Federal Force X2 Shorty Personal Defense Shotshell: First Look

The Federal Force X2 Shorty personal defense shotshell measures just 1 3/4 inches, but its 00 segmenting buckshot splits in two equal pieces on impact delivering twice the wounding capability. Here's a first look.

January 18, 2022 By Guns & Ammo Staff

Federal has combined the power of two of our newest technologies to create a shotshell option that changes the nature of self-defense. Force X2 Shorty shells measure just 1 ¾ inches but hold a payload of six 00 segmenting buckshot engineered to split into two equal pieces on impact. When used with firearms designed to cycle sub-length shotshells like the Mossberg 590S, the loads offer much higher magazine capacities with up to twice the wound channels over standard buckshot loads.

Features & Benefits

12-gauge 1 ¾-inch six-pellet segmenting buckshot
FX2 copper-plated buckshot pellets designed to split in half on impact
Manageable recoil
Double the wound channels
Less collateral damage risk from over-penetration

Part No.: PD129FX2 00
Description: 12GA 1 3/4IN FX2 00 Buckshot Shorty
UPC: 6-04544-68028-7
MSRP: $28.99

Recent Videos

Optics

Pulsar Thermal Technology - James Sellers, CEO of Sellmark Corp.

Optics

Pulsar Thermal Technology - James Sellers, CEO of Sellmark Corp.

Sellmark Corporation is a Texas-based manufacturer led by founder and CEO James Sellers. In this episode, Sellers discusses thermal technology and its commercial evolution from the battlefield with Guns & Ammo's Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole and Rifle & Optics Editor Tom Beckstrand. The conversation includes highlights such as the latest Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF thermal imaging riflescopes and Dark30, a thermal camera that can be mounted to various motor vehicles and off-road UTVs.

Rifles

Building The Legend: Gunmaker D'Arcy Echols

Rifles

Building The Legend: Gunmaker D'Arcy Echols

D'Arcy Echols has spent the last five decades building custom sporting rifles. His dedication to his craft and attention to detail has made him one of the most sought-after gunmakers in the trade. As a lifelong backcountry hunter and professional guide, Echols brings vast real world field experience to his building approach. We discuss Echols' background, career progression, and the evolution of his rifle designs including deep-dive on his iconic Legend rifle and the process of creating the new LX-1.

Suppressors

SILENCER CENTRAL - BANISH 9K

Suppressors

SILENCER CENTRAL - BANISH 9K

Silencer Central and Banish Suppressors Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox, as well as engineer Lukas VanLaecken, join Guns & Ammo to discuss the Banish 9K, a 2.7-ounce 3D-printed titanium suppressor developed for 9mm pistols, subguns and carbines.

Industry

Guns & Ammo Buzz: The April '25 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine

Industry

Guns & Ammo Buzz: The April '25 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine

Eric Poole, Jack Oller and Antonio Acitelli talk about features and columns in the April '25 issue which will hit the newsstands on March 4th. You can read about the Taurus GX2, Hornady's .338 ARC and we continue our series about Vintage Sniper Rifles.

Handguns

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Hamilton Bowen - Revolver Master

Handguns

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Hamilton Bowen - Revolver Master

The Buzz sits down with Hamilton Bowen, founder of Bowen Classic Arms. Bowen is one of the world's most sought after revolver makers and is a member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild as well as the American Pistolsmith's Guild. Bowen specializes in crafting exquisitely tuned double and single-action revolvers in a wide variety of chamberings. They discuss the progression of his career, a few notable guns that he has built over the years as well as his book, The Custom Revolver.

Suppressors

2024 Guns & Ammo Suppressor of the Year Award: Silencer Central Banish Speed K

Suppressors

2024 Guns & Ammo Suppressor of the Year Award: Silencer Central Banish Speed K

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Silencer Central Banish Speed K its Suppressor of the Year Award. The line of 4-inch 5.56mm suppressors include the Speed K made of 3D-printed Inconel and the Speed K Ti made of 3D-printed titanium. Due to 3D printing technology, Silencer Central engineers were able to optimize the flow of gasses, producing less than 6-percent blowback to the shooter. Presenting the award to Silencer Central President and CEO Brandon Maddox is Eric R. Poole, editor-in-chief of Guns & Ammo, at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Shotguns

Dickinson Plantation SxS Shotguns

Shotguns

Dickinson Plantation SxS Shotguns

A crafted shotgun for discerning shooters, the Plantation side-by-side (SxS) shotgun with a new selective trigger and ejectors would be ideal for avid hunters. These have Grade III or higher Turkish walnut, shaped in the English style with integral checkered buttpad. The barrels are available in gauges including .410 bore, 12-, 20-, 16 gauge and 28 gauge, and with lengths ranging 26, 28, to 30-inch barrel. The finish is exquisite with bone-charcoal blueing and color-case-hardened metalwork. A lot of custom touches are available for order such as Prince of Wales stocks, different styles of grip and forend, and engraving, gold inlay, and scrolling. The color-case hardening is standard for the finish of the box-lock-type action. The shotgun is presented by Chase Johnson, head of sales for Dickinson Arms, and is ready for any fast-action upland hunt.

Suppressors

Silencer Central Banish 9K

Suppressors

Silencer Central Banish 9K

Silencer Central revealed the Banish 9K at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Using 3D-printed technology, Silencer Central engineered maximum efficiency for its compact, 4.1-inch length. Weighing only 2.7 ounces, it is so light and compact that neither a booster or piston is required to use the Banish 9K on a 9mm pistol with a threaded barrel. With a diameter of 1.3 inches, its slim profile is nearly the width of most semiautomatic pistols. Discussing the Banish 9K are Joe Kurtenbach, former executive editor of Guns & Ammo and current senior manager of Media & Relationships for Silencer Central, and Eric R. Poole, editor-in-chief of Guns & Ammo.

Videos - News - 2nd Amendment

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Handguns for those Under 21?

Videos - News - 2nd Amendment

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Handguns for those Under 21?

On January 30, 2025, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the prohibition on 18- to 20-year-olds purchasing firearms violates the Second Amendment. What does this mean for the future of those in this age bracket exercising their rights to firearms?

Other

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Introducing Keith Wood

Other

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Introducing Keith Wood

“Spent Cases” columnist and author Keith Wood is an avid hunter, firearm collector, and Second Amendment advocate. Wood is an attorney and lobbyist with more than 20 years of experience, including service with the National Rifle Association.

Industry

Guns & Ammo Buzz: BEST OF THE 2025 SHOT SHOW

Industry

Guns & Ammo Buzz: BEST OF THE 2025 SHOT SHOW

Following the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Guns & Ammo's editors reflect on reports from the Range Day, after-dark parties, and identify the most talked about new handguns, rifles, cartridges, and optics.

Handguns

Kimber's New 2K11: A High-Capacity Double-Stack 1911 Pistol

Handguns

Kimber's New 2K11: A High-Capacity Double-Stack 1911 Pistol

Eric Poole of Guns & Ammo delves into an in-depth review of Kimber's new 2K11 Double-Stack 1911 pistol. In this video, Poole examines the craftsmanship, features, and performance of this exceptional 1911. Discover the unique aspects that set the Kimber 2K11 apart and why it might be the perfect addition to your collection.

See All Videos

Buy Digital Single Issues

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Guns & Ammo App

Other Magazines

Guns & Ammo

Handguns

Rifleshooter

Shooting Times

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

2023 Suppressor

Buy A Copy

2023 Suppressor

Buy A Copy

2023 Precision Rimfire

Buy A Copy

2023 Precision Rimfire

Buy A Copy

2023 Backcountry Hunter Fall

Buy A Copy

2023 Backcountry Hunter Fall

Buy A Copy

2023 Precision Rifle Shooter #2

Buy A Copy

2023 Precision Rifle Shooter #2

Buy A Copy

2023 Budget Guns

Buy A Copy

2023 Budget Guns

Buy A Copy

2023 Hound

Buy A Copy

2023 Hound

Buy A Copy

See All Special Interest Magazines

More You May Be Interested In

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Guns and Ammo subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe & Save.

Federal Force X2 Shorty Personal Defense Shotshell: First Look

The Federal Force X2 Shorty personal defense shotshell measures just 1 3/4 inches, but its 00 segmenting buckshot splits in two equal pieces on impact delivering twice the wounding capability. Here's a first look.

Features & Benefits

Video That May Interest You

Enjoy articles like this?

Subscribe to the magazine.

Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Buy Digital Single Issues

Don't miss an issue.Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Other Magazines

Guns & Ammo

Guns & Ammo

Handguns

Handguns

Rifleshooter

Rifleshooter

Shooting Times

Shooting Times

Special Interest Magazines

2023 Suppressor

2023 Suppressor

2023 Precision Rimfire

2023 Precision Rimfire

2023 Backcountry Hunter Fall

2023 Backcountry Hunter Fall

2023 Precision Rifle Shooter #2

2023 Precision Rifle Shooter #2

2023 Budget Guns

2023 Budget Guns

2023 Hound

2023 Hound

More You May Be Interested In

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get Digital Access.

Not a Subscriber?

Get a Full Yearof Guns & Ammo& Digital Access.

Get the Newsletter

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.