The Top 5 Do-All Shotguns

Intro and Criteria for Do-All Shotguns

The hosts introduce a collaborative list of what they consider the top five do-all shotguns. Their focus is on reliability, practicality, and avoiding options that are prohibitively expensive. They emphasize shotguns that can realistically cover multiple roles, such as home defense, general use, and potential duty applications. While acknowledging that many shotguns exist, they argue that only a handful of manufacturers consistently produce truly versatile, proven platforms. The list is presented as personal opinion, but they expect many viewers to have similar choices because of how iconic and established these models are. With that framework in mind, they begin counting down from number five.

Mossberg 500 Series and Maverick 88

Number five is the Mossberg 500 series, represented by a Mossberg 590S. They note that the 500 family includes traditional tube-fed models and magazine-fed variants like the 590M. The platform is a pump-action design with a long track record of reliability and law enforcement use. One host mentions owning a Maverick 88, describing it as an entry-level, roughly $200 shotgun that is functionally very similar to the Mossberg 500 series. They reference testing done by James Reeves of TFB TV, where a Mossberg pump held up well under attempts to push it to failure. For them, the combination of affordability, durability, and widespread adoption makes the Mossberg 500 line a solid do-all choice.

Remington 870 and TAC-14 Uses

Number four is the Remington 870, shown in the compact TAC-14 configuration. They clarify that the TAC-14, with its bird’s head style grip and short length, is classified as a firearm rather than a traditional shotgun, but it is still based on the 870 pump-action system. One host calls the 870 the best pump-action shotgun in personal opinion, citing extensive law enforcement and military use. He notes being issued an 870 while serving with a state police agency and mentions that many departments still rely on it. They recall the famous Los Angeles bank robbery shootout, stating that officers there were using 870s. The TAC-14 variant is suggested for roles like a truck gun or compact option that can fit in a backpack for emergency situations, while full-size 870s remain a staple general-purpose platform.

Kel-Tec KSG Bullpup Features

Number three is the Kel-Tec KSG, a bullpup shotgun that gained attention in a John Wick movie scene where it was used from atop a car. The KSG features dual magazine tubes that can be switched with a selector, allowing the user to alternate between different loads such as slugs, buckshot, or birdshot. They point out that using mini-shells can increase capacity to around 24 rounds. The shotgun ejects from the rear and includes a top rail for mounting optics. While they appreciate its compact, tactical appearance and high capacity, they note a concern about the forward grip area: using a broom-handle style vertical grip could potentially break, risking the support hand moving too far forward. Despite that caution, they consider the KSG a very cool and capable bullpup design that earns its place on the list.

Benelli M4 and M4 Clones

Number two is the Benelli M4, also known by its military designation M1014. They describe it as a gas-piston semi-automatic shotgun that has been heavily used by the U.S. Marine Corps and has proven durable over time. Out of the box, import restrictions typically limit the tube to a 5+1 capacity, but aftermarket extensions from brands like Panzer and others can bring capacity up to seven in the tube plus one in the chamber. They also mention the practice of ghost loading, where an additional shell is kept on the loading gate, allowing configurations such as seven in the tube, one in the chamber, and one ghost loaded for a total of nine rounds. The hosts discuss various M4 clones, including options from Panzer, H&R (Hermox), X Defense, and MAC (Military Arms Corporation). On their channel, these clones have run reliably so far, though they stop short of claiming they match a genuine Benelli M4. They note that true Benelli M4s are expensive, often around $1,600 or somewhat less depending on the deal, while clones offer a more budget-friendly way to access the M4 pattern.

Honorable Mentions: Mossberg 940 Pro and Fostech Origin 12

Before revealing number one, they present two honorable mentions. The first is the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, which one host owns but does not have on set. It is referenced as a semi-automatic tactical shotgun that competes in performance with higher-end options. The second honorable mention is the Fostech Origin 12, an AK-style, magazine-fed semi-auto shotgun. They describe the Origin 12 as fast, quick, and visually aggressive, with a futuristic look that seems suited for action movies. It uses detachable magazines and is characterized as somewhat crude in appearance but highly capable. They recall that it appeared in a Terminator film. Both the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical and the Fostech Origin 12 are framed as strong performers that did not quite make the main top five but deserve recognition for their unique strengths and roles.

Dual Number Ones: Genesis 12 and Beretta A300/1301

For the top spot, they ultimately choose two number ones because they cannot agree on a single winner. One host selects the Genesis 12, a magazine-fed semi-automatic shotgun used in roles such as anti-drone work. He highlights its speed and responsiveness and references a Taran Tactical Innovations “John Wick” style build, calling it an over-the-top but impressive configuration. The other host prefers tube-fed Beretta semi-autos, specifically the Beretta A300 and 1301. He describes them as extremely reliable, fast-cycling shotguns, with the 1301 positioned as a higher-end option and the A300 offering strong performance at a lower price point, roughly in the $800 to $1,000 range. They note that some law enforcement agencies issue the 1301, particularly patrol-oriented variants, and compare it conceptually to the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, though the Mossberg is said to be a bit heavier. They conclude that both the Genesis 12 and the Beretta A300/1301 families serve different purposes but are excellent do-all choices, inviting viewers to share their own top five lists and reasoning.