KSG SBS The Worlds Shortest Factory Production Shotgun

Bartok5

Bartok5

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To my knowledge, the KelTec KSG SBS (Short-Barrelled Shotgun) is currently the shortest, factory mass-produced shotgun in the world at 21" overall length OAL). It is certainly the shortest with the greatest payload, equalling 15 x mini-shells or 9 x 2 3/4" shells (with one in the chamber). Despite being under 26" OAL, the KSG SBS is Non-Restricted due to its manual pump operation and factory configuration...

I took my KSG SBS out to the range today for the first time, after having stripped it down to its component parts to install some aftermarket upgrades yesterday after it arrived. I was very impressed, both with the diminutive size compared to other shotguns (even compared to the full-size KSG!), and with the handlng of the little gun. The action racks quite smoothly compared to the full-size KSG that I had years ago and with the upgraded MCarbo aluminum Trigger (with zero pre-travel), and Trigger Spring Kit, the Trigger pull is now excellent with a lighter pull and a very crisp let-off. Function with Mini-Shell slugs and 2 3/4" Slugs and Buckshot was 100%. It is worth noting that the Aguilla Buckshot Mini-Shells do not load into the KSG's Magazine Tubes, as the ammo case walls are bulged by the Buckshot in places, giving the shells an irregular shape. No big deal. !5 rounds of mini 1-oz slug on tap is truly impressive to behold, especially if the firer has the presence of mind to count his/her shots and switch the Magazine Tube Selector at the appropriate time to avoid a "click" instead of a "bang"! The only bad new is that the KSG is very slow to reload at the best of times, and I would not want to be on thee clock reloading under stressful circumstances. That said, there isn't much that I would fear starting out with 15 rounds of 1 oz slugs at my fingertips and another 6 waiting in the Sidesaddle.

My KSG SBS is fitted with an EoTech EXP 3 Holographic Sight on a low Riser and a Green Laser with momentary and on functions. Other upgrades include the aforementioned MCarbo Trigger, the MCarbo Red Aluminum Followers and Shell Deflector, a Kydex Receiver Cover/Cheekpiece, a 6-round Mesa Tactical Side-Saddle, and a MCarbo Shell Deflector. The KSG SBS comes with an integral white light in the Vertical Foregrip and is equipped with ambidextrous momentary switches.

All things considered? At just 21" OAL, I frigging LOVE this shotgun for all of the obvious reasons. I highly recommend it as both an entertaining range toy and a prospective Home Defence/Livestock Defensive firearm for both 2 legged and 4-legged varmints!


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freezer filler said:
What laser is that you're using?
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It is just a cheap green laser in an aluminum case with a picatinny mount. it was like $45 on Amazon.ca. Has ambi rubber push switches for momentary on or regular on. Works just fine, and seems to be a tad over-powered like many other Chinese lasers! I just have them for intimidation purposes.. Nothing like a dancing, bright green dot on your chest to suggest that you think very carefully about your next move....
 
Dang, I didn't really want one until now... 21" is extraordinary. Is it really exactly the same as the full size KSG, just with shorter barrel and mag tubes?

You say you like the handling, but can you give more detail? Where is the fore-aft balance point? Top heavy or no?
 
alpining said:
Dang, I didn't really want one until now... 21" is extraordinary. Is it really exactly the same as the full size KSG, just with shorter barrel and mag tubes?

You say you like the handling, but can you give more detail? Where is the fore-aft balance point? Top heavy or no?
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Yes, it really is a full-size KSG Receiver with the shortest possible Barrel and Mag Tubes while still allowing a full pump action cycle. The balance point is EXACTLY over the centre of the Pistol Grip's attachment point to the Receiver. It could not be more perfect. The gun does not feel top-heavy at all, it balances very nicely and feels "Neutral" in the Firing Hand. Add the Support Hand to the Vertical ForeGrip (VFG) and the gun becomes extremely nimble in the hands, quick and easy to point in any desired directioni.

The ONLY down-side that I noted was the extreme lead contamination on my Support (Left) Hand when I was done firing approximately 60 slugs. My index finger which was closest to the muzzle was grey with lead dust, as was the top of my hand.. I made sure to throoughly wash with soap and warm water once I got home, and wiped the front end of the shotgun clean. Other than the risk of lead contamination, there is nothing to fear about the KSG SBS. It is a fantastic, tiny package with tremendous firepower. What's not to like about that?


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Nice in theory but these are slow to reload and punish your shoulder moreso than other 12ga guns.
 
With how close that front grip is to the end of the barrel you'd have to be REALLY cognizant of where your off hand is at all times, even more so than usual. All it takes is one micro second of not paying attention with regular shotgun recoil and presto change-o you're minus one hand.
 
EL34/6L6 said:
Nice in theory but these are slow to reload and punish your shoulder moreso than other 12ga guns.
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I could say that other 12ga guns have low ammunition capacity and are too long and heavy. But I wouldn't.

Any firearm is a combination of compromises. I like having options.
 
EL34/6L6 said:
Nice in theory but these are slow to reload and punish your shoulder moreso than other 12ga guns.
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Slow to reload, yes. That is precisely why you start with 15 rounds on board... If there are still dangers lurking after 15 x .12ga slugs, you have bigger problems than your slow reload time!

Your second statement is just plain silly. Sorry to have to say that, but it is true. The KSG does not recoil more than most other 12ga guns. In fact, it's perceived recoil is considerably less than say, a Beretta 1301, which is a very popular defensive autoloading shotgun. The recoil is variable and is further diminished when you select mini-shells, which are still plenty lethal (and accurate!) with 1300 FPS behind a 1 oz slug. So you see, comparing recoil is a mug's game when there are many variables such as weight and ammo to be considered in the equation.
 
Bartok5 said:
... comparing recoil is a mug's game when there are many variables such as weight and ammo to be considered in the equation.
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I generally agree, but there are some things we can talk about with respect to recoil. "Free recoil" is based entirely on the energy of the ammunition and the weight of the firearm. According to manufacturer specs, this shotgun is less than one ounce lighter than the Maverick 88 with a 18.5" barrel.

"Perceived recoil" is subjective. Some people just don't like how the KSG format shotguns transmit recoil to the shooter. I've no doubt that, like any firearm, managing recoil is largely a matter of technique and training (and ammunition selection, as you said).

For many people shooting bullpups, having the muzzle blast so much closer to their face makes their perception of recoil much more severe.
 
alpining said:
I generally agree, but there are some things we can talk about with respect to recoil. "Free recoil" is based entirely on the energy of the ammunition and the weight of the firearm. According to manufacturer specs, this shotgun is less than one ounce lighter than the Maverick 88 with a 18.5" barrel.

"Perceived recoil" is subjective. Some people just don't like how the KSG format shotguns transmit recoil to the shooter. I've no doubt that, like any firearm, managing recoil is largely a matter of technique and training (and ammunition selection, as you said).

For many people shooting bullpups, having the muzzle blast so much closer to their face makes their perception of recoil much more severe.
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Perceived Recoil is precisely why I have an aftermarket, recoil-reducing Butt-Pad installed on my KSG SBS and a Muzzle Brake inbound....
 
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