Smith & Wesson has reentered the pump shotgun market with a big splash with the M&P12 Bullpup. The new M&P12 is a gun they designed from the ground up for home protection, and at first glance, it looks similar to the Kel-Tec KSG. Well, I am here to tell you it is nothing like the KSG, and I mean that in a good way. This bullpup scattergun is the one to beat.
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Smith & Wesson M&P12 Bullpup Details
This S&W 12-gauge is a dual-tube-fed bullpup that can accept a combination of standard 2¾-inch, 3-inch Magnum and mini-shotshells (no adapter needed). So that means you can load a total of 15 shells (2¾-inch), 13 (3-inch) and 23 (mini-shells).
I know S&W listed 20+1 for the mini-shells, but photographer Andy Grossman was able to stuff each tube with 11. There is a push-button magazine tube selector in the forend, which was easy to use. You can only select which tube you want to use when the forend is in the forward position.
![From stem to stern, the new Smith & Wesson M&P12 bullpup pump gun is made to be the ultimate home-defense shotgun for those who rely on a scattergun for their defensive needs.](https://dev.athlonoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/smith-wesson-mp12-bullpup-05-1024x575.jpg)
There are reload assist buttons at the rear of both the left and right magazine tubes. A light press allows for an easier reload, while a harder press will empty out the magazine tube. Reloading the M&P12 is a bit of a pain, but with some practice it keeps getting easier. Plus, the idea behind this shotgun is that you will hopefully never have to do a tactical reload in a gunfight.
The smoothbore barrel is 19 inches in length, but the M&P12’s overall length is only 27.8 inches. That makes it nice and compact to move around in tight spaces. The business end of the M&P12 is definitely intimidating. It comes with modified and cylinder chokes, Rem Choke–compatible threads and choke tube wrench included. Right above the barrel, you have M-LOK slots on the barrel shroud.
The steel receiver and extra magazine tube put the weight of the M&P12 at 8.3 pounds unloaded. Even though it weighs more than most standard pump shotguns, the extra weight isn’t noticeable. The engineers at S&W did a great job balancing the M&P12.
The Lower Receiver
The lower features an ambidextrous AR-style safety, which is quick and positive to use. It also uses S&W M&P’s AR grip, which comes with four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts. If you don’t like the grip, it can easily be swapped out with any AR-style grip.
![The lower features an ambidextrous AR-style safety, which is quick and positive to use.](https://dev.athlonoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/smith-wesson-mp12-bullpup-03-1024x575.jpg)
A little warning before you do this: The grip that comes with the M&P12 also houses the takedown tool at the bottom of the grip. I like that idea, instead of searching through your gun junk drawer looking for it. Speaking of which, field stripping the M&P12 is actual surprisingly easy. I am not going to put words here about how to do it—go watch the video on the S&W website.
The M&P12 features a visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator. There is a Picatinny-style rail on top with plenty of real estate for sights and optics. No, the M&P12 does not come with any sights at all. The reciprocating access cover features a release button to help clear out damaged and/or stuck shells. There are also ambidextrous QD push-button bases for slings on the buttstock.
The forend on the M&P12 features serrations on the sides like S&W’s M&P pistols, just larger—a lot larger. The forend also comes with an M-LOK vertical foregrip, which is also removable. You can replace that foregrip with one of your choosing, or go without one. Personally, I liked it as is and kept it.
![The forend on the M&P12 features serrations on the sides like S&W’s M&P pistols, just larger—a lot larger. The forend also comes with an M-LOK vertical foregrip, which is also removable.](https://dev.athlonoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/smith-wesson-mp12-bullpup-04-1024x575.jpg)
Holographic Sight
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II was added to my test M&P12. The Gen II features a dedicated night-vision button (providing four night-vision settings) and an improved sight picture through the enlarged window, making getting on target even faster. Plus, there is now a toolless battery cover and reduction in overall weight—now just 11 ounces—bringing the M&P12’s total weight to 8.99 pounds.
![The author found the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II sight to be the perfect addition to the S&W bullpup for testing purposes. The handy little sight even has four night-vision settings.](https://dev.athlonoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/smith-wesson-mp12-bullpup-06-1024x575.jpg)
Everything about this UH-1 Gen II screams speed, from its low-drag, no-snag looks, which complement the M&P12, to its lightning-quick EB-CQB reticle. The AMG UH-1 Gen II is rugged, allows you to maintain situational awareness and won’t give away your position. It can handle whatever you need it to, like a good home-defense optic should. Lastly, MSRP comes in at $800.
Raining Lead
To put things in perspective, I ran in the M&P12 what I also ran in my Mossberg 500 ATI Tactical, to see what the difference in recoil would be. I was expecting the M&P12, because of the bullpup design, to be a little harsher. Surprisingly, its felt recoil was slightly less than the Mossberg’s, and I would attribute that to the M&P12’s extra weight and great balance. The trigger, for being a bullpup, wasn’t bad.
Thanks to the insanity of 2020 and 2021, defensive 12-gauge shotshells and even mini-shotshells were hard to find. I was able to get my hands on some Federal Force X2 and Fiocchi Defense Dynamics buckshot, Hornady American Gunner slugs, Winchester Super X buckshot and Winchester Diamond Grade Competition Target load. The M&P12 ate everything without a single hiccup, no malfunctions at all.
You can mix and match the 3-inch, 2¾-inch and mini-shells however you want. It just keep going and going. That’s what you want in a home-defense 12-gauge—it gives you the confidence it will go “bang” when you need it to.
Wrap-Up
Hands down, I had a lot of fun with the M&P12. It’s a hoot to shoot and it just about perfect for a home-defense 12-gauge. I wish they had put an M-LOK slot or two on the forend, so your hand would be there to work the light and/or laser. Having the M-LOK on the shroud makes it a bit clunky to work. That’s my tiny criticism of this ultimate home-defense shotgun.
I really like this M&P12 enough, and have enough trust in it, that I am going to send S&W a check and keep this one. The M&P12 will be my go-to scattergun for defending my family, home and property.
Check it out for yourself at Smith-Wesson.com.
![The Smith & Wesson M&P12 Bullpup has features designed for maximum control and impact.](https://dev.athlonoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/smith-wesson-mp12-bullpup-02-1024x575.jpg)
Smith & Wesson M&P12 Bullpup Specs
Gauge: 12
Barrel: 19 inches
Overall Length: 27.8 inches
Weight: 8.3 pounds (empty)
Stock: Fixed synthetic
Sights: None
Action: Pump
Finish: Matte black
Overall Capacity: 14+1 (2¾-inch)
MSRP: $1,165
This article was originally published in the Personal Defense World Gun Buyer’s Guide December/January 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.