Over the decades, Gun Tests Magazine has reviewed dozens of self-defense shotguns chambered in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, or other bores. Some have been configured with extended magazines and some with standard capacities, but all have been capable of stopping an assault on your home or person with plenty of power. Our experienced testers believe you’ll find just the right choice for your specific job from the list of pump-action and semi-auto shotguns below.
As always, Gun Tests Magazine is supported by reader subscriptions only, so you can depend on these recommendations being free of monetization considerations on our posts or videos or social media traffic, and we don’t accept display or other advertising in the magazine. The sole basis for these recommendations is how the shotguns worked during our testing with various shooters and various ammunition. If you’re in the market for a good defensive scattergun, here’s how we’d spend our money:
5. Savage Renegauge 57786 12 Gauge, $1649. Dec. 2025-Jan. 2026.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
The Savage Renegauge shot everything we fed it, even including some odds and ends we had laying around. The recoil impulse was the softest of the three scatterguns tested, and the speed drills reflected that. Even with the factory choke, the Savage recorded the tightest patterns — so much so that we fired several extra rounds at distance and still kept almost all of the 00 buck shot on the paper plate, even at 10 yards. Savage makes a slightly shorter version of this longish competition piece. We graded this Renegauge down half a grade because of that length, and it still won. We’ll look to test a shorter version. Expect it will get the other half a grade.
4. Black Aces Tactical Pro Series S Max 517 12 Gauge, $300 (October 2023)
Gun Tests Grade: A
This reliable shotgun outperforms the shotshell firearms types by a tremendous factor, in our view. The Black Aces S Max is a relatively light shotgun. Despite this, recoil was not objectionable. The shotgun handles well, and we were surprised that it was still controllable with its own birdshead grip.
3. Beretta Model 1301 Tactical No. J131T18 12 Gauge, $1075. May 2016. Grade A.
This is a very light and quick semiautomatic whose stand-out features include the oversized charging handle, a large textured bolt release, and an oversized reversible safety button. We were pleased with both the aesthetics and functionality of these features, along with the deep checkering on both the forearm and stock that earned the Beretta plus marks for easy and secure use. In speed drills, the Beretta outshined the other two test shotguns by a narrow margin. During the five-shot drill, the first shot was fired at 0.45 second, followed by a shot at 0.71, 0.96, 1.20 seconds, and 1.45 seconds. Shots were alternately fired at two separate targets about 2 feet apart in a very effective manner.
2. Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical 85152 12 Gauge, $1189. Grade A. May 2023.
The 940 is soft recoiling and easy to operate due to the oversized controls and beveled loading port. It had a great trigger pull. A Mossberg costing more than a thousand dollars seems contradictory because Mossberg is known for producing affordable shotguns, yet we like the 940, and in our opinion, it would make a good home-defense gun. If money is no object, it’s Our Pick.
1. Benelli M4 H20 Tactical 11794 12 Gauge, $2000. February 2021. Grade A.
There were no drawbacks with the Benelli M4 H20. The fit and finish are good and function was excellent. Field-stripping is easily accomplished with the fore end halves held by pressure from the barrel band, making maintenance easy. There is no doubt the Benelli offers superior performance; the question is, are you willing to pay for the advantages? The only drawback is the price.
Honorable Mentions
Stoeger 3000 Tactical FS 36075FS 12 Gauge, $640. Dec. 2025-Jan. 2026.
Grade: A-
Even with a slightly sharper recoil impulse than the other two shotguns, the Stoeger was very fast and controllable. It may not be a Benelli, but for under $700, we think this is a heck of a shotgun.
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical 85162 12 Gauge, $970. Dec. 2025-Jan. 2026.
Grade: B+
We really like the sights on the Mossberg 940 Pro and appreciate the flexibility they offer. Handling was fast on the Mossberg, but not quite as fast as on the other two. It stuttered a few times but sorted itself out in very short order and fed flawlessly thereafter.
Savage 320 Tactical FDE 19468 12 Gauge, $270 (June-July 2025)
Gun Tests Grade: A- [Best Buy]
Based on the old Winchester Model 1300 design. Easy to load, cycled smoothly and comfortably. The shorter 18.5-inch barrel was maneuverable. We liked the heat shield, sights, and Picatinny rail to mount a light. Recoil was tolerable.
Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 31046 12 Gauge, $264 (June-July 2025)
Gun Tests Grade: A-
This is a basic 12-gauge pump stripped down to the essentials. We liked the 7+1 capacity, ease of use, and smooth cycling pump action. The brass-bead front sight was basic, but it was not a liability. Plenty of aftermarket parts are available. Recoil was tolerable.
SDS Imports Duo-Sys Force DSF12 12 Gauge, $469 (June-July 2025)
Gun Tests Grade: B+
Only ran on high-velocity high-brass ammo in semi-auto mode; low-velocity loads did not cycle in semi-auto. The LOP was too long for an average person to comfortably cycle in pump mode. Patterns were surgical with the Full-choke tube, and slug groups were tight.
Military Armament Corporation MAC 2 3-Gun 21000156 12 Gauge, $351 (October 2024)
Gun Tests Grade: A-
The MAC 2 ran well on all types of ammo, with no issues. Recoil was more noticeable due to the weight, but tolerable. The beveled loading port made reloading doubles and quads fast. We would have liked a larger magazine release.
Stoeger M3K 3-Gun 36038 12 Gauge, $649 (October 2024)
Gun Tests Grade: A-
The M3K 3-Gun had the least amount of felt recoil due to its weight. This inertia-operated shotgun ran well on light- and high-power loads. Beveled port made loading simple and fast.
Tokarev TBP 12FDE 21000128 12 Gauge, $279 (October 2024)
Gun Tests Grade: B
The TBP choked when ejecting the Winchester shells, but it ran well on all other ammo. Recoil is moderate. The Picatinny-style top and bottom rails chew up your support hand during recoil. Reloading can be awkward. Awful, heavy trigger. Very maneuverable in tight spaces.
Mossberg 590S Shockwave 51601 12 Gauge, $536 (October 2023)
Gun Tests Grade: B
The Mossberg 590S performs almost flawlessly with mini shells, unlike previous factory guns; also allows firing 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells. As a result, this is the most desirable of the shotshell firearms.
Mossberg 590 Shockwave 50659 12 Gauge, $455 (October 2023)
Gun Tests Grade: C
Reliability with the mini-shells was poor, and this was primarily a test with the mini-shells. Standard 2¾-inch shells functioned fine, however, so it wasn’t an F. Still, the Shockwave is hard to shoot accurately. We’d pass.
Remington 870 TAC-14 81230 12 Gauge, $423 (October 2023)
Gun Tests Grade: C-
Despite the low grade, we really liked the Remington. It is smoother than either of the Mossberg 590 variants by a noticeable degree. It is reliable with 2¾-inch shells. The problem is reliability with mini shells, which doesn’t seem possible with Remington shell carrier design.
Henry Lever Action Brass Axe H018BAH-410 .410 Bore 2.5 in., $1100 (September 2023)
Gun Tests Grade: A
The Axe is well made with a smooth-operating lever. Recoil was minimal due to the weight. Shooting it two handed was easy especially with the large brass front bead. This gun is a blast to shoot and offers both limited defense use and dispatching varmints in the hen house.
Bond Arms Texas Defender BATD 45 LC/410, $499 (September 2023)
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Recoil is stout but manageable due to the wide, fat grip. The trigger press is unique and takes practice. Loaded with .410 defense shells, it is a force to be reckoned with at close range.
Taylor’s & Co. Howdah Pistol PC2/210246 45 Colt/.410, $1748 (September 2023)
Gun Tests Grade: A-
The Howdah is similar to the Ithaca Auto & Burglar model made from 1922 to 1933. The action was stiff to open, but started to loosen up after use. There was minimal recoil. Practicality is not the Howdah’s strong suit, but it is a fun gun to shoot and could be used for self defense.
SDS Imports Radikal Sax2 713135218799 12 Gauge. May 2023. Grade A-.
Stoeger M3000 Defense 31890 12 Gauge, $529 May 2023. Grade: B+
Remington V3 TAC-13 83392 12 Gauge. November 2022. Grade A.
EAA Akkar Churchill 612 111375 12 Gauge. May 2022. Grade A.
Black Aces Tactical Pro Series S Max 12 Gauge, $420. March 2021. Grade A.
Toros Copolla T4 12 Gauge. March 2021. Grade A.
Mossberg 590 50674 12 Gauge. October 2022. Grade A-.
Remington 870 Tactical 12 Gauge. October 2020. Grade A.
Mossberg Retrograde Persuader 50429 12 Gauge. September 2019. Grade A
Winchester 1200 Speed Pump 12 Gauge. October 2020. Grade A
Mossberg 590 Shockwave Model 50657 20 Gauge. March 2019. Grade A
Mossberg 590 Shockwave Model 50649 .410 Bore. March 2019. Grade A
Mossberg 590 Shockwave 50659 12 Gauge. October 2017. Grade A
Tristar Tec-12 25120 Pump/Auto 12 Gauge. December 2016. Grade A.
IAC Imports Hawk Model 982 Defense 12 Gauge. October 2016. Grade A
Remington 870 Express Tactical 81200 12 Gauge. February 2015. Grade A.
Note: All prices in this listicle reflect actual retail purchase prices at the time of testing. Prices will likely have changed. Older models may still be available as NIB products or as used guns.
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