The plain truth is that the KSG is the most inovative HD shotgun design ever to come out.
I'm not sure about that. what is its great innovation pray-tell? I was going to let you answer before pointing out that it is largely just a rehash of the Neosted, but I'll save the time and say that now. Also if we are being honest in a HD role is it genuinely any better than a number of other guns? Not on paper or in theory but in the real world. On paper having more rounds is better. But is one really going to need more than 8-9 rounds? If more rounds is per se better, then doesn't a saiga with a 20 round drum make for a much better option? It is compact (see below) However, If length is truly an issue a trip to tromix will give you a very compact package that hold 20 rounds. It also reloads much much much faster, has less felt recoil, and has all the advantages of a semi auto versus a pump.
For lawenforcement clearing a house or the average citizen going thru doors and turning corners in the house the length makes it very easy to manuver.
I like bullpups and I have bought a few. I like the handling of the ones I own. However, the only people I hear really complaining about maneuverability seem to be folks with no training or experience to speak of in how to use their guns. I would feel pretty safe saying you will never see the KSG used by law enforcement in any notable numbers.
The KSG in practical terms doesn't bring much more to the table as a self defense gun versus many other guns including a number that are MUCH less expensive. It is more compact than traditional non SBS guns and carries about 5-6 more rounds than traditional guns. There is much said about slug change overs, but I'm yet to hear of any actual HD events where a slug changeover was mandated and performed (or where the inability to perform it was outcome determinative). Furthermore, I think an argument could be made that it doesn't hold that much of an advantage over say a Benelli M2 when it comes to getting a couple slugs in the gun and fired. I think running a couple of slug change over drills that required singles and doubles on a shot timer would be informative.
If one is gearing up for HD with a shotgun (and we could have a whole other debate about a shotgun vs a carbine), the honest truth is one would be better off buying a $180 Hawk 981, attending a quality shot gun class or two and buying several hundred rounds of ammo to further hone and ingrain the skills learned instead of buying a KSG. Now I'm the first to note that for many people buying a $1k+ isn't mutually exclusive to getting training. I will not though that I haven't seen any KSGs in training classes. I haven't even seen second hand reports of it.
I'd encourage someone with the funds to buy two KSGs to take a shotgun class with the KSG and give us an ARR.
For my money I'd rather have either a S12 SBS or a Benelli if I want a traditional gun. If money was consideration (and since the OP is asking about price it appears it is) I'd rather have a basic pump with a couple thoughtful additions and some solid training.
IMHO, the KSG is a lot like the RFB, a lot cooler on paper than it is in the real world.
Chris, I'd be interested in hearing more details. Serious shooters don't seem to be picking these up in any kind of number and so I haven't seen as many reports from competition or classes as I'd like.