SAAMI Publishes Accepted 12-Gauge 1¾-Inch Cartridge and Chamber Designs

by
posted on September 12, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
saami12-gauge134-inchsmoothborebarrelcartridge_lead.jpg

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has published the recently approved and accepted specifications of the new 12-gauge 1¾-inch Smooth Bore Barrel cartridge submitted by Federal.


“This is big news for our new Shorty Shotshell ammunition,” said Federal Shotshell Product Director Rick Stoeckel. “The 12-gauge 1¾-inch cartridge has been around for more than a decade, but it was never brought to SAAMI to be considered by its Technical Committee. Once we decided to start manufacturing this load, we immediately submitted it to SAAMI for industry standardization. We’re excited about this approval and we deeply appreciate SAAMI’s support.”

The Shorty shotshell design is intended to produce standard performance without the length of the typical 12-gauge load. It is currently available in No. 8, No. 4 buckshot and a rifled slug.

“SAAMI’s approval of the cartridge was a crucial step in legitimizing it within the industry,” continued Stoeckel. “Their work creates industry standards for the cartridge, and will hopefully inspire shotgun manufacturers to purposely build pump-action and semi-auto shotguns to specifically run 1¾-inch loads.”

SAAMI data and drawings are all available to the public on saami.org, and the new shotshell specs can be found within the “New Cartridge & Chamber Drawings” under SAAMI’s Technical Information section.

Latest

Lederuger And Beretta
Lederuger And Beretta

Ruger and Beretta Reach Agreement

Ruger and Beretta Holding—two of the most beloved names in the hunting industry—reached a strategic cooperation agreement last week. Officials from both companies said the terms were mutually beneficial. Read on for the details.

Hardware Review: Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend

Check out Frank Melloni's Hardware review of this dedicated hunting handgun from Taurus.

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-10x24mm FFP

The latest Strike Eagle 1–10x24mm FFP from Vortex Optics plants a stake in the middle ground between close-range speed and long range performance, delivering more reach and a compact footprint that saves space for rail-mounted accessories. Deerwoods hunters and predator hunters, take serious note.

Review: Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50mm

Contributor Phil Massaro reviews the Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50 binocular, which offers a stellar image at an attractive price.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras' Defender Vision Pro LSF

The Defender Vision Pro LSF is Browning Trail Cameras' 2026 livestream cellular trail camera, built for users seeking immediate visibility and real-time awareness from the field. It is designed for both property and game monitoring.

Texas, Hogs and Thermals

Follow along as Brian McCombie indulges in his favorite trio: Texas, hogs and thermals.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.