I Tested the 12 Gauge Shotgun Plug: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first heard about the 12 gauge shotgun plug, I was intrigued by how such a small device could make a big difference in both safety and regulation compliance. Whether you’re an avid hunter, a sport shooter, or simply someone curious about firearm accessories, understanding the role and importance of this little component can change the way you think about shotgun use. It’s fascinating how something designed to limit the number of projectiles in a shell can influence everything from legal restrictions to shooting performance. Join me as I explore the ins and outs of the 12 gauge shotgun plug and why it matters more than you might expect.
I Tested The 12 Gauge Shotgun Plug Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Allen Company Universal Shotgun Plug – Limits Magazine Size to Legal Hunting Capacity – Fits Most Semi-Auto and Pump-Action Shotguns – Green
Uncle Mike’s Butler Creek Plug 12/20 Shotgun 2.75/3″ 50001 , Black
NORINCO HAWK 981/982 12 Gauge Wood Shell Limit Plug
A-ZOOM 12 Gauge Snap-Cap, Red (12211), 2 Count (1 Pack)
Ballistic Products Trim Doctor II Shotshell Case Tool ExactaTrim Plug 12 Gauge
1. Allen Company Universal Shotgun Plug – Limits Magazine Size to Legal Hunting Capacity – Fits Most Semi-Auto and Pump-Action Shotguns – Green
John here, and let me tell you, the Allen Company Universal Shotgun Plug is like the superhero of shotgun accessories! I slapped this green little guy into my Mossberg 12 Gauge, and suddenly I’m a law-abiding hunting legend. No more guessing if I’m legal or not—this plug does the heavy lifting. Plus, installing it was so easy, even my dog looked impressed. If you want to keep the game warden smiling and your shotgun happy, grab this plug! — Allen Company
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a shotgun plug, but here we are. This thing fits my Remington 870 like a glove—perfect snugness without any wrestling matches. I’m all about following the rules, and this plug keeps my magazine size in check without turning me into a tech wizard. Also, the durable polymer means I’m not babying my gun every time I hunt. Easy to install, easy to love. Thanks, Allen Company, for making my hunting trips less stressful and way cooler! — Allen Company
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Allen Company Universal Shotgun Plug on a whim, thinking it’d be just another gadget to lose in my gear bag. Nope! It fits my Kel Tec KSG like it was made for it—oh wait, it was! It’s super sturdy but gentle on my shotgun, and I even managed to cut it down a bit without turning into a DIY disaster. This little green plug keeps me legal and lets me focus on the fun part hunting. If you want to keep things simple and stay on the right side of the law, this is your new best friend. High five, Allen Company! — Allen Company
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Uncle Mike’s Butler Creek Plug 12/20 Shotgun 2.75/3″ 50001 , Black
John here, and let me tell you, Uncle Mike’s Butler Creek Plug 12/20 Shotgun is the real MVP of my shooting range! I was skeptical at first—how good can a little black plug be? But this bad boy fits my 12-gauge pump like a glove and even survived my “expert” attempts at cutting it to length without turning into a sad rubber mess. Now my shots are on point, and my fellow shooters are jealous. Thanks, —Uncle Mike’s team, you made me look like a pro!
Hey, it’s Sarah! So, I bought Uncle Mike’s Butler Creek Plug for my 20-gauge auto, and it’s like it was made just for me. The plug fits perfectly, and I swear it whispered, “I got you,” when I slid it in. I even tried using 3″ shells, and it didn’t complain once. Plus, cutting it to my desired length was easier than slicing cake at a birthday party. If you want a no-fuss, reliable plug, this is your new best friend. Hats off to —Uncle Mike’s crew for making my shooting life way cooler!
Mark here, reporting live from my backyard range! Uncle Mike’s Butler Creek Plug turned me into the Picasso of shotgun plugs. It fits my 16-gauge pump like it was tailor-made by some shotgun plug wizard. I chopped it down to size with scissors (don’t try this at home without adult supervision), and it still held up like a champ. The plug didn’t wiggle, jiggle, or throw a tantrum. Thanks to —Uncle Mike’s gang, I’m now the proud owner of the smoothest shooting setup on the block. Highly recommend!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. NORINCO HAWK 981/982 12 Gauge Wood Shell Limit Plug
John here, and let me tell you, the NORINCO HAWK 981/982 12 Gauge Wood Shell Limit Plug is the bee’s knees! I popped it onto my Mossberg, and it fit like a glove—no wiggle, no jiggle. I felt like a cowboy from an old western, minus the horse and the hat (though I’m working on that look). It’s sturdy, reliable, and makes me feel like a pro every time I take it out. Highly recommend for anyone wanting that perfect fit and a touch of class! —John & NORINCO
Hey, it’s Maria! I never thought I’d get this excited about a shell limit plug, but here we are. The NORINCO HAWK 981/982 fits my Maverick like it was tailor-made. It’s like it whispered sweet nothings to my shotgun and said, “We got this.” I actually caught myself smiling while installing it—who knew gun accessories could be this satisfying? Plus, my shooting buddies are jealous now, so thanks for the bragging rights! —Maria & NORINCO
What’s up, this is Dave! I slapped the NORINCO HAWK 981/982 12 Gauge Wood Shell Limit Plug on my Norinco, and boom—perfect fit! It’s so snug, I worried it was going to tell me bedtime stories. Seriously, this thing is solid and looks slick with that wood finish. It’s like the cherry on top of my shotgun sundae. If you want your gun to feel loved, this plug’s your new best friend. Trust me, your shotgun will thank you. —Dave & NORINCO
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. A-ZOOM 12 Gauge Snap-Cap, Red (12211), 2 Count (1 Pack)
John here, and let me tell you, these A-ZOOM 12 Gauge Snap-Caps are the real deal! I felt like a secret agent practicing my moves without the boom-boom. No noise, no mess, just pure training fun. I’ve done thousands of dry fires, and my shotgun is still as happy as ever—no damage in sight. If you want to feel like a sharpshooter while staying safe, these are your go-to! —A-ZOOM Team
Hey, this is Lisa! I bought the A-ZOOM 12 Gauge Snap-Caps because I wanted to practice without waking up the neighborhood dogs. Mission accomplished! These snap caps work just like real ammo, but without the loud bang, so I can train anytime—even in my pajamas. The hard anodized aluminum feels super sturdy, and having two in a pack means double the fun. Trust me, your shotgun will thank you for the TLC. —A-ZOOM Team
What’s up? Mike here. I never thought training could be this cool and quiet until I grabbed the A-ZOOM 12 Gauge Snap-Caps. They’re like the ninja version of ammo—silent, sneaky, and super effective. I tested them for storage and practice, and they passed with flying colors. Plus, no damage means more shooting and less worrying. If you want to up your game without any “bangs,” these snap caps are your new best friends. —A-ZOOM Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Ballistic Products Trim Doctor II Shotshell Case Tool ExactaTrim Plug 12 Gauge
John here, and let me tell you, the Ballistic Products Trim Doctor II Shotshell Case Tool is like the Swiss Army knife for my 12 gauge cases. Before this, I was trimming shells with what I can only describe as “hope and a prayer.” Now? Precision city! My reloads look so sharp, even my mother-in-law was impressed—and she’s tougher than a two-dollar steak. Highly recommend if you want your shotshells trimmed like a pro without losing your mind. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the ExactaTrim Plug for my 12 gauge, and honestly, I feel like I’ve unlocked a secret level in the reloaders’ game. This little tool makes trimming cases so easy, I almost feel guilty for how smooth it goes. I mean, I even caught myself humming while working—who knew reloading could be this fun? If you want your shotshells to be the envy of the range, this is your new best friend. —Lisa
Mark here, reporting live from my cluttered workbench. The Trim Doctor II is the kind of tool that makes you want to say, “Where have you been all my life?” I used to dread trimming my 12 gauge cases, but this tool turned that chore into a quick, almost enjoyable task. Plus, my reloads are tighter than my old jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. If you want precision without the headache, grab this tool ASAP! —Mark
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 12 Gauge Shotgun Plug Is Necessary
From my experience, using a 12 gauge shotgun plug is essential for both safety and legal reasons. When I first started shooting, I learned that the plug limits the number of shells I can load into the magazine tube, preventing overloading. This helps me avoid accidental overcapacity, which could cause malfunctions or dangerous jams during use.
Moreover, the shotgun plug ensures I stay within the legal limits set by hunting regulations or local laws. For example, many places restrict magazine capacity to three shells for hunting migratory birds. Without the plug, I could unintentionally break these rules, risking fines or penalties. So, having the plug installed gives me peace of mind that I’m complying with the law.
Finally, I find that the plug encourages safer shooting habits. By limiting how many rounds I can chamber, it forces me to be more deliberate with each shot and to reload thoughtfully. This not only improves my focus but also reduces the chance of accidental discharges. Overall, the 12 gauge shotgun plug is a simple but crucial component that enhances safety, legality, and responsibility every time I head out.
My Buying Guides on ’12 Gauge Shotgun Plug’
When I first started looking for a 12 gauge shotgun plug, I realized there were quite a few factors to consider to ensure safety, compliance, and performance. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you make an informed purchase.
What Is a 12 Gauge Shotgun Plug?
A shotgun plug is a small device inserted into the shotgun’s magazine tube to limit the number of shells the gun can hold. For 12 gauge shotguns, this is especially important because many hunting regulations restrict magazine capacity to ensure fair chase and safety.
Why You Need a Shotgun Plug
When I began hunting, I learned that many states require hunters to use a plug that limits the magazine to three shells. Using a plug ensures I stay within legal limits, avoid fines, and promote ethical hunting practices.
Types of Shotgun Plugs
- Plastic Plugs: These are the most common and affordable. They’re lightweight and easy to install or remove.
- Metal Plugs: More durable and sometimes preferred for long-term use. They can be a bit trickier to install but last longer.
- Adjustable Plugs: Some plugs allow you to adjust the capacity, which is useful if you switch between hunting seasons or jurisdictions.
Key Features I Look For
- Compatibility: Make sure the plug fits your specific 12 gauge model. Some shotguns have different magazine tube sizes or threading.
- Material Quality: I prefer plugs made from durable materials like reinforced plastic or aluminum to withstand repeated use.
- Ease of Installation: A plug that I can install or remove without special tools saves time and hassle in the field.
- Compliance Certification: Some plugs come with documentation or markings proving they meet legal requirements, which is reassuring during a game check.
Installation Tips
Installing the plug was straightforward for me: I removed the magazine spring, inserted the plug, and replaced the spring. However, always refer to your shotgun’s manual or manufacturer instructions to avoid damage.
Where to Buy
I found reliable plugs at reputable gun shops, online firearm accessory retailers, and sometimes directly from shotgun manufacturers. Reading user reviews helped me pick a plug that balances quality and price.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 12 gauge shotgun plug is crucial for legal and safe hunting. By focusing on compatibility, material, and ease of use, I found a plug that fits my shotgun perfectly and gives me peace of mind during every outing. I hope my guide helps you make the best choice for your needs!
Author Profile
-
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garage Door Lift Handles: Here’s What Worked for Me
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Long Sleeve Pajamas for Women: Cozy Comfort You’ll Love
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sliding Bar Door Lock: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dragons The Nine Realms Toys: My Honest Review and Top Picks