The Kel-Tec KSG is a pump-action shotgun first produced in 2011. The initial release of the weapon received mixed reviews as some people found it to perform flawlessly while others had issues such as the selector switch breaking or double feeding. Kel-Tec quickly released a second generation designed to fix the problems and upgraded the first generation for free. The new model is the Kel-Tec KSG for sale on websites today.
Many people think that manual shotguns all operate pretty much the same way. They require some action like a pump and deal a lot of damage.
There is always room for improvement, however, and the Kel-Tec KSG exemplifies how a quality manufacturer can make useful additions to a basically solid design.
Specifications
The Kel-Tec KSG uses 12-gauge ammunition and can store a lot of it. Using 3” 12-gauge shotshells, the Kel-Tec KSG can store 21 including one in chambered.
Other popular shotguns such as the Mossberg 590 can only store seven shells.
Some other basic specifications include:
- Weight: 6.9lbs
- Length: 26.1 inches
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Height: 7 inches
Considering how much ammunition it holds, its weight and size are not immense.
The average weight of most 12-gauge shotguns is 6.5-8lbs, and the average barrel length is between 18 and 20 inches.
The Kel-Tec KSG manages to fit within these averages but also increase the fully loaded capacity by 200% compared to standard shotguns.
At a time when most people thought 12-gauge pump-action innovation had plateaued, Kel-Tec managed to find an innovative way to boost their product.
KSG Use
The Kel-Tec KSG uses pump-action and two separate feeding tubes to reload.
These two tubes can carry different types of shotgun ammunition, adding to the weapon’s versatility.
The user also has the option to select one magazine or the other using a three-position lever. This lever can isolate one magazine and connect it to the feeding tube so that only one magazine loads into the chamber, rather than switching between both.
The shotgun is perfect for either left- or right-handed shooters as its ambidextrous mechanism featuring two Picatinny rails.
The first rail is on top and meant for sight attachments depending on your preference.
The second is on the underside for attachments such as flashlights and lasers.
Large governmental organizations that have adopted the Kel-Tec KSG include South Korea, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
South Korea use them as part of the standard issue for special mission battalions. France added the Kel-Tec to their counter-terrorism strike force armament, and the U.S. and U.K. have contracts with Kel Tec to provide them to the army.
While not the most popular world weapon, it has certainly seen some use over the years.
The attraction of the Kel-Tec KSG includes the weapon’s ability to chamber 21 shells and the reliability and durability of the gun under different combat environment conditions.
Summary
Is the Kel-Tec KSG groundbreaking in its advancements? No. Does it help provide a foundation for future manual shotguns? Yes. The KSG is not THE shotgun everyone needs and should have, but it has solid upgrades from previous shotguns.
This is also a great option for home defense, especially for someone with less-than-perfect shooting skills. You won’t run out of ammunition easily if you keep the two feeding tubes fully loaded.
The ability to use two types of ammunition, and to do so by merely flicking a switch and the ambidextrous mechanisms add to the weapon’s desirability to the general public.
If you want a modern, manual shotgun, The Kel-Tec KSG is a great option. It provides the strength and durability you want in a shotgun all while being within the average weight and length you would expect of one.
