The KSG410
KelTec KSG 410 vs. KSG 12-Gauge: Recoil & Specs
The most common question shooters ask is how the KSG 410 compares to its legendary 12-gauge big brother. While they share the same iconic bullpup DNA, the experience on the range is night and day. The KSG 410 is nearly 2 pounds lighter and significantly thinner, making it an ideal "truck gun" or home defense option for recoil-sensitive shooters.
| Feature | KelTec KSG 410 | KelTec KSG (12ga) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Unloaded) | 5.4 lbs | 6.9 lbs |
| Recoil Impulse | Ultra-Low / Minimal | High / Significant |
| Max Capacity | 14+1 Rounds | 14+1 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 26.1 inches | 26.1 inches |
| Width | 1.7 inches (Ultra-Slim) | 2.2 inches |
Expert Note: In our testing, the KSG 410 was so manageable that it barely moved off-target between shots. While the 12-gauge requires a firm stance and "push-pull" technique to manage the bite, the .410 version is visceral and fast without the shoulder fatigue.
The KSG410 shines in terms of size, weight, and capacity. Even with an 18.5-inch barrel, it is only 26 inches long and only 5.4 pounds. That’s almost 2 pounds lighter than its 12-gauge big brother, the KSG. For a shotgun that can hold 15 shells, that’s crazy light. On top of all that, the price of around $400-500 makes it an extremely attractive option.
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The .410 is one of the smallest calibers of shotshell. Traditionally used for hunting small game or pest control, the .410 has been gaining popularity in recent years. Advances in ammunition technology have made the .410 suitable for hunting larger game and even serving as a self-defense round. Because it is a small round, energy is manageable. However, ammunition can still be expensive.
Design & Features
The next most obvious feature is the bullpup design, defined as a firearm with the grip located in front of the breech. The biggest benefit of this design is a shorter overall package. A typical shotgun with an 18-inch barrel is around 40 inches, but the KSG410 is only 26 inches long but maintains a 13-inch length of pull. This allows for more concealability and maneuverability. Imagine moving in and out of a car with it.
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A fiber-optic iron sight is integrated into the carry handle. It’s bright and works well. The carry handle is removable and can be exchanged for a Picatinny rail to mount optics, just like on the larger KSG. But unlike the standard KSG, this Pic rail does not come with the gun and must be purchased separately.
Under the 18.5-inch smooth-bore barrel are two magazine tubes. Each can hold five 3-inch shells or seven 2.5-inch shells, making the maximum capacity 14+1. Each tube is accessed independently, and a toggle lever in the loading port dictates which tube is used. Shells are ejected down through the bottom of the loading port.
The pump-action handle is taken from the KSG7 and includes hand stops for fast manipulation. Above the grip is a crossbolt safety, which in itself is not uncommon, but the settings are reversed from most crossbolt safeties. “Safe” is when pushed all the way to the left, and “fire” is all the way to the right.
Shooting Experience
Shooting the KSG410 was satisfying. There is something about a pump action – it’s visceral. It can also be run fast. Because of the low recoil, the gun barely moves off target, and it was pretty accurate. I didn’t have any slugs with me when I tested it, but I had no problems picking off clay birds at 15 yards.
The trigger is single stage with some take-up. It breaks at around 5 pounds. The reset is long, but it is energetic and pushes your finger forward.
Pros & Cons
With its high-capacity, compact design and ability to shoot fast, this little shotgun offers plenty to like. Not everything was perfect, though. I’ll go over a few issues I encountered.
It’s very easy to short stroke the pump action. You need to be aggressive with the racking. When trying to go fast, it is easy to not complete the stroke. Anything but a complete racking action will cause the gun to not chamber a round.
Next, I didn’t like that you had to manually switch the magazine tubes. I think it would take some serious training to learn to automatically flip the mag tube switch when one tube runs dry. Several times, I kept trying to rack an empty tube, thinking it might be a malfunction as opposed to me being on empty. You could count your rounds, but that can be hard to do during complicated strings of fire.
Finally, while the capacity is high, reloading is slow. It is probably easier with the 12-gauge model because the shells are bigger. With the .410, you have to get the shells in precisely the right place to feed down the tube. I found it difficult, but I’m sure with practice it will get faster.
Personally, I found the whole gun complicated to run. It’s not as simple as your standard pump shotgun.
Conclusion
Now, it is up to you whether the fantastic attributes of capacity, compactness, weight, and price overcome the learning curve. What I can tell you is that going through shells with this little gun is a lot of fun.
