Manufactured by the Tampa-based Serbu Firearms, the Shorty claims to be the shortest pump-action shotgun on the market today. The weapon is available in either a Mossberg 500 or Remington 500 configuration. The test gun is of the former and requires a class three permit. However, it comes under the classification as “any other weapon” and the cost for that tax stamp is only $5.
The shotgun features an ambidextrous safety with a pistol grip. The Shorty holds three shells, or one in the chamber and two in the tube, and fires both 2.75- or 3-inch shells. Chambering a shell is done by folding the metal fore-end grip down and racking the slide. To fold the grip back in place, just pull down and fold back. A very simple operation.
Muzzle blast captured from the Serbu Super Shorty. (Photo: AJ Meadows/Guns.com)
One of the coolest features about this gun is that the small size enables the purchase of an optional holster. The holster is secured to the body with a thigh strap and a belt strap. The holster offers two restraints for the weapon, one quick release which is a rubber tube with thumb grip and the other, a nylon strap with a plastic clip. The weapon was very secure in the holster. The holster also comes with a mole attachment that will hold six additional shotgun shells.
Meadows shown here wearing the Serbu holster with weapon in place. (Photo: AJ Meadows/Guns.com)
To create some interaction with targets, I grabbed some cabbage heads and grapefruits. Since the weapon is designed for an up close and personal experience, I decided to shoot from approximately 5 yards using Remington 2.75 inch, 1.125 ounce birdshot.
The Shorty is an extremely fun gun to shoot. It does take its toll on your wrist, however, I fired many rounds during my demonstration. The average user should not have the same issue.