shotgun, with twice the ammo capacity, and a shoulder stock for good brace-up and cheek weld. For an all-around defensive close quarter combat-optimize scattergun, the Kel-Tec KSG pump is solid option.
EAA MKA 1919 Match SA 12 Gauge
Likely the primary draw of the MKA 1919 is its construction as an AR-15-style shotgun. For anyone familiar and comfortable with the AR platform, using the MKA 1919 will be like going home. Plus, it’s semiautomatic, requiring no pumping between shots, has an extended bolt release, ambidextrous safety, and comes with two gas rings (one for heavy loads and one for light loads).
There are, of course, a great variety of shotgun styles beyond those mentioned, including the tactical pump shotguns (riot guns), but this provides some idea of the diversity within the firearm field. Choosing the right shotgun for you is based entirely on what you’re using it for and your personal preferences. So do some research, be safe, and have fun!
About Ammunition Depot
Ammunition Depot is the premier source for buying ammunition (and now guns) online. If you have or are looking for a firearm and the means to load it, Ammunition Depot no doubt has you covered. Whether you need 6.5 Grendel, 1,000 rounds of .22 LR, bulk .223 5.56 ammo, 9mm ammo, or .300 AAC Blackout for sale, you’ll find it online at Ammunition Depot. They’re as passionate as you are about firearms, shooting rights, our freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, and always giving back. That’s why they remain proud to donate to law enforcement charities and those for the troops, why they support shooting sports, and why they’re committed to promoting employment growth in Florida, their home state (emphasizing the hiring of vets).
Find quick shipping for all of the ammunition and firearms you need for protection, hunting, or just having fun, at Ammunitiondepot.com
As such, different styles of the 12 gauge ammo slug are going to be focused on here. Of course, many of the pros and cons of the variable shotgun constructions are less general benefits or shortcomings than they are those shotguns being engineered for different purposes. A two-shot over/under shotgun is going to be as ill-advised for law enforcement, military operations, or home defense as a tactical pistol grip only (PGO) shotgun would be for taking ducks. Those differences will be taken into account, so hopefully, readers will find themselves a little more informed regarding the shotgun option that serves them best.
Over/Under
As mentioned, over/under shotguns only have the capability for two shells. That modest capacity has compelled many shot gunners to ask, “Why bother?” when there are common guns now that carry over six times that number on board. The answer: reliability. An over/under doesn’t jam, can’t be short-stroked, and they’ll handle any length-appropriate 12 gauge ammo without feeding or extraction issues. They’re also incredibly tough, with fewer moving parts to foul or fail and have great balance.
Kel-Tec KSG Pump 12 Gauge
The virtual antithesis to an over/under, the Kel-Tec KSG pump is an ammunition beast with the capacity to keep 12 shells altogether in two dual magazines, plus one in the breach. It’s a short bullpup, meaning you get the maneuverability of a PGO tactical shotgun, with twice the ammo capacity, and a shoulder stock for good brace-up and cheek weld. For an all-around defensive close quarter combat-optimize scattergun, the Kel-Tec KSG pump is solid option.
EAA MKA 1919 Match SA 12 Gauge
Likely the primary draw of the MKA 1919 is its construction as an AR-15-style shotgun. For anyone familiar and comfortable with the AR platform, using the MKA 1919 will be like going home. Plus, it’s semiautomatic, requiring no pumping between shots, has an extended bolt release, ambidextrous safety, and comes with two gas rings (one for heavy loads and one for light loads).
There are, of course, a great variety of shotgun styles beyond those mentioned, including the tactical pump shotguns (riot guns), but this provides some idea of the diversity within the firearm field. Choosing the right shotgun for you is based entirely on what you’re using it for and your personal preferences. So do some research, be safe, and have fun!
About Ammunition Depot
Ammunition Depot is the premier source for buying ammunition (and now guns) online. If you have or are looking for a firearm and the means to load it, Ammunition Depot no doubt has you covered. Whether you need 6.5 Grendel, 1,000 rounds of .22 LR, bulk .223 5.56 ammo, 9mm ammo, or .300 AAC Blackout for sale, you’ll find it online at Ammunition Depot. They’re as passionate as you are about firearms, shooting rights, our freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, and always giving back. That’s why they remain proud to donate to law enforcement charities and those for the troops, why they support shooting sports, and why they’re committed to promoting employment growth in Florida, their home state (emphasizing the hiring of vets).
Find quick shipping for all of the ammunition and firearms you need for protection, hunting, or just having fun, at Ammunitiondepot.com
Comments
Post a Comment