22-Oct-2026
If you have spent any time looking at affordable over-and-under shotguns in the UK, you will have seen the KOFS name. It turns up on dealer shelves, in the second-hand listings and, increasingly, in the questions people type into search engines: are KOFS shotguns any good, what is the difference between a Sceptre and a Zenith, and is there a sensible youth model? This guide answers those questions in plain terms.
KOFS is a Turkish maker, and its guns are brought into the UK through the trade. The range is wide, which is part of the confusion. There are several named models, a number of finishes and sporting or field variations, and gauges that run from 12 bore down to .410. We keep to general guidance here rather than quoting prices or exact specifications, because both vary by model year, importer, and condition. Always read the individual listing and check the details with the seller.
Where do KOFS shotguns sit in the market?
KOFS belongs to the value end of the over-and-under market. These are guns for people who want a proper two-barrel shotgun with a single trigger and ejectors, without paying the premium that comes with the great Italian and Belgian names. They sit in the same broad conversation as other budget-friendly imports, and that is the right way to approach them: as practical, honest working guns rather than heirloom pieces.
What buyers tend to notice first is how much shotgun they get for the money. Independent reviews of the range have generally been positive about handling and the standard of wood for the price, while also pointing out the sort of compromises you would expect, such as heavier loads feeling harsher in a lighter gun. That is a fair summary of the whole class. If you shoot a few clays a month, take the odd walked-up day or want a second gun for rough shooting, a KOFS makes a lot of sense. If you shoot several hundred cartridges every weekend, you may prefer to step up.
Browse: KOFS shotguns · KOFS Sceptre · KOFS Zenith · All shotguns · Hatsan shotguns
The Sceptre: The model most people mean
When people search for a KOFS, the Sceptre is usually what they are after. It is the model that appears most often in the UK second-hand market, and it comes in a spread of gauges, including 12 bore, 20 bore, 28 bore and .410. Within the Sceptre name you will also see SXE versions, which are typically presented as the more fully equipped variants, and sporter-style guns aimed at clay shooters.
The Sceptre is a conventional boxlock over-and-under. Features that buyers commonly look for are a single selective or non-selective trigger, automatic or manual ejectors, multi-choke barrels and an oiled walnut stock. As ever, specifics differ between individual guns, so treat any description as a prompt to ask questions rather than a guarantee. Our own KOFS Sceptre review goes into more detail on how the Sceptre handles and who it suits.
Browse: KOFS Sceptre over-and-unders · Sceptre 12 bore · Sceptre 28 bore · KOFS SXE 20 bore
Zenith and Spectre: What is different?
The Zenith is the name that tends to cause the most head-scratching. Think of it as a separate line within the KOFS family, usually offered in 12 bore and often finished or marketed with sporting use in mind. Searches such as “KOFS Zenith SXE sporter” show that buyers are curious about it, and you will find Zenith guns in the listings alongside the Sceptre.
The Spectre name appears in the same breath, and it is worth knowing that reviewers and sellers do not always spell or label these guns consistently. A gun described as a Spectre SXE in one place may be listed as a Sceptre SXE in another. The sensible approach is to ignore the label and read the description: barrel length, chamber length, choke fittings, trigger type, ejector type, and stock dimensions tell you far more than the model name does. If the listing is unclear, ask the seller to confirm the exact model and look for the markings on the barrels and action.
Browse: KOFS Zenith · KOFS shotguns · Lanber shotguns · ATA shotguns
Youth, 28 bore and .410 models
One reason KOFS has attracted so much attention is the choice of smaller guns. Youth versions of the Sceptre, along with 20 bore, 28 bore and .410 guns, make the brand a regular name when parents and mentors are looking for a first shotgun for a young shooter. Searches for “KOFS Sceptre youth” are a good example.
The principle with any youth gun is fit before anything else. A shorter stock and lighter weight help a young shooter hold and mount the gun correctly, and a gun that fits well is safer and far more enjoyable than a heavy adult gun they have to wrestle. A young shooter should always be supervised and introduced to the sport through a reputable club or coach. If you are thinking about the right bore for a beginner, our guide to choosing your first shotgun and buying your first shotgun are good places to start. Small-bore guns are popular, so do not be surprised if good examples are snapped up quickly.
Browse: Sceptre .410 · SXE .410 · Sceptre 20 and .410 · Sceptre 28 bore · All shotguns
What to check on a second-hand KOFS
Buying used is where the value really shows, and it is also where a few sensible checks pay off. Start with the basics. Look for even wear on the action and the forend, check that the barrels sit tight to the action when closed, and confirm the ejectors fire cleanly on both barrels. Open and close the gun several times; it should feel smooth, not gritty.
Next, check the chokes. Multi-choke guns are only as good as their tubes, so make sure the tubes are present, fit properly, and are not damaged or stuck. Look at the bores for pitting or dents, examine the stock for cracks around the wrist and head, and ask whether the gun has been serviced. Because reviewers have noted that these guns can get warm on a busy day and feel sharper with heavy loads, think about the cartridges you will actually shoot and be sensible about it. Finally, match the chamber length to the cartridges you intend to use. Our guide to chamber and cartridge length explains why this matters.
Browse: KOFS shotguns · Browning shotguns · Miroku shotguns · Zoli shotguns · Franchi shotguns
KOFS triple barrels and other oddities
Not every KOFS is a straightforward over-and-under. The range has included triple-barrel guns and coach-style models, which attract plenty of curiosity. They are interesting, but they are a more specialised purchase. Handling, weight and balance differ from a standard gun, and spares and advice may be harder to find, so be clear on why you want one before you buy.
For most shooters, a conventional over-and-under in the gauge that suits their shooting will be the better everyday choice. If you are weighing a KOFS against other options at a similar level, our guide to the best over-and-under shotguns by budget is a useful companion.
Browse: KOFS triple barrel · KOFS coach guns · KOFS shotguns · All shotguns · Stoeger shotguns
FAQ
Are KOFS shotguns any good? For the price, independent reviewers have generally rated them well for handling and wood quality. Like any value-priced gun, they reward a careful inspection and sensible cartridge choices.
What is the difference between a KOFS Sceptre and a Zenith? They are different lines within the KOFS family. Compare the specification in each listing, such as barrel length, chokes, trigger, and ejectors, rather than relying on the name alone.
Is there a KOFS shotgun for young shooters? Yes, youth versions and smaller gauges are produced. Fit is the priority, and a young shooter should always be supervised and introduced to the sport through a reputable club or coach.
What should I check on a used KOFS? Barrel fit, ejector function, choke tubes, bores, stock cracks, and service history. Make sure the chamber length matches the cartridges you plan to shoot.
Find your KOFS on Rightgun.uk
Whether you want a 12 bore for the clay ground, a 20 bore for the walked-up day or a small-bore gun for a young shooter, you can browse KOFS shotguns from sellers across the UK on Rightgun.uk. Start with KOFS shotguns, compare what is available and contact sellers directly. If you have a KOFS to sell, listing it takes minutes and puts it in front of UK shooters who are already searching.
Further reading: KOFS Sceptre review, How to choose your first shotgun, Buying your first shotgun, Best 20 bore shotguns by budget and Best over-and-under shotguns by budget.
