Why You Need A Bullpup Shotgun

Shotguns are often recommended to new shooters because they are simple and easy to use, but their large size and limited capacity are viewed as serious shortcomings by some. Bullpup designs address these issues by offering the same firepower in a more compact shooting platform, often paired with greater ammo reserves. 

Why Choose A Bullpup Shotgun?

In the past, selecting a shotgun for home defense or personal protection entailed a degree of compromise. Many traditional models are slow to reload (which must be done often with fewer rounds in the firearm) and unwieldy in close quarters. These factors may impede a shooter's ability to run these guns effectively without a considerable amount of training and range time.

Modern bullpup shotguns are more intuitive by design, with improved ergonomics and maneuverability. They also offer expanded capacity via larger magazine tubes in pump action models and AR-12 magazines in semi-auto models. This translates to easier and less frequent loading. 

The Ideal Home Defense Firearm

The bullpup configuration allows these shotguns to have longer barrels in a shorter package that is easier to manipulate and control in confined spaces, such as a narrow hallway. On pump action models, magazine tubes can run longer because the loading gate is positioned behind the fire control unit, whereas traditional shotguns have them forward of the trigger guard. It's also worth noting that traditional configurations often require aftermarket extension tubes that can extend beyond the barrel, adding unnecessary length to an already large firearm. 

Of course, many bullpup shotguns are magazine-fed semi-autos which enables the shooter to further increase the number of rounds available by using extended magazines. That's a lot of firepower on tap in a compact, extremely shootable shotgun that runs faster (and in many ways, controls better) than a traditional shotgun. 

Best Bullpup Shotguns 2023

There are many options available if you opt for a bullpup shotgun. Here are five that we can wholeheartedly recommend, whether you're looking for a home defense setup or a fun range toy. 

Tokarev TBP-12

Tokarev hit on the perfect blend of design and features with the TBP-12. This shotgun is chambered in 12 gauge and accepts most AR-12 pattern magazines, plus it includes comfortable polymer furniture and a built-in recoil pad in the buttstock. We've run the TBP-12 hard and it has always been smooth and reliable through all our testing. The gun ships with flip-up sights and a full choke set. 

Purchase the Tokarev TBP-12 today!

Garaysar Fear-105

The Fear-105 12GA from Garaysar is a sleek, compact semi-auto shotgun with a 20" barrel. It accepts most AR-12 pattern magazines and drums, plus the stock includes a robust recoil pad to reduce felt recoil. As for accessories, the gun comes with an adjustable cheek riser, flip-up iron sights, and two 5-round mags. 

Purchase the Garaysar Fear-105 today!

Kel-Tec KSG

Made famous by the first John Wick film, the Kel-Tec KSG is a unique pump action bullpup design with a capacity of 14+1. The loading gate is located behind the pistol grip and is optimally positioned for offhand reloads while maintaining a solid firing grip on the gun. Unlike most traditional pump action shotguns, the KSG features a top and underbarrel Picatinny rail for mounting optics and accessories. 

Purchase the Kel-Tec KSG today!

Panzer BP-12

Panzer's take on the bullpup shotgun comes with everything you need right out of the box. The Gen 2 variant features a streamlined rail and ultra-light construction, making it extremely maneuverable. This shotgun ships with two 5-round magazines, flip-up sights, an angled foregrip, and choke set. 

Be the first to know when it's back in stock!

IWI TS12B Tavor

Cranking up the cool factor to 11, the IWI TS12B Tavor adapts the futuristic profile and excellent ergonomics of the Tavor rifle to a 12GA platform. This semi-auto loads / unloads from either side and includes three rotary magazine tubes with a total capacity of 16 rounds. It has four sling attachment points, is M-LOK compatible, and includes a top rail for mounting optics. Thus, the TS12B is an excellent choice if you want to run a shotgun for home defense. 

Purchase the IWI TS12B Tavor today!

Bring Home Your First Bullpup Shotgun

Bullpup shotguns have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason. They afford shooters the proven reliability and stopping power of a shotgun without any of the drawbacks present in more traditional designs. Moreover, they are often easier to practice with for those new to shooting or who do not have much experience with shotguns. 

Want to learn more about shotguns for home defense? Be sure to watch our video on the top 5 home defense shotguns (hint: there may be one or two bullpups on our list.)