Latest Loads: 12-Ga., 2" Shotshell

by
posted on December 19, 2017
** 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. **
short.jpg

Forget dancing teapots; we’re talking about 2", 12-ga. shotshells. Thanks to their scant, 1¾" to 11 316" overall length when roll crimped, you’ll earn an extra round in the magazine for every four, 2¾" rounds that you replace. If that weren’t enough, these petite powerhouses pack serious punch. From the cylinder bore of an 18 1116"-barreled Mossberg Model 500 at 15 yds. the widest-spread pellets of any pattern measured 2 1¼" apart, though more than two-thirds of the 20, 0.24"-diameter projectiles amassed within 12" of the point of aim. Further enhancing the lead pellets’ effectiveness is the nickel plating, which serves to harden them and reduce friction for deep penetration. Talk about devastating! Best of all, recoil is minimal, and, in the Mossberg*, cycling was flawless.

Latest

W3645 AFF 8419+
W3645 AFF 8419+

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 7, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Gun of the Week: Zev Technologies x Magpul FDP-C

One of the most anticipated firearm releases of 2026 was the Zev Technologies FDP, a folding pistol-caliber design that the company produced in conjunction with Magpul Industries.

Review: Taurus 22TUC

Taurus USA's 22TUC is a little, polymer-framed .22 pocket pistol with a tip-up barrel design that, unlike many of the company's guns, is made entirely in the United States.

Korea Coast Guard Increases KelTec KSG Tactical Shotgun Inventory

KelTec recently announced that the Korea Coast Guard has ordered more KSG shotguns to join those already in service aboard the branch's patrol vessel fleet.

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.