5 Best Bullpup Shotguns On the Market [2024]: Compact Power

When it comes to the world of shotguns, sometimes thinking outside the box—or in this case, behind the trigger—can lead to revolutionary designs. Enter the bullpup shotgun.

These aren’t your granddaddy’s shotguns; they’re something out of a tactical dream, blending compact design with full-length firepower.

Picture this: a shotgun that embodies the space-saving genius of a Swiss Army knife but hits like Thor’s hammer. This is the essence of a bullpup shotgun. Originating from ingenious military minds, the bullpup, with its action cozily tucked behind the trigger, offers the same punch in a much more compact package.

It’s the kind of shotgun that turns heads at the range and keeps you safe at home.

And let’s not forget the Steyr AUG, the Austrian marvel that introduced many of us to the bullpup design. Fast forward a few decades, and now we’ve got bullpup shotguns that not only look like they belong in a sci-fi movie but also perform with remarkable efficiency and ease of handling.

In this guide, I’m going to introduce you to the cream of the crop. From the Kel-Tec KSG, a personal favorite with its twin-tube magic, to the futuristic UTS-15, these bullpups are not just about looks—they’re about delivering top-notch performance without breaking the bank.

So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of bullpup shotguns, where compact meets impactful. And if you’re wondering whether these tactical wonders are just a passing fad or the future of home defense shotguns, keep reading.

I’ve got the lowdown on why these firearms might just be the perfect addition to your armory.

Bullpup shotguns, known for their compact design and powerful performance, are ideal for a wide range of users, including home defense enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel, tactical operators, firearms hobbyists, and hunters navigating dense terrain.

Their unique design allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces and extended use without fatigue, making them perfect for scenarios that demand agility and effectiveness.

Whether it’s for practical defense, tactical training, recreational shooting, or hunting, bullpup shotguns offer a distinct combination of convenience, power, and versatility, appealing to a diverse array of shooting enthusiasts.

Image	Product	Price
	Best Overall – Kel-Tec KSG	Check Price
	Runner-Up – UTAS UTS-15	Check Price
	Popular Budget Option – Rock Island Armory VRBP-100	Check Price
	Best Adjustable Option – Panzer Arms BP-12	Check Price
	Premium Option – IWI Tavor TS12	Check Price

Best Overall – Kel-Tec KSG

Pros & Cons

Specifications

Introduced in 2011 by the same manufacturer that gave us the high-performance Kel-Tec RDB rifle, the Kel-Tec KSG (stands for Kel Tec Shotgun) is the gold standard of bullpup shotguns.

It’s smaller than a 12-gauge, but it’s a lot more powerful. It basically has dual-magazine capacity that comes in the form of 6+6+1 rounds or 7+7+1 rounds, depending on the shells.

The Kel-Tec KSG has a slide release on the trigger, and if you’re left-handed, the ambidextrous downward cartridge ejection won’t make you eat ejected shells. Take notes, shotgun manufacturers.

The KSG has the accuracy of a standard bullpup of 20 yards tops. Stick some holographic sights of your choice on the Picatinny rails, install some Carlson’s 12-gauge chokes, and your pattern shrinks into precision.

Be mindful of your state’s laws, though. You need an NFA approval for that 18.5-inch barrel.

Compared to most heavy bullpups, this one is a 7-pound puppy that barks and bites. It might as well be one of the best bullpup shotguns for home defense and corner maneuvering.

I’m convinced that anyone will find their shooting style with the Kel-Tec.

Runner-Up – UTAS UTS-15

Specifications

Pros & Cons

With “UTAS UTS-15” being a bit of a mouthful, the name gives you the impression that it’s a hefty space gun, and by golly, it is.

First off, this Turkish bullpup offers you 15 rounds of pure bullpup action.

Second, it similarly feeds from two different barrels, and you can change this via the selector switch. This allows you to use different shells, and you don’t see that feature on regular pump-action shotguns.

The difference between the UTS-15 and the Kel-Tec KSG is that the Turk’s twin tubular magazines sit atop the barrel instead of below it. This allows you a quick and easy reload.

Third, high-quality materials and a well-constructed frame keep the beast caged. The fiber-reinforced external parts and 4140 steel barrel threaded muzzle explains the price. The Beretta-style barrel threading allows you to stick Beretta choke tubes.

The downsides are that the grips are a bit slippery, so it’s not for rainy days. Also, there’s not enough guard when you pump it, as your hand goes in front of the muzzle, and this is a real hazard.

However, the UTAS UTS-15 provides real bullpup versatility in a compact package that’s made for on-the-fly operation. Think of all the practice drills you can score with 15 rounds.

Popular Budget Option – Rock Island Armory VRBP-100

Specifications

Pros & Cons

Rock Island Armory is well-known for affordable 1911-style pistols. But they’ve been experimenting with shotguns that look like AR-15s too. That being said, check out their bullpup, the VRBP-100.

For a change, this 12-gauge is a semi-auto bullpup with a stout, durable build and has one of the best prices you can find on the market. It really shoots and can take a beating.

The Rock Island AR-style design aside, the VRBP-100 has an adjustable stock, non-reciprocating charging handle with a rubber cap, accepts mobile chokes, and has a dust cover. The charging handle isn’t reversible, but it’s pretty intuitive.

You only get five rounds, but it takes 2.75-inch shells, not just 3-inch ones. If you can find 9 or 19-round detachable box magazines, you’re in the clear. The reloading is slow, and the mag well takes a bit until you get used to it.

The VRBP-100 is a lot of things, but it sure isn’t tactical with its 20-inch barrel. At least you get extra capacity and muzzle rise mitigation with it, so you can say that it acts as a competition shooter.

Best Adjustable Option – Panzer Arms BP-12

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The Panzer Arms BP-12 is a big and heavy semi-auto bullpup with magazine-fed action. It’s very fun to shoot, and it’s one of the most adjustable and moddable options you can find on the market.

The gas-operated system is its prized feature, which allows you to execute quick drills and smooth follow-up shots without much recoil and muzzle flip. Top that with some sights, and you have a brilliant package.

The full Picatinny rail opens up a plethora of sights, lights, and options you can adjust around the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock angles. However, the barrel isn’t threaded, so you can’t install chokes.

Expect smooth shooting, but only after breaking in some 100 rounds. Be mindful of 00 buckshot; I’ve heard that the BP-12 is prone to misfires with this round.

The adjustable cheek weld and recoil pad add a lot to the overall ergonomics.

If you want a very moddable and tactical package, and you don’t mind the extra weight of 9 pounds, the Panzer Arms BP-12 Gen 2 offers a smooth ride with its self-adjusting gas system.

Premium Option – IWI Tavor TS12

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The IWI Tavor TS12 is a heavy, pricey, semi-automatic bullpup shotgun built to be the last firearm on the planet when the apocalypse besets us.

The IWI Tavor TS12 is big, but the barrel is short. It’s a compact, gas-regulated mammoth with an ambidextrous system that can be set up as a left or right-side configuration. Let me explain.

The unique feature automatically loads subsequent rounds when you rotate the tube into position, including both left and right sides. Push a button to unload the spent cartridges on a tray. Simply put, a brilliant bullpup design.

The threaded barrel, M-LOK forend, and Picatinny rail allow you to install Benelli or Beretta chokes and all kinds of sights. There are also 4 QD points for swivels.

The polymer chassis is durable enough, and expect a rather civil recoil with its gas operation.

Since it’s a “space gun,” you might think that it’s difficult to take down and clean, but you’d be wrong. You can easily disassemble the TS12 from the weapon’s rear and won’t have to use any tools either.

It’s an expensive IWI Tavor, but what you get is an innovative, Israeli-made firearm that can spew fire. Despite the heft, no other bullpup can top this performance.

When I set out to evaluate the top bullpup shotguns for our readers, I prioritized ergonomics – how each model felt in hand, its balance, and the ease of shouldering.

From years of experience, I know that comfort is key, especially in high-stress situations like home defense or tactical scenarios. Next, I evaluated the trigger quality, a common pain point in bullpups. A smooth, responsive trigger can make a world of difference in accuracy and overall shooting experience.

For practical testing, I ran a series of drills at my local range, like the close-quarters sweep drill. I was focusing on rapid target acquisition and maneuverability in simulated close-quarter scenarios – common situations where bullpups excel.

I kept potential users in mind throughout, knowing that our readers value firearms that are not just powerful but also intuitive and reliable. My goal was to find bullpup shotguns that strike the perfect balance between tactical efficiency and user-friendly operation, ensuring that our recommendations cater to both seasoned shooters and those new to the bullpup platform.

When shopping for a bullpup shotgun, it’s crucial to evaluate its ergonomics and how well it fits your personal handling preferences.

Additionally, consider factors like trigger quality, ease of reloading, and ambidextrous features to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and shooting style.

Let’s jump into some other factors to consider.

Size, Weight, and Balance

The bullpup’s odd design allows a more compact, maneuverable shotgun with a full-length barrel that promises accuracy without sacrificing its overall length and velocity a shorter barrel offers.

When compared, bullpups are around two-thirds the size of an AR-15 rifle, so it’s a great home defense option that offers solid target acquisition.

However, it’s important to choose a size that caters to your shooting style. I suggest going for 20 or 30-inch bullpups, but you can go even shorter if you feel the recoil isn’t too much for you.

Keeping the bullpup close to your body doesn’t exhaust you as much. This and the additional 12, 14, or 15+1 rounds are the main reasons it’s practically built for long hours at the ranges.

Since bullpups have their action behind the firing grip and trigger, it really needs some practice if you truly want to experience this unique platform.

Additionally, you need to hold the bullpup and see if you can get a feel of the gun. Shooting is an entirely different thing, but it’s more important to figure out if it really suits your shooting style.

Cycling Action

I’m certain that some gas-operated bullpups like the IWI Tavor TS12 work like a charm. You don’t have to consider the cycling action much—most bullpup shotguns feed, cycle, and shoot shells with no problem.

If it’s a pump-action bullpup, make sure you pump it firmly if you don’t want jams.

However, there’s still the question of left or right side cycling.

If you’re a leftie, make sure you always pick the ambidextrous models unless you want hot casings in your face.

Kel-Tec figured out a way to solve this problem with the KSG, and they just went with downward-ejecting cycling. However, this might be a hindrance because some customers complained that the ejected rounds tend to hit their wrists, so be mindful.

All that’s left now is the ultimate question.

Semi-Automatic vs. Pump-Action Bullpups

This argument isn’t limited to bullpups—it’s a universal shotgun question.

And the answer is always the same: it all comes down to what you prefer.

If you’re a gallery frenzy shooter who’s looking for the fastest follow-up shots at the ranges, the semi-auto shotgun is for you. It’s also a good home defense option too.

If there’s a method to your madness and you want to keep it classy, the “chk-chk” of the pump action is what you want. Pump-action shotguns are generally regarded as more reliable than semi-autos, but this, of course, depends on a lot of factors.

Here are some frequently asked questions about bullpup shotguns.

Wrapping up, it’s clear that there are bullpup shotgun contenders that push the boundaries of conventional shotgun design. Throughout our research, we’ve shouldered, aimed, and fired a variety of models, each bringing something unique to the table.

Let’s talk standouts. The UTS-15 and Kel-Tec KSG emerged as frontrunners. Why? They strike an impressive balance between innovation, practicality, and sheer shooting pleasure. These shotguns aren’t just about compact frames; they redefine what it means to handle a shotgun with ease, particularly in tight spaces or dynamic shooting scenarios.

But the crown jewel in our selection has to be the IWI Tavor TS12. This shotgun isn’t just a bullpup; it’s a symphony of design, capacity, and reliability. It exemplifies what modern shotguns can be, seamlessly blending traditional shotgun firepower with futuristic design and functionality. Its high capacity and ease of handling make it a top-notch choice for both home defense and recreational shooting.

In conclusion, while bullpup shotguns might seem like a niche category, they offer a unique combination of compactness and power that traditional designs can struggle to match.

Our top picks, especially the IWI Tavor TS12, stand as testaments to the evolution and potential of shotgun technology. So, whether you’re a home defender, a competitive shooter, or just a firearms enthusiast, these bullpup shotguns are definitely worth pulling the trigger on.

Stay safe, stay informed, and most importantly, enjoy the experience these innovative firearms offer.