The election of President Donald Trump was a double-edged sword for gun manufacturers. It meant that firearm freedoms were assured for another four years, thanks largely to the efforts of NRA members. The tactical shotgun market saw a boom in early 2017, with a number of new models rolling out for competition, home-defense and other uses.
Check out the sampling of the many excellent defensive shotguns introduced in 2017. Now’s the time to get to your retailer and enjoy the fruits of your election-year labors:
Benelli M4 H20 Tactical Shotgun with pistol grip
Chosen by the U.S. Marine Corps as its combat shotgun, the Benelli M4 has proven itself reliable and durable for decades. Now available with a weather- and corrosion-resistant finish, this auto-regulated, gas-operated system is suitable for any environment in which it might be placed.
Gauge: 12 gauge; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 40 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $2,299
(301) 283-6981 benelliusa.com
Midland Backpack
The Backpack from Midland Arms is designed as an affordable, compact, packable 12-gauge shotgun. This single-shot scattergun folds to an overall length of 21 inches for easy packing, and features a modified choke.
Gauge: 12 gauge; 3-inch chamber
Capacity: 1 round
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 40.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 1 ounce
MSRP: $140
(304) 274-0004 shootmidland.com
Mossberg 590 Shockwave
The non-NFA (yes, really) Mossberg 590 Shockwave features a 14-inch barrel and a Shockwave Raptor grip to offer shooters a compact firearm holding six shots of 12-gauge power.
Gauge: 12 gauge; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 14 inches
Overall Length: 26.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $455
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com
Standard Manufacturing SKO-BULL
How do you improve on the Golden Bullseye-winning DP-12? You turn it into a semi-auto that takes removable-box magazines. The familiar shape is turned on its ear with the SKO-Bull, which offers magazines from two to 15 rounds in a bullpup.
Gauge: 12 gauge; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 2, 5, 9 and 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.87 inches
Overall Length: 38 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP: $1,299
(860)-255-6581 stdgun.com
Stoeger M3000 Tactical
Looking for a shotgun that can handle light loads as well as heavy buckshot? The M3000 Tactical is built around an ultra-reliable inertia driven action, chambered for 2¾- and 3- inch shells, and features a compact 18.5-inch barrel with a front blade sight and fixed cylinder choke. This 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun arrives with a black finish and either a black synthetic field stock or a black synthetic pistol-grip stock.
Gauge: 12 gauge; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 40.25 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $599
(301) 283-6981 stoegerindustries.com
Winchester SXP Dark Earth Defender
The tried-and-true SXP gets an update for 2017 with a new finish that’s more in keeping with its intended purpose as a home-defense shotgun. It will also be available in a 20-gauge version.
Gauge: 12 gauge; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 38.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $380
(800) 333-3288 winchesterguns.com
