MY IMPRESSIONS
When KelTec offered to send me a new, improved KS7 bullpup shotgun for evaluation, I jumped at the chance. I love my older first-generation KS7 but must admit that it has a few limitations.
The new KS7 Gen2 shotgun is similar in most ways to the original. It is still a light, compact, pump-action bullpup that holds seven rounds in the magazine, but there are three major changes to this model.
The KS7 now sports a top Picatinny rail, a short Picatinny rail built into the bottom of the pump handle, and a soft recoil pad. I feel that the top Pic rail is the most important new feature, because it allows me to aim more effectively. With the addition of a Vortex red dot sight and Magpul flip-up sights, the KS7 is much more natural to point. My vision is naturally directed to the red dot without searching. I like that!
More Features
The addition of a short Picatinny rail to the bottom of the pump handle allows me to add a vertical grip, which improves reliability. To install your vertical grip, remove the protective covers from the bottom of the pump handle to reveal the short Pic rail. The MOE grip sent with the gun fits just right. Now, I can pump confidently with wet hands or gloves. Pump speed is increased nearly to that of a semi-automatic shotgun.
The problem with any lightweight 12-gauge shotgun is the kick, but KelTec took care of that with a soft, shock-absorbing recoil pad. My older KS7 bruised my shoulder when firing heavy loads and required the addition of an aftermarket recoil pad. The Gen2 is much softer, and the pad grips my shoulder well.
My only criticism of the KS7 guns is the crossbolt safety. Although it is positive and functions well, it is a bit difficult to reach. It is a minor inconvenience and can be learned, but an AR-15 switch-type safety would be a bit more natural to find and operate. I like the ambidextrous slide release. It is convenient and releases the slide quickly to allow a round to be chambered or unloaded.
Taken together, these three improvements turn the new KS7 Gen2 into a shotgun-shell-blasting machine. More accurate, soft on my shoulder, and reliable, it is fun to shoot while remaining compact. I must say that I like the new Gen2 version more than the original.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Gauge: 12
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Overall Length: 26.25 inches
- Height: 7.5 inches
- Width: 1.5 inches
- Trigger: 8 pounds
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Top Picatinny Rail: 12 inches
- Lower Picatinny Rail: 2 inches
- Capacity: 7+1 2.75-inch or 6+1 3-inch 12-gauge shells
- Safety: Crossbolt
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Slide Release: Ambidextrous
RANGE TIME
Our Area 52 site in Southern Arizona had plenty of targets to challenge the new KS7, with steel plates and water and soda jugs set at 10 yards and beyond. Loading a KS7 differs from most other guns, as the compact action calls for the ejection port and loading port to be the same. Each shell should be inserted at a 45-degree angle to compress the magazine's spring a bit. Then, put the shell into place and push it into the gun.
This technique can be learned quickly and is fast to load. The KelTec will accept eight total rounds with one in the chamber. That is a lot of firepower. When I shoot, I barely notice the empties being ejected forcefully from the bottom of the receiver. They land harmlessly at my feet.
Nothing compares to a 12-gauge shotshell for firepower. Shooting the heavy steel target made it ring and move, and the water jugs and 2-liter plastic soda bottles vaporized in a spray of liquid. The Vortex Crossfire red dot is a good choice for the KS7. Its high mount preserves my peripheral vision while providing a precise dot on each target.
Pattern testing on steel and paper produced a tight group; seven of eight pellets impacted within the “A” zone of my paper target. Despite the lack of chokes, the KS7 barrel held a tight pattern. Even water jugs placed at 20 and 25 yards were hit effectively. No jams or failures to fire or eject were encountered during this test.
PROS & CONS
