Videos

Custom Short-Barreled 12-Gauge Tested With Wax Slugs, Mini Shells, Buckshot

November 7, 2026

Iraqveteran8888 wraps up its build series by taking the finished "Sushi Shotgun" — a shortened, heavily customized 12-gauge — out for a mixed-ammo range test. The project involved barrel shortening, stock ebonizing, fabric artwork, gold lettering, and relocated sling swivels and bead, and the video runs it against cans, gongs, a watermelon, and a soda bottle with everything from homemade wax slugs to full-power magnum loads.

Key points

  • Wax slugs hit hard: Paraffin-wax slugs made from birdshot shells delivered dramatic impacts on hominy cans, a gong, and a soda bottle.
  • Cut shells are inconsistent: These birdshot-to-slug conversions sometimes failed to separate properly, prompting the host to check the barrel after each failure to confirm the full projectile had exited safely.
  • Short barrel means heavy recoil: Full-power loads and Brenneke Hexalite Magnum slugs were punishing to shoot, and the shortened barrel also produced a weaker buckshot pattern than a longer gun would.
  • Mini shells shine up close: Aguila mini-shell slugs and buckshot cut recoil substantially and were described as effective at defensive distances, with the point of aim improving at roughly 50 yards despite a bead set up for a longer barrel.

Quick take

This is more range-day fun than a serious defensive build, and the channel treats it that way: a visually striking shotgun that's enjoyable to shoot but compromised by its short barrel when it comes to patterning and recoil management, with mini shells standing out as the most practical load tested.

Watch the full video: Iraqveteran8888