Could Federal's Shorty Shotshell Usher in a New Defensive Shotgun?

Federal recently presented its 12-gauge, 1 3/4-inch Smooth Bore Barrel cartridge and chamber designs to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute (SAAMI). The organization voted to approve, accept and standardize the squat little 12-gauge shell. And that brings up the question: could the Federal Shorty Shorty Shotshell spark new designs for semi-auto and pump shotguns?

[in_content post=”119855″ alignment=”align-left” /]

With the adoption of the cartridge, SAAMI published technical data and drawings. This gives the entire firearm industry access to SAAMI Standards, including the public.

“This is big news for our new Shorty Shotshell ammunition,” said Federal’s Shotshell Product Director Rick Stoeckel. “The 12-gauge 1 ¾-inch cartridge has been around for more than a decade, but it was never brought to SAAMI to be considered by its Technical Committee. Once we decided to start manufacturing this load, we immediately submitted it to SAAMI for industry standardization. We’re excited about this approval and we deeply appreciate SAAMI’s support.”

Federal Shorty Shotshell Design Accepted by SAAMI

Federal’s new Shorty Shotshells deliver similar full-sized performance without the length of standard shells. Although just 1 ¾-inch long, new Shorty shotshells offer similar patterns, energy and accuracy as full-size counterparts. Now available in 8 shot, 4 buck and rifled slug loads perfect for fun at the range.

“SAAMI’s approval of the cartridge was a crucial step in legitimizing it within the industry,” continued Stoeckel. “Their work creates industry standards for the cartridge, and will hopefully inspire shotgun manufacturers to purposely build pump-action and semi-auto shotguns to specifically run 1 ¾-inch loads.”

[in_content post=”119946″ alignment=”align-right” /]

SAAMI allows free access to technical data and drawings for accepted cartridge and chamber designs. These are posted within New SAAMI Cartridge & Chamber Designs under their Technical Information section, found at www.saami.org. A direct link to the 12-gauge 1 ¾-inch Smooth Bore Barrel Cartridge .PDF document can be viewed here: https://saami.org/technical-information/new-cartridge-chamber-drawings/.

Many American shooters first saw similar short shotshells several years ago in international shotgun competitions. Competitors can grab more at one time, increasing loading capabilities, am important feature in practical competition. But not that SAAMI accepts the Shorty Shotshells, will shotgun manufacturers take note? A new design built around the smaller shell could potentially drastically decrease the bulk and overall weight of a shotgun.

When it comes to home defense, the shotgun is king. However, a new pump gun designed around this diminutive little shotshell? We hope some folks will take a look at that for sure.