5 Common Kel-Tec KSG Problems And How To Fix

I’ve had the chance to put the Kel-Tec KSG through its paces out in the field, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a ride. 

As someone who values solid performance from a firearm, I was curious to see how this pump-action shotgun would hold up under different conditions. 

And while it’s got a lot of good features going for it, I’ve come across some issues that I think you should know about.

I encountered a few Kel-Tec KSG Problems with the Kel-Tec KSG, from jamming issues to problems with the selector switch. 

But don’t worry, I’m not here just to point out the flaws. I will offer some practical solutions to help you get the most out of this firearm.

Overview of Kel-Tec KSG Problems & Solutions

Top 5 Kel-Tec KSG Problems & Solutions

1. Jamming Issue

One of the first issues I noticed with the Kel-Tec KSG was jamming. It can be extremely frustrating when you’re out in the field, and your shotgun decides not to cooperate. 

The jamming was especially noticeable when I was trying to cycle rounds quickly. If you’re using a pump-action shotgun, you expect it to be reliable.

The problem seemed to be linked to the shell’s placement and alignment, causing it to jam when trying to chamber the next round.

Solution

So, what’s the fix? After fiddling around a bit, I found that thoroughly cleaning the chamber and the feed ramps made a big difference.

I used a high-quality gun cleaner to remove all the gunk and debris. On top of that, I also noticed that using higher-quality ammunition reduced jamming significantly. It seems that cheaper rounds have inconsistent dimensions and can lead to jamming. 

Now, when I’m out in the field, the Kel-Tec KSG operates much more smoothly. So, take the time to clean your shotgun and consider investing in quality ammo. It’s worth it, trust me.

2. Loading Problem

So, here’s another snag I hit while using the Kel-Tec KSG: trouble loading shells into the mag tubes. If you think jamming is frustrating, wait until you find yourself struggling to load shells properly in the heat of the moment.

I noticed the shells would sometimes get stuck going into the mag tubes. And yes, it’s as irritating as it sounds. This glitch makes it tough to rely on automatic firing because you end up having to manually load bullets far too often. 

The issue seems to be with the mag tubes themselves—they’re just not built as well as they should be.

Solution

Alright, let’s get to solving this one. My first step was to lubricate the mag tubes with quality gun oil, making sure it was distributed evenly inside. 

This made the process of loading shells a bit smoother. Next, I carefully examined the mag tubes for any burrs or deformities that could snag the shells. Using a small file, I smoothed out any rough spots I found. 

And finally, I took time to practice loading shells to get a feel for the optimal speed and angle for insertion. After these adjustments, I found that the shells loaded much more easily and reliably. So, a little bit of TLC can go a long way in fixing this issue.

3. Problem with the Selector Switch

Moving right along, let’s talk about the selector switch. Now, this part is crucial, especially when switching between the two magazine tubes.

In the midst of my field testing, I found the selector switch on the Kel-Tec KSG to be less responsive than I’d like. Sometimes, it didn’t engage properly, leaving me stuck and unable to switch tubes. 

When you’re in a time-sensitive situation, the last thing you want is to fiddle around with a stubborn switch. The stickiness and resistance were noticeable, making the experience less than smooth.

Solution

Alright, onto the good stuff: how did I fix this? The first step was removing any dust or debris around the selector switch. 

I used compressed air to clean it out thoroughly. Then, I applied a light coating of gun oil to the selector switch itself, wiping away any excess. But the real game-changer was practicing the motion. 

The more you work that switch, the smoother it gets. So take the time to manually switch between tubes multiple times to break it in. After these tweaks, the selector switch started functioning much more reliably for me.

4. Recoil Issue

Let’s shift gears and chat about recoil. Trust me, a manageable recoil is crucial for accuracy and comfort when it comes to shotguns. During my time with the Kel-Tec KSG, I noticed that the recoil was slightly more than I expected. 

It’s not just about the discomfort—excessive recoil can seriously mess with your aim and follow-up shots. It felt like the force was strong enough to jar my shoulder and throw off my aim. 

This made rapid firing difficult and made the shotgun less enjoyable to shoot for extended periods.

Solution

Okay, onto the solution part. First up, I looked into recoil pads. Adding a high-quality recoil pad to the stock made a considerable difference in dampening the force. Another thing that helped was adjusting my shooting stance. 

Distributing my weight more evenly and tucking the shotgun tightly against my shoulder helped control the recoil better. I also tried different types of ammunition to see if lighter loads would reduce the kick. 

And guess what? They did. So, invest in a good recoil pad, check your stance, and experiment with different ammo to make shooting the Kel-Tec KSG a more pleasant experience.

5. Ejection Problem

Last but not least, let’s talk about ejection issues. In my time with the Kel-Tec KSG, it wasn’t all smooth sailing when it came to shell ejection. 

A spent shell failing to eject properly can be a real buzzkill, especially when you’re trying to maintain a rapid rate of fire. 

I mean, you pull the trigger and expect the shell to pop out; instead, it gets stuck or doesn’t eject fully. Yeah, it’s not ideal. This interruption messes up your rhythm and could be a problem in a more tactical situation.

Solution

So, how did I tackle this? First things first, a thorough cleaning was in order. Any residue in the ejection port can impact the ejection process. 

I used a brush and cleaner to scrub it down. Next, I tried a different brand of ammunition, focusing on higher-quality shells, which seemed to eject more reliably. Lastly, I paid attention to my pumping action. 

A firm and consistent pump helps in properly ejecting the shell. After these adjustments, the ejection issue was notably reduced, making for a smoother shooting experience.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the Kel-Tec KSG? Look, no gun is perfect, and this shotgun is no exception. 

I’ve outlined a few issues that came up during my time using it, and they’re real problems—no sugarcoating it. But here’s the thing: every one of these issues has a solution. 

With some elbow grease and attention to detail, you can turn this firearm into a reliable tool for your shooting needs. Sure, it’ll take some work, but what doesn’t? Bottom line: after making the necessary adjustments, I found the Kel-Tec KSG much more reliable. 

So yes, it has its problems, but they’re not deal-breakers by a long shot.

FAQ’s

Is the KSG reliable?

It’s mostly reliable but does have some issues that can be addressed.

Is Kel Tec a good brand?

It is generally well-regarded for innovation but has limited production runs.

How far can a Kel-Tec shotgun shoot?

It is effective up to 25 yards for most practical purposes.