Modern magazine-fed, semiautomatic shotguns look like some kind of Transformers version of an AR-15 rifle, but versions of them have become popular in various forms of competitive shooting—especially in three-gun, where a magazine-fed shotgun has its advantages.
Recently, Derya Arms released the Derya MAX, a shotgun manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida. Let’s check it out.
SPECS
The Derya MAX is a proprietary, magazine-fed, 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun designed for competitive shooting and home defense.
The standard specs are as follows:
- Model(s):Derya MAX
- Gauge: 12 ga
- Capacity: 5/10
- Operation: Self-Cleaning Gas Piston
- Sights: Folding Iron Sights
- Magazines: 2
- Colors: Black, Black Cherry, ODG, or FDE
- Choke Pattern: Mobile (Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder)
- Barrel Length: 18″, 20″, or 14″
- Overall Length: 38″
- Overall Width: 3″
- Height: 9.5″
- Weight: 9.5 lbs.
- Price: $2,499.00
FEATURES
The Derya MAX is a magazine-fed 12-gauge shotgun built to handle everything from 3-Gun and IPSC competition to defensive use and training.
Developed over three years with input from championship-level shooters, it features a curved, self-cleaning gas piston that reliably cycles a wide range of loads, from light 7/8-ounce target shells to heavy 3-inch magnums.
An 18-inch barrel keeps the platform compact and maneuverable, while the proprietary MAX Brake and double-buffered recoil system work together to reduce muzzle rise and felt recoil, enabling faster follow-up shots.

The shotgun features an adjustable adaptive stock with a 12- to 15-inch length of pull, an AR-compatible pistol grip, a threaded smoothbore barrel, flip-up iron sights, and a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting optics. It also ships with Mobile chokes, including Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder options, along with a premium hard case, a complete tool roll, and magazines.
Standard models include two polymer magazines, while Factory Exclusive configurations add six magazines and a factory-installed D-TAK optic, creating a turnkey package ready for competition or defensive use.
ZOOMING OUT
This has me intrigued. As I hinted, the current magazine-fed shotgun market is hit or miss. This seems very promising. But at nearly $2500, it should be. I expect this to be the perfect competition shotgun.
For more new release news, head over to the Cadre Dispatch.