Does the KelTec KS7 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun Need a Magazine Plug?

AmmoLand ^ | November 24, 2025 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

As this correspondent considered the Keltec KS7 as a potential hunting shotgun, it became evident that a magazine plug would be required to legally hunt migratory game birds, such as ducks, geese, and mourning doves.

KelTec KS7 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun

Shotguns, which are used to hunt migratory birds, are limited to three shots, including shells in the magazine. As the Keltec KS7 will hold seven 2.75-inch shells in the magazine, a magazine plug is necessary for legally hunting those birds.

Three loaded 2.75-inch shells require about 7 inches of magazine space. Two 3-inch loaded shells require about 5.6 inches of magazine space. A 12-inch plug made from a 1/4 inch wooden dowel in the magazine tube of my Keltec KS7 blocks the third 2.75-inch loaded shell with about a 1/4 inch to spare. It allows two loaded 3-inch shells with room to spare. A dowel between 12 and 13 inches long and 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter appears to work very well. They are narrow enough to fit inside the magazine spring, and both long and short enough to allow two three-inch shells and block three 2.75-inch shells.

There is not much stress on magazine plugs. They can be made from a variety of materials. Wooden dowels, plastic rods, plastic tubes, aluminum tubes, and fiberglass rods have been successfully used. Because the plugs are relatively loose in the tubular magazine, they can move and make noise. This is one reason to use wood or plastic instead of metal. Metal-on-metal makes a more distinct noise, which is undesirable in the hunting field. The material best suited to the author’s Keltec KS7 was made from a damaged plastic Lee cartridge case feeder tube. It is light, sturdy, and makes little noise when installed.

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TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: banglist; keltec; ks7; magazine

[marktwain]

I like the KS7. It is a fun gun, very compact, very reliable. Mine, with the shorty 1 3/4 inch 12 gauge rounds, is very reliable and holds 11 cartridges in the single magazine tube.

[marktwain]

[fso301]

I can’t imagine wasting my time going through all the trouble of going out to a blind in a freezing drizzle, setting out decoys, settling in and hoping some geese accidentally come within range of my KS7.

[Yo-Yo]

There is nothing that makes the KS-7 a desirable waterfowl shotgun other than the author’s curiosity to see if it can be done.

It has an 18” barrel and fixed cylinder choke. Any duck more than 20 yds away is safe.

[sauropod]

Bkmk

[WKUHilltopper]

These people writing this really think you’re going be bird hunting with that short barrel? It could hold 100 shells and wouldn’t hit one...unless you got right behind them on the roost.

[AAABEST]

lol - the K series is not for ducks.

It’s for dropping anything in your immediate AO, even if it’s wearing body armor.

[Sirius Lee]

For hunting upland game birds, or ducks? Just get a used 20 gauge double barrel. I’m sure you can find one for under $500 bucks.

[Dave911]

Seriously, just buy another shotgun for bird hunting.

[SaveFerris]

Off-subject can you guys recommend the best stock shock absorbing pad / device for a Mossberg 500?

It has the quick change between pistol grip and regular stock

There was a guy here who worked in a gun store but I think we lost him 10-12 years ago

He made a recommendation but I forgot it

I’ve forgotten his screen name too but I’d recognize it if I saw it again

[TalBlack]

That KS7 strikes me as a home defense type. I’ve never gone out birding but I’d want a lot more barrel to sight along. Question: have the short shells ever hung up on you?

[Antihero101607]

The KS7 strikes me as something that is frequently purchased because it looked cool to purchaser at the time, but the longer they own it the, the more they ask themselves why they bought it. I have a few guns like that in my collection, and years later I wonder: Why.

[Disambiguator]

https://limbsaver.com/

[SaveFerris]

Thanks - I’ve been considering that one at Amazon

[Clarancebeaks]

I was considering mounting a scope on my 45 long colt Bond Arms derringer for use as a lightweight option to hunt long range Big Horn sheep. After reading some of the responses to this article, maybe I should reconsider.

[Deaf Smith]

+1

[Mariner]

Here in the central valley we hunt in the fog.

Rare a shot is over 30 feet.

That said I prefer a bird gun.

Beretta AL-390

[LouAvul]

Exactly what I was going to recommend. I have a half dozen or so. They come in different sizes for different thickness stocks. Very effective.

[SaveFerris]

👍👍

[Ronaldus Magnus]

I can personally attest that bullpup configuration shotguns like the KS7 work perfectly fine for both clays and game. There is a small loss of velocity from an 18" barrel. However, 30" barrels are also losing velocity as the optimal barrel length is about 23" depending on the load. The KS7 also works much better with optics, which can be a real advantage for new and experienced shooters alike. Optics negate the shorter sight plain of the bullpup. Also, smaller and older shooters can greatly benefit from the shorter overall length and better balance a bullpup offers.

My only criticism of the article is why the author appears to have chosen to limit himself to one less 3" shell when both 2-3/4" and 3" shells are federally limited to three in total.