2025 Shotgun Of The Year: SDS Arms MAC 1014

by
posted on June 19, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2025 Shotgun Of The Year: SDS Arms MAC 1014

“The Golden Bullseye Awards are our way of honoring those companies that introduced products of remarkable utility, innovation and simple excellence to shooters and hunters during the past year,“ said Mike Sanford, deputy executive director of NRA Media.

The Golden Bullseye Awards, established 23 years ago by American Rifleman editors, honor exceptional new firearm and shooting products for their innovation, performance and value. Each year, the selection process is competitive, with many strong contenders, but the editorial team ultimately agrees on a slate of standout winners.

Awards are given in the following categories: Accessory Of The Year, Ammunition Product Of The Year, Pioneer Of The Year, Optic Of The Year, Tactical Product Of The Year, Rifle Of The Year, Handgun Of The Year and Shotgun Of The Year. The latter of which came down to a clear choice.

American Rifleman January 2025 magazine cover SDS Arms MAC shotgun angled view stainless steel color gun


2025 Shotgun Of The Year: SDS Arms MAC 1014
The M4/M1014 shotgun platform is well-regarded the world over for reliability thanks to its dual-piston operating system that interacts directly with the bolt, thereby speeding operation and eliminating the need for action bars or other linkages. The platform’s design also allows it to run cleaner than most gas guns. But for all its qualities, the original M4 isn’t inexpensive.

American Rifleman magazine centerfold print article spread shotguns text on image of shotguns shown with ammunition red-dot optic

So, when a clone emerged that was built in such a way so as to be compatible with the original’s aftermarket offerings—yet with an almost unbelievably low MSRP starting at just $399—it caught our attention. 

Magazine centerfold art text layout of gun review MAC shotgun disassembled details specifications
The MAC 1014 is a reliable replica of Benelli's M4/M1014, and it supports most aftermarket accessories designed for the M4, making it a more affordable alternative.

In “Solid Values” (January 2025, p. 36), Field Editor Aaron Carter gave two of SDS Arms’ shotguns, sold under the Military Armament Corp. sub-brand, a thorough shakedown, coming away from the experience particularly impressed by the MAC 1014. 

Despite the manufacturer's suggested break-in period, which the author opted to forgo in favor of real-world circumstances, his comments from range testing were interesting, to say the least, noting: "Through the 100-round, load-and-dump fest, the sample MAC 1014 exhibited no malfunctions, and that continued afterward, when it was fed a steady diet of randomness, ranging from 3", 2-oz. turkey loads to 23" shells with slugs or brimming with birdshot and buckshot at a variety of velocities. There were no issues whatsoever-again, a testament to the Benelli M4/M1014 design and MAC's fidelity in duplicating it.

The pistol-grip-equipped scattergun ran flawlessly for him and was both controllable and comfortable to shoot. “I now understand the reasons for the M4/M1014’s popularity,” Carter concluded. For bringing that winning combination of features and functionality to American shooters at a remarkably attractive price, the SDS Arms MAC 1014 was a clear choice for our selection as Shotgun Of The Year.

For more information, visit milarmamentcorp.com.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.