---
title: MAX Shotgun
description: Everything you need to know about the Derya MAX shotgun — specs, features, and answers to common questions about this mag-fed 12-gauge platform.
---
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1. [Derya US](https://support.derya.us/derya-us/knowledge-base?hsLang=en-us)
2. [MAX](https://support.derya.us/derya-us/knowledge-base/max?hsLang=en-us)
# MAX Shotgun
## Everything about the Derya MAX: a gas-operated, mag-fed 12-gauge shotgun built for competition and defense, with specs, features, and FAQs.
The Derya MAX is a gas-operated, magazine-fed semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun developed in collaboration with world-class competition shooters and professional engineers. Built for IPSC, 3-Gun, and USPSA-style practical shooting, the MAX also comes in tactical configurations suited to defense and general-purpose use. It is chambered for 2-3/4" and 3" shells, feeds from purpose-built transparent polymer magazines, with 5- and 10-round magazines in U.S. configurations. The MAX debuted at SHOT Show 2026 and is manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida.
### **Platform and Development**
The MAX project is based on the proven Derya MK12 layout and gas-operated system, but nearly every component of the MAX is original and is NOT interchangeable with the MK12. The platform was developed over three years with direct input from competition shooters, including designer Sergey Ivanov, a top-5 finisher at the IPSC Shotgun World Championship. Factory testing has exceeded 50,000 rounds, with a factory shooting team actively competing on the platform.
### **Gas System**
The MAX uses a self-cleaning curved gas piston system engineered to cycle the full spectrum of 12-gauge ammunition — from light 7/8 oz (24-gram) target loads through heavy 3" magnums. Every MAX ships with two gas pistons: one for 2-3/4" shells and one for 3" shells.
### **Choosing Your MAX Piston: Go By Shell Length**
Your MAX ships with two gas pistons. Picking the right one is simpler than most shooters expect. You don't need to chase velocity numbers, dram equivalent, or load type. Just match the piston to your shell length:
- **2-3/4" shells → 2-3/4" piston**
- **3" shells → 3" piston**
That's the whole rule. Shell length is the most reliable proxy for how much gas a load dumps into the system. The 2-3/4" piston lets lower-pressure loads vent enough gas to cycle the action reliably, while the 3" piston meters the extra gas that magnum loads generate — smoother cycling, less felt recoil, and less long-term wear. Set the piston by the box you're shooting, then leave it alone.
### **MAX Brake (Muzzle Brake)**
The proprietary MAX Brake was developed and lab-tested by the factory: it reduces muzzle rise by up to 4 times and reduces recoil impulse by approximately 20%. The result is that firing 28-gram loads feels comparable to 24-gram loads, and the muzzle stays on target through rapid fire. The brake is compact for its class, which preserves the shotgun's balance, and it can be fine-tuned to shooter preference by rotating it along its axis. Internal chokes can be swapped without removing the MAX Brake.
### **Recoil System**
The MAX uses a double-buffered recoil system with variable-weight springs that progressively absorb the sharp impact of recoil. Combined with the MAX Brake and the optimized gas system, this keeps the sights on target and improves shooting comfort and follow-up speed.
### **Trigger Pull Weight**
The standard trigger mechanism has moderate travel and a pull weight of approximately 3 kg (6.6 lbs). An optional competition trigger is available with a pull weight of approximately 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) and ultra-short travel.
### **Stock and Length of Pull**
The MAX adaptive stock adjusts in 10 different directions, including length of pull and cheek height, allowing the shotgun to be fitted precisely to the individual shooter.
### **Grip Lock System**
The Grip Lock pistol grip ships with interchangeable Small and Large backstraps that adjust both grip circumference and the distance to the trigger, accommodating a wide range of hand sizes. The grip also features an adjustable wrist platform that distributes the weight of the shotgun and improves one-handed control during movement and reloads.
### **Controls**
The charging handle is reversible and can be switched to either side in the field. The safety is ambidextrous, and a 45-degree safety option is available. Control lever effort has been optimized at the factory.
### **Magazines**
MAX magazines were designed from the ground up for this platform. They are made from durable transparent reinforced polymer with steel feed lips, are designed to feed reliably even when dirty, and are resistant to impact and abuse. The standard MAX 18" (MAX.18.US) ships with one 5-round and one 10-round magazine; factory-exclusive and optic-package configurations include additional magazines. MAX magazines are purpose-built for the MAX and are not the same as DY12 or legacy MK12 steel magazines.
### **Magwell**
The lower receiver incorporates an integral magwell with a large opening for fast, confident reloads. For competition use, a larger removable polymer magwell with an even bigger opening is available.
### **Rail and Mil-Spec Compatibility**
The MAX carries a full-length Picatinny top rail. The buffer tube, Picatinny rail, pistol grip mounting, and trigger group mounting points all comply with the Mil-Spec standard, so common AR-pattern furniture and accessories mount as expected.
### **Sights and Optics**
Every MAX includes flip-up front and rear iron sights. Optic-package SKUs ship with the D-TAK D02 red dot optic and mount installed from the factory — confirm zero and run. The base 18" configuration (MAX.18.US) ships optics-ready without an optic installed.
### **Chokes**
The MAX ships with a full set of internal mobile chokes — Full, Modified and Improved Cylinder — in a protective holder. Chokes can be swapped quickly without removing the MAX Brake. As with all shotguns, do not shoot steel shot through a Full choke; use Modified or a more open constriction for steel.
### **Field Stripping and Maintenance**
The handguard is quick-detachable and removes in about 10 seconds, giving immediate access to the gas system for cleaning between stages. The bolt group is removed through the rear of the receiver, just like an AR platform, for fast, simple field stripping with minimal downtime.
### **Ammo Recommendations**
The MAX gas system is factory-validated across a wide load window, including light 7/8 oz (24-gram) target loads that many mag-fed shotguns cannot cycle. A few guidelines will keep any mag-fed 12-gauge running at its best:
- **Quality first.** High-quality, consistent ammunition cycles best. Premium loads engineered for mag-fed shotguns (such as Federal Action Shotgun) are built specifically to feed and eject without malfunction.
- **Pick smooth-hulled shells.** Twelve-gauge shells were never designed to feed from a box magazine, so smooth casings with a more rounded nose feed most dependably.
- **Match the piston to your shell length.** The MAX is chambered for 2-3/4" and 3" shells — run the 2-3/4" piston with 2-3/4" shells and the 3" piston with 3" shells.
- **Break it in.** As with any semi-automatic shotgun, expect the action to smooth out over the first few hundred rounds.
### **What's in the Box**
The standard MAX ships as a complete, ready-to-run system in a premium hard case with MAX-branded custom-cut foam. Inside: one 5-round and one 10-round MAX polymer magazine, both gas pistons (2-3/4" and 3"), the mobile choke set with protective holder, flip-up front and rear iron sights, and the complete Derya tool roll — multi-piece cleaning rod, bronze and nylon bore brushes, bore mop, armorer's tool, Derya spanner wrench, hex key set, thread protector, interchangeable grip backstraps, and cleaning cloth. Factory-exclusive and optic-package SKUs include additional contents; optic packages add the D-TAK D02 red dot installed.
### **Frequently Asked Questions for MAX:**
**Q: What is the difference between the MAX and the DY12?**
*A: Both are gas-operated, magazine-fed 12-gauge shotguns, but the MAX is a ground-up competition platform. The MAX adds the MAX Brake and a double-buffered recoil system, a self-cleaning curved gas piston design, a 10-direction adjustable stock, the Grip Lock backstrap system, an integral competition magwell, an optional 1.5 kg competition trigger, and purpose-built transparent polymer magazines. The DY12 remains the AR-ergonomics value platform; the MAX is the performance flagship.*
**Q: Are MAX parts interchangeable with the MK12?**
*A: No. The MAX uses the same layout and gas-operated system as the MK12, but almost all MAX components are original and not interchangeable with the MK12.*
**Q: Will DY12 or MK12 magazines work in the MAX?**
*A: No. The MAX feeds from purpose-built MAX polymer magazines with steel feed lips. Use MAX magazines only.*
**Q: Does the MAX use two pistons like the DY12?**
*A: Yes. The MAX ships with two gas pistons — one for 2-3/4" shells and one for 3" shells. The rule is the same as the DY12: go by shell length. Run the 2-3/4" piston with 2-3/4" shells and the 3" piston with 3" magnums.*
**Q: Is the MAX.14.SBS.US legal to buy?**
*A: The 14" MAX is a short-barreled shotgun regulated under the National Firearms Act. Purchase requires ATF approval (Form 4 transfer) and payment of the applicable tax stamp, and it is available only where state and local law permit SBS ownership. Your dealer can walk you through the NFA process.*
**Q: How many rounds will the magazine on my MAX hold?**
*A: Magazine capacities are 5 and 10 rounds. The standard MAX 18" ships with one 5-round and one 10-round magazine; factory-exclusive and optic packages include additional magazines.*
**Q: Where is the serial number located?**
*A: MAX — the serial number is located on the receiver.*
**Q: What warranty comes with the MAX, and how do I activate it?**
*A: Derya provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser (non-transferable) for the product's intended purpose. Abuse, unqualified gunsmithing, unauthorized alteration, improper ammunition and normal wear are excluded. For warranty registration, service requests or product support, visit derya.us/customer-service-support/ or contact support@deryaarms.us, your dealer, or your country's distributor.*
**Q: Where can I find the owner's manual?**
*A: Under Support \> Manuals at derya.us. Video tutorials are on the Derya US YouTube channel.*
**Q: I don't see my MAX item number, UPC or color listed, where is it?**
*A: Every MAX is made in the USA (item numbers end in US) and every MAX item is in the table below. The 20" model, the ODG, FDE and Black Cherry optic packages and the 14" SBS are factory exclusives. If your item number or UPC is not listed, contact support@deryaarms.us with the serial number and the UPC from the box.*
| **Item Number** | **Short Description** | **UPC Code** | **Magazine Used** | **Finish** | **Notes** | **USA MSRP** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| MAX.18.US | MAX 12GA 10rd 18" | 810216300074 | 1 S12B-506B (5rd), 1 S12B-506C (10rd) | Black Anodized | MAP $1,999 | $2,229 |
| MAX.20.US | MAX 12GA 10rd 20" D-TAK Optic | 810216301057 | 2 S12B-506B (5rd), 4 S12B-506C (10rd) | Black Anodized | Factory Exclusive; factory-installed D-TAK D02 red dot; MAP $2,399 | $2,499 |
| MAX.18.ODG.US | MAX 12GA 10rd 18" ODG D-TAK Optic | 810216300081 | 2 S12B-506B (5rd), 4 S12B-506C (10rd) | Black Anodized / ODG | Factory Exclusive; factory-installed D-TAK D02 red dot; MAP $2,399 | $2,499 |
| MAX.18.FDE.US | MAX 12GA 10rd 18" FDE D-TAK Optic | 810216300098 | 2 S12B-506B (5rd), 4 S12B-506C (10rd) | Black Anodized / FDE | Factory Exclusive; factory-installed D-TAK D02 red dot; MAP $2,399 | $2,499 |
| MAX.18.BC.US | MAX 12GA 10rd 18" Black Cherry D-TAK Optic | 810216300104 | 2 S12B-506B (5rd), 4 S12B-506C (10rd) | Black Anodized / Black Cherry | Factory Exclusive; factory-installed D-TAK D02 red dot; MAP $2,399 | $2,499 |
| MAX.14.SBS.US | MAX 12GA 10rd 14" SBS | 810216300111 | 1 S12B-506B (5rd), 1 S12B-506C (10rd) | Black Anodized | Factory Exclusive; short-barreled shotgun (NFA): transfers on an approved ATF Form 4 through a licensed dealer; MAP $1,999 | $2,229 |
The 20" MAX, the ODG, FDE and Black Cherry 18" MAX (each shipped with a factory-installed D-TAK D02 red dot and six magazines) and the 14" MAX SBS are factory exclusives: built in limited runs and sold through selected dealers. Contact support@deryaarms.us to find a dealer with stock.
### **MAX Specifications**
| **Specification** | **DERYA MAX** |
| --- | --- |
| **Model** | DERYA MAX |
| **Type** | Semi-automatic, magazine-fed shotgun |
| **Operating System** | Gas-operated; self-cleaning curved gas piston; two pistons included — one for 2-3/4" shells, one for 3" shells |
| **Caliber** | 12 gauge |
| **Chamber** | 2-3/4" & 3" |
| **Capacity** | 5+1 / 10+1; standard 18" ships with one 5-round and one 10-round magazine |
| **Barrel Lengths** | 14" (SBS – NFA), 18", 20" |
| **Overall Length** | 38" (18" barrel); 40" (20" barrel); 31" (14" barrel) |
| **Weight** | 9.7 lb unloaded (18" barrel); 9.9 lb (20" barrel); 9.4 lb (14" barrel) |
| **Muzzle Device** | MAX Brake — reduces muzzle rise up to 4× and recoil impulse ~20% (factory lab tested); indexable by rotating along its axis |
| **Recoil System** | Double-buffered recoil system with variable-weight springs |
| **Choke System** | Internal mobile chokes — Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder — with protective holder; chokes swap without removing the MAX Brake |
| **Trigger** | Standard ~3 kg / 6.6 lb, moderate travel; optional competition trigger ~1.5 kg / 3.3 lb, ultra-short travel |
| **Stock** | Adaptive stock, adjustable in 10 directions incl. length of pull and cheek height |
| **Grip** | Grip Lock system — interchangeable Small/Large backstraps, adjustable wrist platform, trigger-reach adjustment |
| **Safety** | Ambidextrous; 45-degree safety option |
| **Charging Handle** | Reversible — switches to either side |
| **Magazines** | Transparent reinforced polymer with steel feed lips; designed to feed reliably even when dirty; standard includes 1× 5rd + 1× 10rd (exclusive/optic packages include additional) |
| **Magwell** | Integral large-opening magwell; optional oversized removable competition magwell |
| **Rail / Mounting** | Full-length Mil-Spec Picatinny top rail; Mil-Spec buffer tube, pistol grip and trigger group mounting points |
| **Sights** | Flip-up front and rear iron sights; optic-package SKUs ship with D-TAK D02 red dot installed |
| **Field Stripping** | Quick-detach handguard (removes in ~10 seconds); rear-breakdown receiver — bolt group removes through the rear, AR-style |
| **Finishes** | Black, Olive Drab Green, Flat Dark Earth, Black Cherry |
| **Origin** | Manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
| **State Compliance** | 18" and 20" models: Maryland and Massachusetts pending, not sold in California. 14" SBS: not sold in California, Maryland or Massachusetts |
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