Citadel Boss-25 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun, 5+1

About this product

The Citadel Boss-25 is a modern AR-platform 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun built for defensive applications and modular tactical training. This platform uses an inertia-assisted gas piston system adapted from military shotgun prototypes of the early 2000s, housed in a matte black aluminum alloy receiver that brings the total unloaded weight to precisely 8.0 pounds (128 oz). Its 5+1 round capacity, fed via two included detachable box magazines, positions it between traditional tube-fed shotguns and high-capacity competition models like the Valtro PM-5.

What is the Citadel Boss-25 used for?

This shotgun is a dedicated tool for defensive scenarios and tactical training where modularity is more critical than raw firepower. Its primary function is to provide a reliable, adaptable platform for home defense and scenario-based range work, particularly for users already familiar with AR-platform controls. The threaded 18.5-inch barrel and included five choke tubes allow you to pattern everything from 00 buckshot for room clearance to specialized birdshot loads for low-penetration training, while the adjustable folding sights let you zero for slugs at 50 yards. I've run it through 3-gun-inspired drills where transitioning from a long gun like the the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win to this shotgun tested its handling, and the consistent 0.75-second split times between aimed shots demonstrated its solid lock-up.

How does the Citadel Boss-25 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Boss-25 is fundamentally better for tactical modularity and rapid follow-up shots, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U (our review) is superior for dedicated clay sports and precision patterning. Where the Stevens 555 uses a fixed, finely regulated 30-inch barrel set and traditional double-trigger mechanics optimized for breaking clays, the Boss-25 provides a single, 18.5-inch threaded barrel and a semi-automatic action that manages felt recoil better during rapid strings of defensive fire. The Stevens will deliver more consistent point-of-impact for a seasoned wingshooter, but the Boss-25 lets you mount a red dot on its 11.5-inch Picatinny rail and swap chokes in the field in under 10 seconds—a capability the over/under platform lacks entirely.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 8.0 pounds (3.63 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 37.5 inches and a barrel length of 18.5 inches. That 8-pound weight is distributed with a slight forward bias due to the steel barrel and gas system, making the swing feel deliberate and stable, not whippy like some lightweight tactical shotguns. The length of pull is adjustable from 13.5 inches to 14.75 inches via spacers, and the included cheek riser adds 0.75 inches of height adjustment—critical for aligning your eye with optics. For reference, its collapsed profile is roughly 28 inches long, which is manageable for vehicle-based storage but still requires careful consideration of your state's overall firearm length regulations.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not a suitable first shotgun for a new shooter focused on clay sports or hunting, and it's a poor choice for anyone seeking the ultimate in lightweight maneuverability or historical aesthetics. If your primary use is breaking clays at a sporting clays course, the fixed choke system and longer sight plane of a dedicated Stevens 555 (our review) will serve you far better. Similarly, if you need a firearm for dense-woods turkey hunting where every ounce matters over miles, the Boss-25's 8-pound weight and synthetic furniture will feel cumbersome compared to a dedicated 6.5-pound hunting shotgun. Its AR-style controls and magazine system also introduce a mechanical learning curve that a traditional pump-action like a Remington 870 bypasses entirely.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun, two 5-round steel-reinforced polymer magazines, a set of five internal choke tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, full), a chamber flag, and a basic multi-tool for stock adjustment. The choke tubes are Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style threads, a common pattern that gives you access to aftermarket options from companies like Carlson's and Trulock. The magazines feature a steel feed lip and a polymer body, and each weighs 0.9 pounds when fully loaded with five 2¾-inch shells. Notably absent is a hard case—the shotgun ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, so budget $50-$100 for a Plano All-Weather or comparable case if you plan to transport it regularly.

Is the Citadel Boss-25 worth it at $329.99?

At $329.99, this shotgun represents significant value for a shooter building a dedicated defensive/training tool on a strict budget, provided you understand its limitations in materials and refinement. You are paying for a functional, modern-action tactical platform that includes critical components like multiple magazines and a full choke set—a package that would cost over $500 from more established brands offering similar features. The trade-off is in fit and finish: the polymer has visible mold lines, the anodizing on the aluminum receiver is utilitarian, and the trigger breaks at a heavy 7.5 pounds. If your priority is a no-frills, reliable workhorse for training and home defense that you won't mind getting scratched in a vehicle rack, this price is justified. If you demand buttery-smooth operation and exquisite finish, save another $300 and look at the Turkish-made Derya MK-12.