Pump Action Shotguns in 12 Gauge

How does a pump action shotgun work?

The forend is connected to the bolt by action bars, so the shooter’s hand does the work a gas system does in a semi-auto. Here is the cycle step by step.

1. Loading. Shells are pushed into the tube magazine through the loading port under the receiver; cycling the action chambers the first one.
2. Firing. Pulling the trigger releases the hammer. Before firing, the action stays locked until the slide release is pressed.
3. Forend back. The action bars drive the bolt rearward; the bolt unlocks, the extractor pulls out the empty hull and the ejector throws it clear.
4. Feeding. Near the end of the stroke, the shell latch releases the next shell onto the carrier, which lifts it into line with the chamber.
5. Forend forward. The bolt chambers the shell and locks; the hammer is cocked and the gun is ready to fire.

Short-stroking, or not pulling the forend fully rearward, is the most common user-induced stoppage, so full, firm strokes are part of basic training.

A brief history of the pump shotgun

The first commercially successful pump shotguns appeared in the 1880s and 1890s. Post-war designs of the 1950s and 1960s set the layout most modern pumps still follow, with twin action bars, a tube magazine and a sliding forend. Today many of the pump shotguns sold worldwide are made in Türkiye, with production concentrated around Beyşehir in Konya province.

Types of pump action shotgun

Some makers also offer bullpup or box-magazine pumps. Our bullpup shotguns and magazine-fed shotguns are gas semi-autos rather than pumps.

Iber pump action shotgun models

All 20 models are 12 gauge with 76 mm (3″) chambers, 4140 steel barrels, aluminum receivers and Mobil-type choke tubes. Barrel lengths and capacities are the options listed on each product page.

Field and hunting pumps

Home-defense pistol-grip pumps

Compact birdshead-grip pumps

Compact models are often ordered with the shortest available barrel. Confirm the exact barrel and overall length with our export team, because both decide the legal classification in most markets.

Advantages and disadvantages of pump shotguns

Pump vs semi-auto vs lever action

For a detailed comparison of the two manual actions, read lever action vs pump shotgun. See also our semi-auto shotguns and lever action shotguns.

What are pump action shotguns used for?

• Hunting walnut and synthetic field pumps with 61 to 71 cm barrels for birds; slug configurations with open chokes for deer and boar where shotguns are used.
• Home defense where legal. Pistol-grip pumps with 47 to 51 cm barrels are a long-standing choice, provided the owner’s license allows it.
• Law enforcement and security pumps remain common patrol and less-lethal platforms because they cycle whatever load the officer chambers.
• Sport practical-shooting rule sets often include a manual-action division, and a pump is an inexpensive way into clay shooting.

Chokes and ammunition for 12 gauge pumps

All our pumps have 76 mm (3″) chambers and accept 70 mm (2¾”) and 76 mm shells. Mobil-type interchangeable choke tubes cover the main jobs, as listed below.

With steel shot, follow the choke tube markings and avoid tight chokes not rated for steel. Fire slugs only through open chokes or chokes rated for slugs.

How short barrels and birdshead grips are classified

Several of our pumps list a 37 cm (14.6″) barrel, and the compact models use birdshead pistol grips without a shoulder stock. These configurations are lawful in some markets and tightly controlled in others.

• United States a shotgun with a shoulder stock and a barrel under 18 in (45.7 cm), or an overall length under 26 in, is an NFA short-barreled shotgun that must be registered. A pistol-grip-only firearm on a shotgun-type receiver is classified by its exact barrel length, overall length and history, such as whether it was ever fitted with a shoulder stock, and importability is a separate test. Buyers must confirm the exact configuration with their importer and ATF.
• United Kingdom pump-action smooth-bore guns with barrels under 24 in or an overall length under 40 in are prohibited weapons under Section 5.
• Canada barrel-length and overall-length thresholds can change a firearm’s class; check the RCMP Firearms Reference Table for the exact model.
• Mexico the LFAFE reserves shotguns with barrels shorter than 635 mm for the armed forces.

We do not advise on modifying any shotgun. Order only a configuration your importer or authority confirms is lawful.

Legal notes by country

Cleaning and maintenance

• Unload and confirm the chamber and magazine are empty before cleaning.
• After use, clean the bore and wipe the bolt, action bars and receiver; a light film of oil on the action bars keeps the stroke smooth.
• Remove the barrel periodically to clean the magazine tube and check the magazine spring and follower.
• Clean and lightly grease choke threads, and dry walnut stocks after rain.
• Store unloaded and secure, in line with local law.

High-quality pump shotguns for OEM, private label and wholesale

Pump shotguns are a core line for importers building entry-level, hunting and duty ranges. In Beyşehir we control the key quality steps in-house, from 4140 steel barrels hard-chromed on our own line to receiver painting and finishing, stock preparation, assembly and test-firing. Private-label options include your logo and model name, receiver and barrel finishes (black, nickel, red, champagne, gray and more), walnut, synthetic, pistol-grip or birdshead furniture, and barrel lengths, capacities and choke packages for your market.

Samples are available and we accept orders of any quantity. Learn about private-label shotguns, how our shotguns are made and how to import shotguns from Turkey, or browse our tactical shotguns.

Reviewed by the Iber Arms technical & export team, October 2026.