The video opens by outlining that the countdown covers the top five super short shotguns for close-quarters battle, but not every featured gun is legally a short-barreled shotgun. The hosts explain the “other” 12-gauge firearm category, typically using a bird’s head grip, an overall length over 26 inches, and barrels around 13–14 inches. These configurations avoid being classified as short-barreled shotguns under federal law and therefore do not require a tax stamp, though some states still restrict them and the grip is less optimal for control. They contrast this with NFA-regulated short-barreled shotguns, which have barrels under 18 inches and a stock, and Any Other Weapons that may combine bird’s head or pistol grips with vertical foregrips. Tax stamp costs and classifications are clarified, with SBS and AOW requirements briefly compared. This legal foundation sets up the rest of the list, showing how different designs navigate regulations while still aiming for compact, CQB-focused performance.
The countdown’s number five pick is PTR’s The Jack, built on a Maverick 88 receiver and styled after a dedicated breacher shotgun. The hosts describe how true breacher shotguns often mount on swing arms so they can be stowed on a breacher’s kit, and use specialized muzzle devices that lock into hinges or door hardware while venting gas safely. The Jack lacks the swing arm and purpose-built breaching muzzle, but offers a compact, obtainable option for regular users. It features an extremely short barrel of roughly 7.25 inches, a tube magazine that only holds two rounds, and a somewhat comically long stock, making it best suited as a dedicated breaching or truck gun. It can be configured as an AOW or SBS. Moving to the number four slot, the hosts explain why the Remington 870 is excluded due to current availability and quality concerns, and instead highlight AK-style 12-gauge shotguns such as the Kalashnikov Comrade, Molot Vepr builds, and Dissident Arms competition-focused variants, noting rumors of a Kalashnikov USA “Comrade” return.
Attention shifts to the Mossberg family, particularly the 590 and magazine-fed 590M, which take the number three position. The 590 has a history as a military contract breaching shotgun, and Mossberg’s shockwave-style 990 variant is mentioned as another compact option. The hosts emphasize that shortening a shotgun barrel drastically reduces tube magazine capacity, which is why the 590M’s detachable box magazines are valuable. With a very short barrel, even around 7 inches, the 590M can still carry roughly 10 rounds, though the magazines are bulkier. They stress the importance of a strap or similar retention feature on the forend to maintain control and prevent the support hand from slipping in front of the muzzle. A Clint Smith quote underscores the terminal effect of shotguns, noting that with the right load at the right range, a shotgun can physically remove a chunk of tissue. The segment then introduces the Benelli M4 with a 14-inch barrel as a gas-operated semi-auto chosen by the Marine Corps, mentions the more budget-friendly Benelli M2, and gives an honorable nod to the Beretta 1301 and its Steelium barrels as another highly reliable semi-auto platform.
The Beretta 1301 receives an extended honorable mention, with the explanation that it does not make the main list because Beretta does not offer a factory short-barrel version to the U.S. commercial market. However, Langdon Tactical Technology can shorten the barrel, perform a trigger job, and refine the gun into a highly capable CQB platform. The discussion then returns to Remington with the 870 MCS breacher kit, which allows multiple configurations for different roles, including compact breaching setups. This leads into the “master key” concept, where a shotgun is mounted under a rifle, popularized by video games but rarely seen in real-world use due to weight, complexity, and limited practicality. These examples illustrate how breacher and entry shotguns can be tailored for specific missions, while also highlighting the gap between pop-culture expectations and actual deployment of such systems.
The hosts name the AR12 platform as their number one choice for CQB shotguns, emphasizing the advantage of AR-style controls and ergonomics for users already familiar with modern sporting rifles. Magazine feeding allows for rapid reloads and supports very short overall lengths without sacrificing capacity. A new-to-U.S. Derya AR12-style shotgun with an 11-inch barrel is showcased as a prime example, conceptually similar to a Mossberg 590 breacher but with a bottom-feeding detachable magazine instead of a tube. Other AR12 variants are briefly mentioned, including the Genesis Gen 12, which has been associated with drone warfare scenarios and potential suppressed configurations. The hosts note that very short AR12s tend to be expensive due to specialized engineering and low production volumes, while longer-barreled versions are more affordable and common. This segment positions AR12s as a modern evolution of the CQB shotgun concept, blending rifle-like handling with 12-gauge firepower.
The closing segment focuses on how AR12 shotguns behave in real use. The hosts explain that many AR12s run reliably when paired with appropriate loads, but some models struggle with lighter ammunition such as birdshot. Certain AR12s feature adjustable gas blocks, allowing users to tune the system for different loads and improve cycling, especially with reduced-power shells. They reiterate that very short, premium AR12s like the Gen 12 command high prices, while more budget-friendly options usually have longer barrels. Wrapping up the top five list, they address viewer expectations about the Remington 870, noting its current scarcity and that modern production quality is not what it once was. As practical alternatives, they recommend Mossberg pump shotguns, various AR12 platforms including the Derya and Gen 12, and a pump-action Jack with an 18-inch barrel for those wanting a more conventional configuration. The video concludes with a reminder about safe firearm handling and a brief farewell.
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