Gun Gripes #293: "Are Tactical Shotguns Useless?"

This expert guide provides an in-depth look at the Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun, covering its key features from adjustable stock and sling points to its optics-ready receiver and ghost ring sights. The instruction includes a live-fire demonstration with buckshot, emphasizing its effectiveness for self-defense. The Benelli M4 is highlighted as an outstanding tactical firearm, originating from Italy.

This video explores seven tactical shotguns that offer distinct advantages over the AR-15 platform, particularly for close-range defense. It highlights the power, simplicity, and versatility of 12-gauge shotguns, showcasing models that excel in compactness, reliability, speed, and capacity. The discussion emphasizes that shotguns remain a relevant and effective choice for defensive setups, often complementing rather than replacing rifle platforms.

This video provides a comprehensive guide to selecting and employing a 'war fighting shotgun' for 2025. It emphasizes choosing reliable brands like Beretta, Benelli, and Mossberg, and recommends specific ammunition types, primarily American-made 12-gauge double-o buckshot. The instructor details critical tactical considerations, including the necessity of a secondary pistol, appropriate engagement distances, and effective reloading techniques like 'violin loading'.

This guide details the customization of the Benelli M4 EXT shotgun for home defense, as presented by Evan Brune, Executive Editor of American Rifleman. It covers the installation of essential accessories like a Mesa Tactical side saddle, Steiner MPS red dot sight, and Streamlight tactical light, while highlighting the firearm's core features derived from the military M1014. The 'EXT' designation signifies state-side modifications to overcome import restrictions, such as a full-length magazine tube and telescoping stock.

This video demonstrates the cycling reliability of light load Rio 20 Target Load 12-Gauge shells in a Benelli M1014 semi-automatic shotgun. The demonstration occurs at an outdoor shooting range, showcasing fluid weapon manipulation and controlled rapid fire, indicative of high proficiency. The focus is on testing the firearm's performance with specific ammunition types.

This video provides an in-depth review of the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol, highlighting its reliable performance with 400 rounds of mixed 12-gauge ammunition. The expert assessment details its ergonomic features, optimized loading port, and accessory mounting options, positioning it as a high-value tactical shotgun. The review emphasizes its competitive price point relative to its professional-grade features.

This video provides an expert-level overview of a heavily customized AR-15, nicknamed the 'Zombie Destroyer', built for a thematic zombie apocalypse scenario. The build features an extensive accessory loadout including multiple optics, lasers, and flashlights, along with a high magazine capacity. The demonstration includes rapid fire, engagement of Tannerite targets, and unique shooting techniques, showcasing the rifle's capabilities and the instructor's proficiency.

This video details an extreme AR-15 meltdown test, pushing a custom build to its limits. Expert instructor Eric demonstrates the process, highlighting component durability and failure points under sustained fire. The test concludes with a catastrophic barrel failure after 830 rounds, providing valuable insights into the platform's resilience.

This guide details the process of conducting an extreme durability test on an AK-47 variant, specifically the Definitive Arms VEPR, as demonstrated by Iraqveteran8888. The test involves sustained full-auto fire to induce critical heat failure, followed by inspection of components like the barrel and gas block. The expert assessment highlights the rifle's resilience, lasting 895 rounds before failure, and compares its performance to other platforms.

This guide details a 700-round rapid-fire stress test on a Yugo M92 PAP AK-47 variant, demonstrating the platform's legendary durability under extreme heat. Performed by Eric from Iraqveteran8888, the test highlights safe handling of overheated firearms and concludes with a tribute to Mikhail Kalashnikov's engineering legacy. The firearm successfully completed the test despite significant heat buildup.