POTD: High Standard Model 10 – The First Tactical Bullpup Shotgun
Sam.S 02.06.25

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Developed from a California police sergeant’s vision in the late 1950s, the High Standard Model 10 emerged as one of the first purpose-built tactical shotguns. Based on High Standard’s C1200 Supermatic, this unique bullpup design featured a rotatable shoulder stock, integrated flashlight, and relocated trigger mechanism connected to the original trigger by a connecting rod. The Model 10 evolved through two variants: the 10A with its built-in flashlight and carrying handle, and the improved 10B featuring a left-hand charging handle, flip-up front sight, and removable Kel-Lite flashlight. Both versions held 4 rounds standard, expandable to 6 with a magazine extension. Despite initial law enforcement interest in the 1960s-70s, the Model 10 proved problematic in service. Issues included unreliable cycling even with required magnum loads, rough trigger feel, and right-side-only operation due to forceful ejection. The recoil also commonly damaged the flashlight batteries, leading many agencies to eventually discontinue its use.
“Manufacturer: High Standard Manufacturing CorporationModel: 10AType: ShotgunGauge: 12Barrel: 18 inch roundFinish: blackStock: syntheticManufactured 1967 to 1969. 2 3/4″ chamber (magnum/high brass only), cylinder choke, and 14 1/2″ LOP. Flashlight untested.”
Lot 48: High Standard Model 10 Series A Police Shotgun – High Standard Model 10 Series A Police Semi-Automatic Bullpup Shotgun. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved February 5, 2025, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/3001/48/high-standard-model-10-series-a-police-shotgun.