How long is a pump shotgun? Most full-size models measure about 38 to 49 inches overall, depending on barrel length and stock. This guide covers pump shotgun length by type, gauge and use, so you can pick the right size for hunting, sport or home defense.
Quick Conversion Section: Pump Shotgun Length in Inches, Feet, CM and MM
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical Pump-Action Length (Inches) | 48 in |
| Typical Pump-Action Length (Feet) | 4 ft |
| Typical Pump-Action Length (Centimeters) | 121.9 cm |
| Typical Pump-Action Length (Millimeters) | 1,219 mm |
| Typical Pump-Action Length (Meters) | 1.22 m |
| Stevens 320 Field Grade Length (Inches) | 46.2 in |
| Stevens 320 Field Grade Length (Centimeters) | 117.35 cm |
| Stevens 320 Field Grade Weight (Pounds) | 7.5 lb |
| Stevens 320 Field Grade Weight (Kilograms) | 3.4 kg |
Quick tip: Multiply inches by 2.54 for centimeters, divide by 12 for feet, or multiply pounds by 0.4536 for kilograms.
A typical full-size pump-action shotgun length of 48 inches equals 4 feet, 121.9 cm, 1,219 mm or 1.22 m. A Stevens 320 Field Grade at 46.2 inches equals 117.35 cm, and its 7.5-pound weight equals 3.4 kg.
Quick Reference List: Pump Shotgun Length at a Glance
Pump Shotgun Length at a Glance
Here’s every pump shotgun length reference in this guide, grouped by category for fast scanning.
| # | Item |
|---|---|
| Full-Size Field & Hunting | |
| Mossberg 500 with a 28-inch barrel | |
| Stevens 320 Field Grade with a 26-inch barrel | |
| Remington 870 Express turkey and slug configurations | |
| Home-Defense & Tactical | |
| Mossberg 590A1 with an 18.5-inch barrel | |
| Mossberg 590 Shockwave | |
| Compact & Youth | |
| Mossberg 510 Youth 20 Gauge | |
| Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam .410 Bore | |
| Folding & Ultra-Compact | |
| Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT, extended and folded | |
| Spring-assisted pump action | |
| What Changes Pump Shotgun Length | |
| Barrel length, stock and length of pull, gauge, magazine tube and chamber | |
| Storage, Transport & Legal | |
| Gun case and safe size, vehicle fit, federal minimum length | |
Full-Size Field and Hunting Pump Shotguns
Longer barrels give hunters and clay shooters a smoother swing, so these are the longest pump shotguns you will find.
Mossberg 500 With a 28-Inch Barrel
The Mossberg 500 with a 28-inch barrel measures about 48 inches overall. That is 4 feet of gun, so measure your rack before you buy.
Duck blinds and open fields suit the Mossberg 500 at this size. Its long barrel adds sight radius and a steady swing on flying birds.
Stevens 320 Field Grade With a 26-Inch Barrel
The Stevens 320 Field Grade with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel lists 46.2 inches overall. Its factory weight is 7.5 pounds, a common figure for a 12 gauge pump shotgun.
Upland hunters like the Stevens 320 Field Grade because 26 inches balances reach and handling. Trap shooters use the same pump shotgun size for a smooth, steady mount.
Remington 870 Express Turkey and Slug Configurations
A Remington 870 Express turkey or slug setup usually has a 20 to 24-inch barrel. That gives an overall pump shotgun length of roughly 40 to 44 inches.
Hunters pick the shorter Remington 870 Express for ground blinds and thick brush. The trimmed length cuts snags without giving up the 12 gauge punch.
Home-Defense and Tactical Pump Shotguns
Shorter pump-action shotgun length makes turning in hallways and doorways far easier.
Mossberg 590A1 With an 18.5-Inch Barrel
The Mossberg 590A1 with an 18.5-inch barrel measures about 39 to 40 inches overall. That is roughly a foot shorter than a field gun with a 28-inch barrel.
Law-enforcement and home-defense buyers choose the Mossberg 590A1 for this compact size. The 18.5-inch barrel sits near the legal minimum for a standard shotgun.
Mossberg 590 Shockwave
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave measures about 26.4 inches overall, with a 14-inch barrel and a raptor-style grip. That makes it one of the shortest pump shotguns sold in the USA.
The ATF classifies the Mossberg 590 Shockwave as a “firearm” rather than a shotgun. Always check federal and state rules before you buy one.
Compact and Youth Pump Shotguns
Smaller frames and shorter stocks cut pump shotgun size for younger and smaller shooters.
Mossberg 510 Youth 20 Gauge
The Mossberg 510 Youth 20 Gauge has a short stock and an 18.5-inch barrel. Its overall pump shotgun length is roughly 37 inches, so confirm the exact figure on the spec sheet.
Young hunters handle the Mossberg 510 Youth 20 Gauge with less strain than a full-size gun. Its lighter frame also softens recoil.
Mossberg 510 Youth 20 Gauge
The Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam .410 Bore is among the smallest pump-action shotguns made. Its overall length sits in the mid-30-inch range.
New shooters often start on the Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam because the .410 bore kicks gently. Small-game hunters use the same compact size.
Folding and Ultra-Compact Pump Shotguns
Folding designs shrink pump shotgun length for backpacks, trucks and tight storage.
Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT, Extended and Folded
The Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT measures 37.25 inches when extended. Folded, the Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT shrinks to just 18.5 inches.
That folded size makes the Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT easy to stow behind a truck seat. It weighs about 6.7 pounds and holds 4+1 rounds of 12 gauge.
Spring-Assisted Pump Action
The Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT uses a spring-assisted pump system. After the shooter racks the action back, a spring drives it forward.
That design helps the Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT cycle fully in a compact frame. It also helps fix the common habit of not racking all the way forward.
What Affects Pump Shotgun Length
Four factors decide how long a pump shotgun is, and each shows up on a spec sheet.
Barrel Length
Barrel length is the biggest factor in pump shotgun length. A simple rule: overall length equals barrel length plus about 19 to 20 inches.
A Stevens 320 Field Grade with a 26-inch barrel proves the rule at 46.2 inches. A Mossberg 590A1 with an 18.5-inch barrel lands near 39 inches.
Stock Type and Length of Pull
Length of pull is the distance from the trigger to the end of the butt. A Mossberg 500 with a full-size stock has a longer pull than a Mossberg 510 Youth.
A shorter pull trims overall pump shotgun size and helps smaller shooters reach the trigger comfortably. Fixed stocks stay constant, while adjustable ones can add or cut an inch or more.
Gauge and Receiver Size
Gauge changes weight more than pump shotgun length. A Remington 870 in 20 gauge is lighter than the 12 gauge version, yet both can share the same barrel length.
Shooters choose a 12 gauge pump shotgun for power and a 20 gauge for lighter handling. Both gauges come in the same 26 to 28-inch field lengths.
Magazine Tube and Chamber Length
A 3-inch chamber, like the one on the Stevens 320 Field Grade, handles longer shells than a 2¾-inch chamber. The action may run slightly longer to fit those shells.
Extended magazine tubes on a Mossberg 590 raise capacity and can add length at the muzzle. Check the tube size before you plan a case or safe.
Storage, Transport and Legal Length Basics
Knowing your pump shotgun length helps you choose the right case, safe and vehicle setup.
Gun Case and Safe Size for a Mossberg 500
A Mossberg 500 with a 28-inch barrel needs a case of 52 inches or more. Shorter 18.5-inch builds fit smaller 40 to 42-inch cases.
Measure the Mossberg 500 and add a few inches of padding room at both ends. A safe needs enough interior depth so the barrel never sits at an angle.
Vehicle and Travel Fit for a Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT
The Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT folds to 18.5 inches, so it fits in a backpack, a truck cab or a small trunk. A full-size Mossberg 500 usually needs a long case.
Travelers appreciate the Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT for its short folded size. Always follow transport laws for your state and any airline you fly.
Federal Minimum Overall Length
Federal law requires a standard shotgun to have a barrel of at least 18 inches and an overall length of at least 26 inches. A Mossberg 590A1 with an 18.5-inch barrel meets both numbers.
Shorter guns fall under different rules, such as the Mossberg 590 Shockwave’s “firearm” class. Verify current ATF guidance and your local laws before buying.
FAQs About Pump Shotgun Length
How long is a standard pump shotgun?
Most full-size models measure 46 to 49 inches overall. Home-defense versions run about 38 to 40 inches.
How long is a 12 gauge pump shotgun in feet?
A 12 gauge pump shotgun runs about 3.2 to 4 feet, depending on barrel length. A 28-inch-barrel model is about 4 feet.
How long is a Mossberg 500?
A Mossberg 500 measures about 39 inches with an 18.5-inch barrel and about 48 inches with a 28-inch barrel. Check the exact model’s spec sheet.
What is the shortest legal pump shotgun length?
Federal law sets a minimum 18-inch barrel and 26-inch overall length for standard shotguns. Always confirm state and local rules.
How long is a youth pump shotgun?
Most youth 20 gauge and .410 models measure about 35 to 42 inches overall. They also have a shorter length of pull.
How long is a folding pump shotgun when folded?
The Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT folds to about 18.5 inches from a 37.25-inch extended length.
Conclusion
So, how long is a pump shotgun? Most run 38 to 49 inches, and barrel length drives most of that number. Check the spec sheet, then match pump shotgun length to your use, your body and your storage.
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