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AR-12 Magazine Buyer’s Guide: Maximize Your Shotgun Capacity
When you need the ultimate close-quarters combat weapon, you look for a shotgun. You can go with a pump action or semi-auto; whatever is in your way won’t be there for too long.
If you’ve been in the market for a shotgun, allow me to point you in the direction of the AR-12. When done correctly, the AR-12 is extremely easy to use. Why? Because the AR-12 is a close relative to the AR-15, it simply shoots 12 gauge instead of 5.56×45.
Hence the name: ARmalite-12.
You can never have too many magazines. Source
The beauty is that you don’t have to buy different magazines for all of your AR-12(s) since most are interchangeable between lower receivers. Bullpups may have an issue with drum mags due to the position of the pistol grip, but all of your other magazines should be just fine.
So, if you’re in the market for AR-12 magazines, let’s discuss which ones you should buy.
What Is An AR-12?
The AR-12 is not a new design by any means. Some shotguns from the ‘70s feature all the things that make an AR-12 an AR-12. Take, for example, the AA-12 from Atchisson, which was developed in 1972.
While any shotgun that looks like an AR-15 could be classified as an AR-12, they typically are piston-driven or direct impingement and have all the makings of an AR-15.
In short, if it looks like an AR-15 and shoots shotshells, it’s an AR-12, even though the name is trademarked and can only be used by certain companies.
This setup will have you ready for anything. Source
Ressurection Of The AR-12
Initially, the AR-12 flopped. Weight and reliability issues made the system useless, and those who wanted an AR-12 kept their pump-action shotguns instead to mitigate the issues they would face in the field.
Thankfully, a few companies revised the system to make it lighter and more reliable. After seeing the AR-12 platform used in Hollywood (John Wick 4, anyone?), the 12-gauge ARmalite has gained much traction.
Although the best ones can be expensive, many AR-12s on the market can get the job done without breaking the bank. Just pick your poison.
Common Shotguns That Will Accept Most Of The Magazines On This List
- Panzer Arms Bullpup BP-12 G2
- EGX500
- AR-12
- SCRXII
- AR Twelve G4
- G-Force Firearms
- Bora Arms BR99
- BR99X
- BR99S
- Barak Arms GFY-1
- Typhoon F12
- Typhoon XII
- Black Aces
- Radikal ARMS MK Series / NK Series
- RIA VR 12 Gauge Series
- Aksa CF-12
- BH-12
- BSA-12
- BP-12
- Tokarev
- SDS
Not all of these magazines will be interchangeable, especially with bullpup (BP-12) shotguns and drum magazines. If you own a bullpup-style shotgun, ensure the magazines you buy are compatible with your platform and vice versa. You can always check our detailed product descriptions if you’re unsure.
Typically, Turkish made AR-12s and BP-12s can accept the same magazines.
Standard Use
These magazines have received the most positive feedback regarding durability and performance. If you want magazines that function well and feed reliably without being overly bulky, you should consider these.
Most Recommended – SDS Imports Radikal 12 Gauge 10-Round Magazine
Having a hard-use magazine is great, and it is the same reason why you own an AR-12 in the first place. And while they say that this magazine is meant for the NK-1 Bullpup Shotgun, we’ve seen it run well with many other bullpup shotguns and shotguns with the magazine located in the front as well.
The SDS 10-round magazine is made of hardened steel and is one of the more durable magazines on the market. If you plan on running your firearm hard and want reliable feeding and durable feedlips, this is one you’ll definitely want to consider.
Due to how well-made they are and their affordable price, we consider the SDS Imports 10-round magazine the top pick for anyone looking for extra or different magazines for their AR-12, especially with a bullpup design.
5-Round Option: ATI Bulldog 12 Gauge 5-Round Magazine
If you’re looking for a lighter magazine that allows you to swing around corners more easily without sacrificing durability and performance, the ATI Bulldog 12-gauge magazine might do the trick.
Also made of steel, the ATI Bulldog magazines feature a polymer grip texture insert and comes with a Picatinny rail attachment that offers the ability to use your mag as an extended forward grip.
If you own an ATI Bulldog, you’ll notice that these magazines come with your shotgun from the factory. These exact replacements will function the same and are worth having extra if you own one.
Range Time
These magazines are better reserved for the range due to how heavy they can get, but they can function for home defense or whatever else your heart desires. It’s up to you. All I can say is that 20 rounds of 12 gauge makes one heck of a defensive weapon.
AR-12 in big letters, in case you didn’t know. Source
Armscor Rock Island VR60, VR80 12 Gauge 19 Round Magazine
Behold, the final boss of banana magazines. The Armscor Rock Island 19 Round 12-gauge magazine is a factory replacement for your VR60 and VR80 shotguns and offers a huge bump in capacity for other AR-12s.
Something you can lay down the hammer with. Reliably, too. The magazine is made of heavy-duty steel and houses 19 rounds of 2 ¾ inch shotshells. From the words of hundreds who have bought them, they feed reliably without failure.
So much so that I’d recommend it for home defense. If you can wield it around, go for it.
Panzer Arms AR-12 12 Gauge 20 Round Skeletonized Drum Magazine
There’s something special about a huge drum magazine with enough 12 gauge to knock a house off its foundation—not literally, but name something better for the task. Go ahead.
The Panzer Arms AR-12 20-round drum mag is skeletonized to indicate the shotshells left. It is made of polymer and steel, which gives it durability without excess weight, coming in at 3.3 lbs unloaded.
Feedback on the magazine reveals it has been reliable, feeds without issue, and drop tests have been positive. And with the lifetime warranty, it’s hard to argue with it.
As we said before, BP-12s have some issues with drum magazines due to the position of the pistol grip. Before buying, refer to the list up top to see which shotguns run with the Panzer 20-round drum.
ProMag AR-12 12 Gauge 20 Round Drum Magazine
Promag has a magazine for everything, and if you don’t like skeletonized magazines, you’re in luck. Promag has beefed up the areas that need it and left the rugged polymer in the areas where you could save weight.
Steel feed lips protect against cracking and splitting, which could result in failed ammo retention in a drum magazine using a spring. ProMag made sure to utilize a heat-treated chrome silicone spring too, which is superior for corrosion resistance and longevity.
These magazines are less expensive than other drum mags and function just as reliably.
Note: This does not fit Saiga and VEPR-patterned shotguns.
But other than that, you’re good to go.
Conclusion
AR-12s are back, and they are only getting better. Fortunately, many of these mags are interchangeable from one shotgun to another, so you don’t have to worry about having a plethora of proprietary magazines floating around.
All of these magazines can function in different roles, too. If you’re feeling spicy, running a drum mag is one way to ensure you always have the upper hand against anything that comes into your house unwelcome. And if you’re feeling extra spicy, you can even mix slugs and buckshot.
Don’t forget to have fun with your AR-12! Each of these magazines will help do just that.
Be good and take care.
