Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Century Arms Centurion BP 12 Bullpup 12 Gauge Semi Automatic Shotgun is a compact, gas-operated 12 gauge designed for tactical and home defense applications. Its bullpup configuration offers a shorter overall length without sacrificing barrel length. Available now for $499.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Century Arms Centurion BP 12?
| Product Type | Semi-Automatic Shotgun |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ (accepts 2.75″ and 3″ shells) |
| Action | Gas Operated Semi-Automatic |
| Barrel Length | 20″ |
| Overall Length | 30.5″ |
| Material | Steel, Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds (detachable box magazine) |
| Sights | Flip-up front and rear (adjustable) |
| Chokes | Mobil Choke Thread (comes with 3 chokes: F, M, IC) |
| Weight | Approximately 8.5 lbs (unloaded) |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | SG3970-N |
What makes the Centurion BP 12 a good choice for home defense?
The Century Arms Centurion BP 12 Bullpup 12 Gauge Semi Automatic Shotgun offers a compact footprint, which is a significant advantage in close quarters, such as inside a home. The bullpup design places the action behind the trigger, shortening the overall length without sacrificing barrel velocity or pattern consistency. This makes it more maneuverable than a traditional shotgun of similar barrel length. Its semi-automatic action allows for faster follow-up shots, and the detachable box magazine facilitates quicker reloads compared to tube-fed shotguns. The included flip-up sights are functional, and the Picatinny rail allows for easy attachment of optics or lights, which are beneficial for low-light home defense scenarios. We’ve seen these move well for folks looking for something different, and for the price point, it’s a solid entry into the bullpup shotgun market.
Who is the Centurion BP 12 designed for?
This shotgun is built for individuals prioritizing a compact, maneuverable 12-gauge platform. Its design lends itself well to tactical applications, home defense, and even some recreational shooting where a shorter overall length is desired. The semi-automatic action and magazine feeding make it appealing to those who want a higher capacity and faster reload capability than traditional pump-action shotguns. If you’re familiar with bullpup ergonomics from rifles, this shotgun will feel somewhat natural.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this bullpup shotgun?
✅ Pros:
- Compact Design: The bullpup configuration makes it significantly shorter and more maneuverable than conventional shotguns, especially in tight spaces.
- Semi-Automatic Action: Allows for rapid follow-up shots, which is a key advantage in defensive situations.
- Detachable Box Magazines: Facilitates quick reloads and allows for carrying spare loaded magazines.
- Picatinny Rail: Provides ample space for mounting optics, lights, lasers, and other accessories to customize the shotgun for specific needs.
- Adjustable Sights: Comes with functional flip-up sights out of the box, offering a ready-to-use sighting solution.
- Affordable Price Point: Offers a bullpup 12 gauge experience without the premium price tag of some other options.
❌ Cons:
- Weight Distribution: Bullpup designs can feel rear-heavy to some shooters, which might take some getting used to.
- Trigger Feel: Due to the linkage required for bullpup designs, the trigger pull can sometimes be heavier or have more creep than traditional shotguns.
- Ejection Port Location: Being a bullpup, ejected shells are closer to the shooter’s face, which can be an issue for left-handed shooters without a reversible design (see our left-handed shotguns for dedicated options).
How does the Centurion BP 12 compare to other shotguns?
| Feature | Century Arms Centurion BP 12 | IAC Hawk 982 (Pump) | Kel-Tec KSG (Bullpup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel, Polymer | Steel, Wood/Synthetic | Steel, Polymer |
| Quality | Good entry-level bullpup | Durable, basic utility | Innovative, higher-end bullpup |
| Compatibility | Proprietary magazines, Mobil Choke | Remington 870 parts/accessories | Proprietary magazines, KSG accessories |
| Shipping | Ships from Kansas Gunshop | Ships from various retailers | Ships from various retailers |
| Lifespan/Durability | Expected good service life with proper care | Known for robust, long-term durability | Good durability, specific design considerations |
| Price | ~$499.00 | ~$250 – $350 | ~$900 – $1200+ |
Who should buy the Centurion BP 12 and who should skip it?
Buy it if:
- You’re looking for a compact, maneuverable 12-gauge shotgun for home defense or tactical use.
- You prefer the semi-automatic action and detachable magazine system over traditional pump-action shotguns.
- You want a bullpup design without spending a premium price.
- You are comfortable with the bullpup ergonomics and handling characteristics.
- You value the ability to easily mount optics and accessories.
Skip it if:
- You are a left-handed shooter and require ambidextrous ejection (consider a left-handed shotgun or a side-ejecting traditional design).
- You prefer the simplicity and proven track record of a traditional pump-action shotgun (check out our pump-action shotguns).
- You require a shotgun for competitive clay shooting or hunting where a longer sight radius and different balance are often preferred.
- You are on a very tight budget and a basic pump-action shotgun would suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Century Arms Centurion BP 12
What is a bullpup shotgun?
A bullpup shotgun is a firearm design where the action and magazine are located behind the trigger group, within the stock. This configuration allows for a shorter overall weapon length while maintaining a full-length barrel, improving maneuverability without sacrificing ballistic performance.
Does the Century Arms Centurion BP 12 come with magazines?
Yes, the Century Arms Centurion BP 12 typically comes with one 5-round detachable box magazine. Additional magazines are often available for purchase separately.
What kind of ammunition does the Centurion BP 12 use?
The Centurion BP 12 is chambered for 3-inch 12 gauge shells and will reliably feed and fire both 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12 gauge ammunition. It’s designed for a range of loads, but a break-in period with heavier loads is sometimes recommended for semi-automatics.
Is the Centurion BP 12 suitable for hunting?
While technically capable, the Centurion BP 12’s compact design and tactical ergonomics are not typically ideal for traditional hunting scenarios, especially for upland birds or waterfowl where a longer barrel and different balance are usually preferred. For deer hunting with slugs, it could be used, but it’s not its primary design focus. For Kansas deer season, you’d want to check local regulations for shotgun use.
Where can I buy a bullpup shotgun online?
You can buy bullpup shotguns and other firearms online at reputable FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We facilitate online sales and then ship to your local FFL dealer for transfer, following all federal and state regulations.
Can I attach a suppressor to the Centurion BP 12?
The Centurion BP 12 typically does not come with a threaded barrel for suppressor attachment directly from the factory. Aftermarket threading by a qualified gunsmith would be required, along with acquiring a 12 gauge suppressor and completing the necessary NFA paperwork.
What is the recoil like on the Centurion BP 12?
As a gas-operated semi-automatic 12 gauge, the Centurion BP 12’s recoil is generally manageable compared to a pump-action shotgun firing similar loads. The gas system helps to absorb some of the recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
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