6 Best Magazine Fed Shotguns

The worldwide web of shotguns is growing...both in popularity and options. One particular category of shotguns of great interest is mag-fed shotguns.

So, let's explore the world of mag-fed shotties with why you might want one and some pros/cons for the models I recommend. Ultimately, I'm here to help you figure out which model is right for you.

With that, let’s jump in!

How We Chose the Best Mag-Fed Shotguns

Before we discuss the models you should try, these weren’t haphazardly assembled based on Google research. I’ve had hands-on experience with every model and even own a few of them.

The products listed have spent time at the range and have had an opportunity to be handled by me or someone else at PPT. These shotguns are evaluated and recommended based on features, ergonomics, accuracy, reliability, and value.

Best Mag-Fed Shotguns

1. Mossberg 590M Series - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

Mossberg 590M

$507

at Ammunition Depot

Prices accurate at time of writing

$507 at Ammunition Depot

Classic Firearms (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Show all prices

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Pump action
• Capacity: 5+1, 10+1 (standard), 15+1, 20+1
• Sights: Ghost ring rear, blade front
• Barrel Length: 18.5"
• Overall Length: 39.5"
• Weight: 8 lbs

The Mossberg 590M series is the brainchild of both Mossberg and Adaptive Tactical.

Adaptive Tactical created the original Sidewinder kit, so it’s safe to say they know how mag-fed shotguns work. The two companies worked together to produce the M series of Mossberg shotguns.

If you fall into the “classic shotgunner” category, the Mossberg 590 is the model for you.

The designs are almost entirely identical to a classic shottie, so the controls feel the same. Obviously, you’re going to see the addition of a magazine and mag release, though.

Its magazine release introduces a clever ambidextrous design into the platform, while the magazine rock is similar to an AK -- but less of a pronounced rock. The magazines are what’s unique, big, bulbous beasts with capacities ranging from 5- to 20 rounds…without being ridiculously long.

Using a double-stack magazine design, the Mossberg is the only example I know of that uses double-stack mags for shotguns. Hence, why it packs a whopping 20 rounds without looking silly like a certain VR series 19-rounder.

Mags feed brilliantly and, bonus, are reliable. They can be taken apart easily and cleaned when necessary. Not to mention, they lock into the gun nice and tight -- no shaking, stuttering, or movement.

Mossberg’s 590 is already an excellent combat shotgun, and that doesn’t change with the addition of a magazine.

In total, there are three models to choose from -- two standard shotguns and one Shockwave variant. My favorite? The 590M variant with ghost ring sights, a choked barrel, and a heat shield.

The biggest complaint I have comes down to the price of mags. Are you sitting down? Mags are priced around $100.

Some may not like the fact that the gun only uses 2.75-inch shells, but these aren’t hunting shotguns. A 3-inch shell isn’t necessary.

To learn more about the 590M, check out our full review here. Also, see what upgrades I included in my Ultimate Build.

2. Rock Island Armory VR80 - Best AR-Style Shotgun

Best AR-Style Shotgun

Rock Island VR80 Tactical

$559

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$559 at GrabAGun

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 5+1 (standard), 9+1, 19+1
• Sights: Flip-up
• Barrel Length: 20"
• Overall Length: 39"
• Weight: 8.3 lbs

I’ve handled every VR series shotgun, and this is by far my favorite.

The VR80 is another AR-like shotgun with AR carbine stock and pistol grip capability. Controls also mimic that of an AR. It features an excellent aluminum handguard with M-LOK slots and a flat-top optic-ready upper.

Add to that the ability to incorporate a collapsing AR-style stock out of the box, and you’ve got an excellent design. This fits the shooter much better than a fixed stock.

The only control that does not resemble an AR is the charging handle. But it is reversible for left or right-handed shooters.

Let’s talk about the magazine release and trigger. The mag release is massive and easy to engage, while the trigger is surprisingly nice. Of the three semi-auto VR series guns, this is the smoothest shooting. The gun cycles reliably and fast. You’re going to love to mag dump.

Recoil is very soft for a shotgun and possibly the softest shooting semi-auto shotgun at this price point.

RIA’s VR80 feeds from a magazine with a capacity ranging up to 19 rounds. Though you can choose among 5-, 9-, or 19-round mags, 9-rounders are the sweet spot for both size and capacity. These are single stack magazines, so the 19-round mag seems a bit ridiculous (and aimed more at 3-Gun than defensive use).

What could the VR80 be used for? It makes for an excellent home defense shotgun. The ability to bolt on a collapsing stock for an adjustable LOP, M-LOK for an easy light attachment, and various magazine capacities make it a winner.

Go more in-depth with the VR80 (as well as the VR60 and VRBP-100) in our full review here!

What do you think of the VR80? Rate it below!

3. Fostech Origin 12 - Softest Shooting Shotgun

Softest Shooting Shotgun

Fostech Origin 12

$3059

at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$3059 at Guns.com

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 5+1
• Sights: Flip-up
• Barrel Length: 18.5"
• Overall Length: 40"
• Weight: 9.5 lbs

The Fostech Origin 12 is one of my grail guns, right behind the AA-12. Fostech’s Origin 12 is, without a doubt, the softest shooting shotgun I’ve ever handled. Not only is it a soft shooting gun, but it’s a fast-cycling weapon.

The short-barreled Origin 12 is awesome, but harder to find in stock.

My time with the Origin 12 was limited to a media event, and I kept getting back in line over and over to dump magazine after magazine through it. I wish I had more time with this gun. The Fostech Origin 12 proved super reliable. Dozens of different shooters firing thousands of rounds, and the gun never stopped chugging along.

As you’d imagine, the Origin 12 is unlike any other shotgun on the market. It’s built and laid out like a modern rifle but scaled up for a shotgun. The ergonomics are outstanding, stock folds, and the gun even comes suppressor-ready for the Salvo.

Using proprietary magazines, this build is rock solid.

Magazines come in varying capacities that include a basic 5-round mag, 8- and 10-rounders…all the way up to a 30-round drum.

You guessed it; the Fostech Origin 12 comes with a high price tag (as do the magazines), but boy, oh boy, it’s a brilliant weapon.

4. Kalashnikov USA KS-12 - Best AK-Style Shotgun

Best AK-Style Shotgun

Kalashnikov USA KS-12

$813

at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$813 at Guns.com

Primary Arms (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Classic Firearms (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 5+1
• Sights: Notch rear, blade front
• Barrel Length: 18.25"
• Overall Length: 44"
• Weight: 12 lbs

Back in the day, the Saiga 12 series sold us on the idea of box mag-fed shotguns. They really kicked the whole thing off and helped the acceptance of box-fed designs. When Russian import restrictions fell in place, the supply of Saiga 12 shotguns dried up, and a dozen different companies from Turkey and China stepped in to fill the gap.

Most of these guns were kinda crappy, with low-quality designs and terrible reliability. It took an American company, Kalashnikov USA, to release a high-quality, reliable, and successful AK-style shotgun. The KS 12 is a faithful clone of the Saiga 12 series.

These guns can use Saiga mags, drums, muzzle devices, and chokes. It's a very faithful clone of the original Saiga 12. This includes the realms of durability and reliability.

You can blast through a wide variety of ammunition. They eat up birdshot, buckshot, slugs, and more with ease. High brass, low brass, it doesn't matter, and I've fired a good bit of tactical reduced recoil buckshot without a problem.

Kalashnikov USA simplified the sights a bit because shotguns don't need sliding rear sights out to several hundred meters. Sadly, they didn't do much for optical options outside of the side rail for tossing on optics.

The KS-12 comes in a few different options. Some include AR stock adapters, folding stocks, rails, and more. Others are a bit more standard. These guns don't need to go through the 922R conversion process either. They come in the standard AK configuration.

These guns are a blast to shoot, and the classic rock in mags work well. Magazine options are abundant on the market. The guns tend to be fairly soft shooting since they are properly gassed and offer familiar ergonomics and quick reloads. 

Notable Mentions

5. Genesis 12

Genesis 12

$2889

at Genesis Arms

Prices accurate at time of writing

$2889 at Genesis Arms

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 5+1
• Sights: None (Picatinny rail)
• Barrel Length: 18.75"
• Overall Length: N/A
• Weight: N/A

Watching Genesis 12 grow has been exciting for me. The guys behind the company are passionate and have worked to develop an awesome product. The Genesis 12 reached new heights when John Wick used it to launch Dragon's Breath into bad guys' faces in John Wick 4.

They exploded in popularity, and their guns are back ordered by about 33 weeks. It's easy to see why. These are awesome mag-fed shotguns that use a familiar AR-type platform to deliver 12-gauge awesomeness.

These guns use short recoil, which is fairly novel for a modern tactical shotgun that takes on the AR appearance. The barrel reciprocates slightly to push the bolt and operate the gun. It has no need for a gas system, so it tends to run clean, and most importantly, it runs reliably.

The gun offers surprisingly low recoil, and getting fast follow-up shots is very easy. While mag dumping is often considered a waste, I challenge you not to try it with a mag full of birdshot. Your shoulder won't hurt, and control won't be an issue.

The system cycles most rounds without a problem. This includes low recoil tactical loads and light birdshot loads. You might run into issues with super light birdshot loads designed for trap and skeet, but you'd have to go out of your way to do so.

Using the AR pattern allows for tons of accessory mounting, and optics are easy to attach. Mag changes are quick and easy, and Genesis makes a number of magazines in capacities from five to ten rounds, with an optional +2 extension being available. The big difference between this gun and ARs is the right-side charging handle, but it's not a big deal overall.

The Genesis 12 guns are one of the few box-fed shotguns I'd take hunting, compete with, and trust for home defense. It's incredibly reliable, and I don't feel controversial in saying it's the best box mag-fed shotgun on the market.

6. ATI Alpha Maxx .410 Shotgun Upper

ATI Alpha Maxx .410 Shotgun Upper

$349

at American Tactical

Prices accurate at time of writing

$349 at American Tactical

Specs

• Bore: .410
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: N/A
• Sights: Flip-up
• Barrel Length: 9"
• Overall Length: N/A
• Weight: N/A

American Tactical's latest shotgun is an AR, not just an AR-looking shotgun like many companies produce. The Alpha Maxx is a .410 upper receiver that can be slapped on top of any Mil-Spec AR lower receiver, and bam, you have a shotgun. Its magazine will fit in the multi cal magwell without a problem.

This isn't the first AR upper, but it's the smartest I've seen so far. First, the gas system is adjustable and allows you to tune it to function in a wide variety of .410 loads. This allows you to use buckshot, birdshot, and slugs. At the end of the barrel, there appears to be a muzzle device; it's actually a choke system.

This makes it easy to adjust the pattern of your shot. You might want to tighten up some of those buckshot loads for defensive use. The gas system paired with the choke makes it a smart design overall and more shotgun than AR.

The magazines will vary from 5 to 15 rounds and are a single stack design. The gun is restricted to 2.5-inch rounds. The magwell can't let you sit a big 3-inch option. The downside is that the way companies measure 2.5 inches can vary. Sometimes, they can be fractionally longer; if so, those rounds won't fit in your Alpha Maxx.

The semi-auto action and low recoil of the .410 rounds make it super easy to shoot and a ton of fun to shoot. It's controllable for nearly any skill level and doesn't have the same thump as most shotguns. It could be a solid defensive option for shooters in restrictive states.

Plus, it's a ton of fun overall, and I can't wait to get my hands on one. I should mention they are doing a pistol version. It's still a .410, but it has a rifled barrel. How that rifling will affect the shot pattern is unknown, but I'd love to find out.

Mag Fed Shotgun Advantages

Well, the most immediate advantage is the ability to quickly reload the weapon.

If you run the gun dry, you can immediately slam a new magazine home and just keep on going. With a traditional tube-fed tactical shotgun, you have to do one or two rounds at a time.

If you are primarily a rifle shooter, you’ll have an easier time switching to a magazine-fed shotgun than a tube-fed shotgun. However, with a tube-fed shotgun, you can always top off your shotgun as you run and gun.

A mag-fed shotgun offers a greater capacity than a standard tube-fed model without a 4-foot tube sticking out. Your average tactical shotgun offers around 8 rounds, but some mag-fed variants can squeeze up to 20 rounds in a magazine.

A magazine-fed, semi-auto shotgun can be a real beast of a weapon.

Downsides to a Mag-Fed Shotgun

Weight is the most imminent downside. Packing in 20 rounds of 12-gauge gives a lot of heft to a gun.

Another issue is magazines. These shotguns all hinge on a reliable magazine.

But we aren’t at a point where a common magazine type has been chosen. (The models listed here are all outfitted with reliable magazines.)

Another downside – you can’t instantly swap ammo types. It’s tough to pull off a slug transition drill with a mag-fed shotgun.

Also, forget about continuously loading your shotgun like a tube-fed model. But you can always do a tactical reload with retention.

Final Thoughts

Mag-fed shotguns might not ever replace tube-fed guns, but they are becoming increasingly popular for a reason. Offering faster reloads and greater capacity, it’s no surprise these are taking off among shooters.

I’m not rushing to replace my other Benelli or Mossbergs anytime soon, but I can’t help but find myself drawn to mag-fed shotguns and wanting to experiment with them.

What’s your take on mag-fed shotguns? Love ‘em or leave ‘em? Let us know below. Need even more shotguns in your life? Check out all the reviews in our dedicated Shotgun Section.

Latest Updates

May 20, 2024: Removed Citadel, Standard MFG, and Sentry 12. Added KS-12, ATI Alpha Maxx, and Genesis 12. Added supplemental data to each product and added data to how we tested.