When it comes to high-capacity shotguns for self-defense, the old adage, “I’d rather have more ammo and not need it, than need the ammo and not have it” can be liberally applied.
The DP-12, with its 16-round capacity, raised the bar, but manufacturers are again pushing the limits with magazine-fed shotguns and capacities reaching 25 shells.
Here are our top six high-capacity shotguns for 2019.
1. DP-12
The DP-12 is one of the high-capacity shotguns designed for the most discerning shooters who demand extreme firepower and require consistent reliability.
The stock has a QR code you can scan with your smartphone or tablet to download the manual and other information. It also includes a lifetime warranty. (Be sure and fill out the warranty card and send it to Standard Manufacturing.)
The spreader choke tubes are designed to shoot a devastating pattern at 25 yards. The choke tubes have Tru-Choke thread patterns. (Breeching style chokes are sold separately.)
The DP-12 provides accessory rails and slots that allow you to customize it with your own accessories. Please see our website to select your accessories: lights, lasers, sights, scopes, muzzle breaks and more.
Specifications and Features:
DP-12 Double Barrel Pump Repeater DP12ODG
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Action: Dual-Barrel Bullpup Pump-Action
- Loads Two Shots With Each Pump
- Inline Feeding
- Barrel Length: 18.75″
- Chambers: 3″ (Allows For 3” Or 2.75″ Shells)
- Capacity: 2 Chambered + 14-Round Magazine
- Rails: 2 Picatinny Rails: 7-Slot Bottom Rail / 34-Slot Top Rail
- Stock: Synthetic, Includes Rubber Recoil Pad With Dual Spring Loaded Recoil
- Grip: Co-Molded Non-Slip Rubber
- Forend: Composite Foregrip
- Receiver: 775 Pre-Hardened Aluminum Billet
- Safety: Ambidextrous; Button Located On Each Side
- Bottom Load/Ejection Port
- Ambidextrous Pump Slide Release
- Sling Attachments: Front Attachment, Stock Swivel Attachment
- Overall Length: 29.5″
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum With Thermal Coated Receiver
- Weight: 9.5 lbs (Unloaded)
See the DP-12 in action here:
2. Kel-Tec KSG-25
The KSG ejects downward to clear the chamber and give you more reliable operation when you need it most. The dual-tube magazines hold an impressive 20 rounds of 3″ shells (10 rounds each), giving you some serious firepower.
The KSG will hold 24 rounds of 2-3/4″ shells (12 rounds each) and its simple, reliable action can cycle shells as small as 1-3/4″ if you want to hold even more shots.
A familiar cross bolt-style safety, a pump release lever located in front of the trigger guard and the ability to clear the chamber without feeding rounds are important safety features in any home defense shotgun.
The Zytel synthetic forend and pump have top and bottom Picatinny rails for mounting lights, optics and accessories. The synthetic stock has a nice thick soft rubber recoil pad to tame the recoil of this powerful shotgun.
Take it to the range for shooting fun during the day and sleep peacefully at night with the KSG-25 by your side.
Specifications and Features:
Kel-Tec KSG-25 Pump Action Shotgun KSG-25 BLK
- 12 gauge
- 30.5″ cylinder bore barrel
- 3″ chamber (accepts 2-3/4″ or 3″ shotshells)
- 10+10 rounds of 3″ shells per tube or 12+12 rounds of 2-3/4″ shells per tube
- Hardened steel receiver
- Dual tube magazine
- Feed selector lever
- Cross bolt safety
- Upper and lower Picatinny rails
- Synthetic stock
- Sling loops
- Magpul MBUS front/rear sights
- Magpul RVG rail vertical foregrip (Picatinny compatible)
- Overall length 38″
- Overall weight unloaded: 9.25 lbs
3. Mossberg 590M Shockwave
The Shockwave combines the legendary pump-action reliability of the Mossberg 500/590 Series, but in a compact 15″ workhorse design. The Shockwave features a Raptor bird’s head pistol grip which is specifically shaped in order to minimize felt recoil.
The overall length of this firearm is key, as it measures in at 27.5″. As such, this firearm is classified as fully compliant by the BATFE, meaning this model does not require a Tax Stamp for transfer.
Specifications and Features:
Mossberg 590M Shockwave Pump Action Shotgun 50208
- 12 Gauge
- 2-3/4″ Chamber (accepts 2-3/4″ Shells Only)
- 15″ Heavy Walled Barrel
- 11 Round Capacity
- Detachable Box Magazine
- Cylinder Bore
- Bead Sights
- Raptor bird’s head pistol grip
- Corn Cob Forend with Strap
- Ambidextrous Safety
- Dual Extractors
- Positive Steel-to-Steel Lockup
- Twin Action Bars
- Smooth operating anti-jam elevator
- Overall Length: 27.5″
- Overall Weight: 6.55lbs
4. Remington Model 870 DM Tactical
It also has the fastest response time of all high-capacity shotguns ever built, and is the ultimate choice for a home defense shotgun.
The Model 870 DM Tactical brings 12-gauge authority courtesy of a Rem choke barrel with ported tactical choke, tactical fore-end, pistol grip tactical stock and XS ghost ring sights with tactical rail.
When it comes to high-capacity shotguns, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Specifications and Features:
Remington Model 870 DM Tactical Shotgun
- Pump Action Shotgun
- 12 gauge
- 18.5″ Barrel
- Tactical REM Choke
- 3″ Chamber
- 6 Rounds
- Detachable Box Magazine
- Crossbolt Safety
- Ghost Ring Sights
- Tactical Picatinny Rail
- Tactical Pistol Grip Stock
- SuperCell Recoil Pad
- Length of Pull 14″
- Drop at Comb 1.5″
- Drop at Heel 2.5″
- Overall length 38.5″
- Weight 7.5 lbs
5. Akdal MKA 1919 Match
This hybrid semi-automatic, magazine-fed shotgun utilizes a redesigned bolt, locking block and action block for smoother function and better performance.
The self-regulating nature of the gas system enables the MKA 1919 shotgun to effortlessly run 2.75-inch and 3-inch shotshells, while not punishing the shooter with excessive recoil.
The Akdal MKA 1919 Match shotgun also features an ambidextrous safety, extended bolt release and extended magazine release for faster operations. It has two gas rings for heavy or light loads, and an easy takedown system.
Shooters will recognize the speed and efficiency of using a familiar platform and appreciate the unique advantages that become available with the use of this shotgun.
While you purchase the MKA 1919, check out our great selection of AR-15 accessories that you never thought would be feasible on a shotgun. Also, take advantage of all the affordable 12-gauge ammo deals right here at Cheaper Than Dirt! Then, carry all of that ammo with our range bags and boxes.
Specifications and Features:
Akdal MKA 1919 Match
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Chamber: 3″ (allows 2.75″)
- Capacity: 5 Round Magazine (2 Magazines Included)
- Magazine: Removable Box Magazine
- Magazine Release: Extended
- Action: AR-Style Semi-Automatic
- Barrel: 19.7″
- Choke: Includes 3 Choke Tubes: Cylinder, Modified, Full
- Front Sight: A2 Sight Tower
- Rear Sight: Carry Handle Sight, Adjustable and Removable
- Stock: A2 Buttstock
- Rail: Picatinny
- Upper Receiver: Aluminum Alloy with Integrated Picatinny Rail
- Lower Receiver: Combined with Pistol Grip and Stock from One Piece of Impact-Resistant Polymer Redesigned Bolt, Locking Block, and Action Block
- Bolt Release: Extended
- Feed Ramps: Floating, Metal
- Safety: Ambidextrous
- 2 Gas Rings Included for Heavy or Light Loads
- Sling Swivel Studs Included
- Easy Take Down System
- Overall Length: 39.5″
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
6. UTAS UTS-15
Largely polymer construction keeps the weight under 7 pounds. A top-mounted Picatinny rail allows mounting of sights or optics (sights in the image are not included). The barrel is threaded for Beretta style choke tubes.
Specifications and Features:
UTAS UTS-15 Pump Action Shotgun PS1FD1
- Bull Pup Design
- 12 gauge
- 19.5″ barrel
- Twin 7-round magazine tubes plus 1 in the chamber for 15 total rounds
- Selective or alternating feed
- Beretta choke threads
- No Choke Included
- Picatinny optics rail
- Polymer frame
- Overall length 29.3″
- Weight 6.9 lbs
High-capacity shotguns look like they’re here to stay. Which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
Editor’s note: this post was originally published in February 2018. It has been completely updated and revamped for clarity and accuracy.
When I ordered the Desert Tan DP-12 and it came in Flat Dark Earth twice in a row the folks over at Standard Manufacturing informed me that the Desert Tan had been discontinued and were kind enough to fast track production of a Gold Edition equipped with the Aluminum Forward Grip with flashlight/laser, Red/Green reflex sight and Stiletto Chokes and matching harness. Absolutely love this weapon and it has effortlessly handled every custom load I’ve thrown through it. Now I’m just waiting on my IWI Tavor TS12 and my Charles Daly Honcho Tactical Triple to come in and I’ll consider my shotgun collection complete (for the moment at least)
I would like to buy a db12 shotgun. Is there a place i can contact for the finacing.
Absolutely love my Standard Manufacturing Company DP12 and my KSG 25!! Of course I love my Saiga 12 gauge too, but I might get that UTAS UTS-15 next cause it looks like it would be bada$$ too!!
I stick with my tried and true mossberg 590A1, battle proven very reliable and one of the few weapons adopted for use by the military that has stood the test of time.
Is it just me, or does the ksg look like it belongs in a Mad Max movie? Capacity yes, looks great…not so much.
The biggest point of the KSG that they didn’t really point out is with the selector switch to go from tube to tube you can instantly change what round you want to use for the situation that you come to slugs for breaching the door birdshot for clearing a room
How the Hell can you NOT mention the UTAS-15?! This shotgun clearly belongs in the Top 5. I have yet to see a MKA 1919 work without a single malfunction!
Good point. I knew I forgetting something… ~Dave Dolbee
Take heart Dave, no ones perfect. I doubt Mr. Singer is either. If he is, he should be careful. You all know what they did to the last “perfect” man.
Amen Brother! Stay safe out there… ~Dave Dolbee