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8 Best Pump Action Shotguns For 2022

Pump-action shotguns are high-performance shotguns that are known for their reliability.

A pump-action shotgun is your best bet if you want a weapon that you can count on.

Why Buy a Pump Action Shotgun

Pump-action shotguns are excellent weapons for hunting, home defense, and competitive shooting because of their reliability, affordability, capabilities, and ease of use.

Reliability

With reliability in mind, pump-action shotguns will fire in any situation or season.

Semi-automatic shotguns have complicated gas components that can fail you when you need them the most.

The pumps have a simple design that has a history of working after firing thousands of rounds.

Affordability

Pump-action shotguns are typically more affordable than other options, such as semi-automatic shotguns.

With budget-friendly semi-automatic shotguns, you may experience reliability issues such as jamming.

Capability

Pumps can fire a wider variety of rounds, including non-lethal rounds and birdshot, while many semi-automatics require specific rounds to operate correctly.

Ease of Use

Pump-action shotguns are easy to use and clean.

Shells are easily chambered and extracted with the pump mechanism, and the shotgun will cycle rounds as long as you can pump it.

Below are the 8 Best Pump Action Shotguns.

#1. KEL-Tec KSG 12 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun

KEL-Tec KSG 12 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun

  • Caliber: 12 Gauge
  • Chamber: 3”, 2 ¾”
  • Capacity: 6+1, 7+1
  • Barrel Length: 18.5”
  • Overall Length: 26.1”
  • Weight: 6.9 lbs

The KEL-TEC KSG 12GA Shotgun is not your typical pump-action shotgun and has a unique double tube design and a bullpup action.

The double tube design allows for an impressive 7+7+1 capacity with 2.75” shells and 6+6+1 with 3” shells.

It has a super compact overall length of 26.1” with an 18.5” barrel, perfect for maneuvering in tight spaces.

The action is behind the trigger, which allows you to have a full-length barrel while keeping the weapon compact.

It comes equipped with front-end Picatinny rails to attach a sight, foregrip, or other accessories.

They crafted the upper receiver with hardened steel, and the lower receiver, stock, and grip are made with glass-reinforced nylon.

The stock includes a soft rubber butt pad for improved comfort and recoil mitigation, and the shot has forward and rear sling loops and includes a basic sling.

It also includes a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty on parts and labor.

The KSG 12GA pump shotgun is perfect for left and right-handed shooters with ambidextrous controls.

If you are looking for a compact, high-capacity, bullpup shotgun, the KEL-TEC KSG 12GA Shotgun is ideal for you.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#2. Remington 870 Fieldmaster 12 Gauge

Remington 870 Fieldmaster 12 Gauge

  • Caliber: 12 Gauge
  • Chamber: 3”
  • Capacity: 4+1
  • Barrel Length: 26”
  • Overall Length: 46.5”
  • Weight: 7.25 lbs

The Remington 870 Fieldmaster 12 Gauge is a high-performance field shotgun perfect for waterfowl, small game, turkey, clay shooting, home defense, and upland hunting.

It has many of the prominent features you would expect from a Remington 870, but with several upgrades to put it in a league of its own.

They construct the receiver out of high-grade steel, and the shotgun features twin action bars that ensure smooth shooting.

Specifically designed for the field, the hardware has non-reflective matte black metalwork, and a laser-cut walnut stock.

The upper receiver is also drilled and tapped for mounting your favorite scope.

Its walnut stock also has a soft rubber butt pad for improved comfort, control, and recoil mitigation.

The barrel and upper receiver also include the FieldMaster finish, which provides additional protection against rust.

The 870 Fieldmaster includes three chokes, an improved cylinder, modified, and full for a custom spread for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense.

If you are looking for an excellent pump-action shotgun for hunting or clay shooting, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster 12 Gauge is a top pick.

It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com

#3. EAA Churchill 5 Rd 18.5″ 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun

EAA Churchill 5 Rd 18.5 Inch 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun

  • Caliber: 12 Gauge
  • Chamber: 3”
  • Capacity: 5+1
  • Barrel Length: 18.5”
  • Overall Length: 38.5”
  • Weight: 6.4 lbs

The EAA Churchill 5RD 18.5” 12GA Pump Shotgun is a budget-friendly pump that will not let you down.

It is chambered for 3” shells and has a 5+1 capacity, which is plenty for a hunting trip or home defense.

With an overall length of 38.5,” it has an 18.5” matte black steel barrel and weighs only 6.4 lbs.

Its 18.5” barrel allows for more maneuverability in tight spaces, making it an excellent choice for home defense.

The hardware includes a cross-bolt safety, a black synthetic pistol grip stock, and ghostring bead sights.

It also includes a Picatinny rail up top to add your favorite optic.

The barrel includes a Mobil choke tube threaded.

With a super durable polymer pistol grip stock and forend and a steel upper receiver, they built the EAA Churchill to last.

This shotgun has a 14.25” length of pull, which is slightly longer than most standard weapons.

If you are on a budget and want a reliable pump-action shotgun, the EAA Churchill 5RD 18.5” 12GA Pump Shotgun is an excellent pick.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#4. Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact Synthetic 20 Gauge

Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact Synthetic 20 Gauge

  • Caliber: 20 Gauge
  • Chamber: 3”
  • Capacity: 4+1
  • Barrel Length: 21”
  • Overall Length: 40.5”
  • Weight: 6 lbs

The Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact Synthetic 20 Gauge has the same outstanding features as a standard Remington 870 Fieldmaster, but with a synthetic stock.

This 870 is a 20 Gauge model, making it perfect for small game hunting, waterfowl, clay shooting, and home defense because of its reduced recoil.

The synthetic stock is lightweight, durable, and comes with a soft rubber butt pad for enhanced recoil mitigation and control.

They milled the upper receiver from solid steel to provide maximum durability and strength.

It has twin action bars that prevent binding and twisting to ensure you get a clean feed every time.

The compact model has a reduced overall length and barrel length to make it easier to handle and maneuver in the field.

It has a black-on-black design with a non-reflective matte finish perfect for hunting.

It includes three chokes, a full, modified, and IC choke, which provides you with the spread you need for every situation.

If you want ultimate performance for waterfowl and bird hunting in a compact package, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact Synthetic 20 Gauge is your go-to pump shotgun.

It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com

#5. Mossberg 500 Combo Turkey/Deer 24″ 12 Gauge Shotgun 3″ Pump

Mossberg 500 Combo Turkey Deer 12 Gauge Shotgun 3 inch Pump

  • Caliber: 12 Gauge
  • Chamber: 3”
  • Capacity: 5+1
  • Barrel Length: 24”
  • Overall Length: 43.5”
  • Weight: 7.5 lbs

The Mossberg 500 Combo Turkey/Deer 24”/24” 12 Gauge Shotgun 3” Pump is a solid choice for taking down deer and turkeys.

It is a reliable pump-action shotgun built to give you maximum use throughout every hunting season.

With a six-position adjustable stock, you will ‌get a custom fit for maximum control and comfort.

The stock allows you to have nearly four inches of customization to get the perfect length of pull.

The stock also has interchangeable combs for better cheek placement for optics or the stock fiber optic sights.

One of the best features of this set is that it comes with two 24” vent rib fluted barrels.

It also includes two chokes, an XX-Full, and a fully rifled bore choke for game-specific spreads.

This model shotgun has dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, and an anti-jam elevator for smooth operation.

The stock and barrel also have a beautiful Mossy Oak Break-Up Country finish.

The Mossberg 500 Combo Turkey/Deer 24”/24” 12 Gauge Shotgun 3” Pump is a high-performance hunting shotgun at an excellent price point.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#6. Blue Line 12 Gauge

Blue Line 12 Gauge Shotgun

  • Caliber: 12 Gauge
  • Chamber: 3”
  • Capacity: 5+1
  • Barrel Length: 18”
  • Overall Length: 37.25”
  • Weight: 5.75 lbs

The Blue Line 12 Gauge is a compact pump-action shotgun with excellent tube capacity and performance.

This shotgun is perfect for those who want a budget pump-action shotgun that will grow with them.

They built it as a copy of the Remington 870 platform, which allows you to customize this entry-level shotgun with upgraded aftermarket components for a Remington 870.

Its compact 37.25” overall length paired with an 18” barrel allows you to maneuver in enclosed spaces, making it perfect for home defense.

The receiver and metal components have a slick matte black finish, and the stock and furniture are constructed out of a durable polymer.

Its tube has a 5+1 capacity for 3” 12 gauge shells for plenty of firepower.

It is important to note that the Blue Line 12 Gauge is not drilled and tapped for optics.

So, if that is important to you, it is recommended that you purchase an actual Remington 870.

But, it does include stock bead sights.

If you are looking for a budget pump-action that you can upgrade with high-performance parts, the Blue Line 12 Gauge by Blue Line Solutions LLC. is a must-buy.

It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com

#7. Benelli USA Nova Tactical 12 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun

Benelli USA Nova Tactical 12 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun

  • Caliber: 12 Gauge
  • Chamber: 75″, 3″, 3.5″
  • Capacity: 4+1
  • Barrel Length: 18.5”
  • Overall Length: 39.75”
  • Weight: 7.2 lbs

The Nova Tactical 12 Gauge by Benelli U.S.A. is an excellent tactical pump-action shotgun that is a bargain for a Benelli.

The tactical frame is designed to be compact, with a 39.75” overall length and an 18.5” barrel, making it perfect for tight spaces.

It is chambered for 2.75”, 3”, and 3.5” 12 gauge shells, making it the only pump-action shotgun on this list that allows 3.5” shells.

It has a fixed magazine tube that holds up to four rounds.

The hardware includes a corrosion-proof black polymer stock, a rotating bolt head, ghost ring sights, a steel skeletal framework, and a forend shell-stop button.

The stock includes a butt pad for improved recoil mitigation and control.

It also includes dual-action bars for smooth feeding and firing.

You will have an excellent spread for home defense or close-quarters combat with a short cylinder choked barrel.

If you are looking for a tactical pump-action shotgun, the Nova Tactical 12 Gauge by Benelli U.S.A. is an excellent choice.

It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com

#8. Mossberg Maverick 88 Cruiser 6 Round 20 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun

Mossberg Maverick 88 Cruiser 6 Round 20 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun

  • Caliber: 20 Gauge
  • Chamber: 3”
  • Capacity: 5+1
  • Barrel Length: 18.5”
  • Overall Length: 28.12”
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs

The Mossberg Maverick 88 Cruiser – 6 Shot 18.5” 20 Gauge Shotgun 3” Pump Action has a fixed pistol grip without a stock.

However, you can easily install a full-sized stock if you desire.

The Maverick 88 has a compact frame with a short 28.12” overall length and an 18.5” barrel at just 5.5 lbs.

But, it is worth noting that adding a stock will increase the overall size by about 13” and increase the weight.

Not having a stock may be intimidating, but this shotgun is chambered with 3” 20 gauge rounds, which will reduce the overall recoil of the weapon.

The compact size, shell capacity, and weight make it an excellent option for home defense.

It features a cross-bolt safety, which is ergonomic and quick to disengage for immediate use.

It also features dual extractors, twin action bars, positive steel-to-steel lockup, and an anti-jam elevator to provide trouble-free operation.

The cylinder bore choke provides excellent spread at close distances and maximum target coverage.

The Mossberg Maverick 88 Cruiser – 6 Shot 18.5” 20 Gauge Shotgun 3” Pump Action is a solid choice if you want a compact pump-action built for hip firing.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

References

Pump Action Vs. Semi: Which Shotgun Is Better For Personal Defense?

 

See Also

10 Best Shotguns For Women

10 Best Semi Auto Shotguns

12 Best Long Range Rifles

 
Kevin R.
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Best Pump Action Shotgun

Best Pump Action Shotgun

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If you're looking for the best pump action shotgun, check out these 8 choices. These shotguns are great for home defense.
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