The hosts open by defining what makes a true “do-all” shotgun: reliability, broad utility, and realistic affordability. They stress that only a handful of iconic designs and companies genuinely meet these standards. At number five, they select the Mossberg 500 series, using a Mossberg 590S with a tube magazine as the example and noting the existence of the magazine-fed 590M. They highlight the budget-friendly Maverick 88 as a closely related, proven pump-action that some law enforcement agencies still rely on. Durability testing by James Reeves of TFB TV is cited to reinforce how tough these Mossberg-pattern guns are, especially considering their low cost. Moving to number four, they choose the Remington 870, showcasing a TAC-14 variant classified as a “firearm” with a bird’s head grip. The 870 is described as one of the best pump shotguns ever made, widely issued to police and military, and suitable as a truck gun, breaching tool, or compact SHTF and backpack option.
The countdown continues with the Kel-Tec KSG at number three. The hosts explain that this bullpup shotgun uses dual magazine tubes and a selector switch, allowing the shooter to switch between different loads such as slugs, buckshot, or birdshot on the fly. With mini shells, the KSG can hold up to 24 rounds, and its rear ejection, optic rail, and aggressive styling give it a very tactical appearance. They also raise a safety concern: using a broom-handle style vertical grip could potentially break and let the support hand slip dangerously forward. At number two, they feature the Benelli M4, also known as the M1014 in Marine Corps service. This shotgun is praised for its piston-driven gas system, long-standing reputation for durability, and fast cycling. They discuss import-restricted capacity of 5+1, the use of tube extensions to reach 7+1, and ghost loading to get around nine rounds. The hosts compare the original Benelli M4, typically priced around $1,200–$1,600, to various clones such as the H&R or “Hermox” X Defense, Panzer M4, and MAC M4, noting that while not every clone is fully proven, the ones tested on their channel have run well at significantly lower cost.
Before revealing the top spot, the hosts present honorable mentions. They highlight the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical as a modern semi-auto option and the Fostech Origin 12, an AK-style, magazine-fed shotgun with a semi-automatic action and aggressive, futuristic look. The list then takes an unusual turn with two number-one choices. One is the Genesis 12, a magazine-fed shotgun praised for its speed, suitability for TTI-style competition builds, and even use in anti-drone roles. The other is a pair of tube-fed Berettas, the A300 and 1301, selected for their reliability and quick handling. The hosts briefly compare the systems, describing the A300 as inertia-driven and the 1301 as piston-driven, with comments about smoother, faster action and pricing that ranges from roughly $800 to well over $1,000 depending on configuration. They note that some law enforcement agencies issue the A300, particularly the Ultima or patrol variants, and conceptually compare it to the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. Viewers are invited to request a dedicated head-to-head comparison video and to weigh in on whether these models deserve their shared top ranking.
In the closing portion, the speaker reflects on how difficult it was to rank these shotguns, emphasizing that both the Genesis 12 and the Beretta models serve important roles and are genuinely appreciated. The host pushes back against shallow criticism, asking viewers not to dismiss the list with comments about liking only “Gucci stuff” or claiming the opinions are bad without context. Instead, the audience is encouraged to leave thoughtful, detailed feedback that explains why they agree or disagree with specific picks, since well-reasoned criticism can prompt real self-reflection. Empty negativity, by contrast, will simply be ignored. The video ends with an open invitation for viewers to share their own top five do-all shotguns in the comments, whether pump-action or semi-automatic, turning the ranking into an ongoing community discussion about practical, versatile shotgun choices.