Smith & Wesson announces M&P 12 bullpup shotgun

Smith & Wesson has expanded its M&P firearms series again, with the new M&P12 pump-action shotgun, in bullpup configuration.

Smith & Wesson says the new shotgun is designed for home protection. It comes with features seen on bullpup shotguns from competitors with similar intentions. There's a dual tube magazine setup, with each magazine holding six rounds of 3-inch 12 gauge shells, or seven rounds of 2 3/4-inch 12 gauge. Smith & Wesson says the M&P12 is also compatible with mini-shells "for maximum ammo adaptability." Translation: You can stuff an entire box of Aguila Mini-Slug shells into this shotgun.

Each magazine has an assist button to make loading and unloading easier. To switch between magazines, there's a push-button selector that Smith & Wesson says will provide the operator "with a visual cue of which magazine tube is feeding the barrel." Safety first!

Speaking of safeties, the M&P12 comes with an AR-style ambidextrous safety. There's a "tactile loaded chamber indicator" for when you're chasing foxes out of the chicken pen in the middle of the night.

The action release is also ambidextrous, and the action itself comes with a reciprocating cover that can be released to clear jams.

The M&P12 barrel is 19 inches long, and threaded for Rem Chokes. The shotgun ships with modified and cylinder choke tubes. Smith & Wesson also includes four interchangeable palmswell inserts for the M&P grip, allowing the owner to customize their grip.

A picatinny-style rail on top of the M&P12 makes it easy to attach optics; there's also M-LOK attachment points on each side of the barrel shroud.

Overall length is 27.8 inches, and claimed weight is 132.8 ounches. American MSRP is $1,165; at this point, we have seen no word of Canadian variations on this shotgun, or pricing in CAD$. However, as this is a purpose-built bullpup design, not an adaptation, it should theoretically be legal in Canuckistan. Find more details on the new shotgun at Smith & Wesson's website.