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Comprehensive Guide To AR-12 Shotguns
There are numerous AR-style firearms available, but today, we’re going to go over the AR-12 specifically.
In this comprehensive guide to the AR-12, we will discuss what it is, how it works, and provide some history of the AR-12.
With all the different numbers that follow the Armalite name, understanding what the numbers mean that follow can be a little confusing, especially when they don’t match the caliber.
That isn’t the case for the AR-12.
The AR-12 offers a familiar platform that accommodates numerous accessories. Source
The AR-12 is one of the only ones that match the caliber. Or, in this case, the bore size. We are talking about 12-gauge shotguns wrapped up in an Armalite shell.
So let’s jump in.
What is an AR-12?
The AR-12 is one of the many forms of the Armalite platform. However, this time, it fires 12-gauge shot shells while utilizing the ergonomics of the well-known platform.
AR-12s use detachable magazines similar to those of an ordinary AR-style rifle, and they come in a wide variety of capacities, which is one of the AR-12’s appeals.
From stick mags to drum mags, there are plenty that you can use with an AR-12. Source
And sticking with the Armalite style, many of these shotguns have plenty of mounting space for your favorite lights, grips, optics, and other accessories.
Many manufacturers have produced their entries for the best AR-12, and the future looks promising for some of them.
Rise in Popularity
The AR-12 was slow to catch on, while pump-action shotguns, such as the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 590, have maintained their positions with law enforcement, military, and civilians alike, alongside the Benelli M1014.
It hasn’t been until recently that we’ve had so many solid AR-12s. They have been known to be bulky and somewhat unreliable, with either magazine issues or simply issues with the firearm itself.
While semi-automatic, box-fed shotguns have been around for quite some time now, traditionally, the AK-style shotguns have always received more love. For example, consider the Saiga 12, the most well-known magazine-fed shotgun.
Or the AA-12.
Do you remember the AA-12 from Call of Duty? Source
However, a company named Genesis Arms has given the AR-12 a chance to become one of the best semi-automatic shotguns to date. The firearm in question is called the Gen 12.
Now that is one heck of a home defense setup! Source
The beauty is that you can take an AR-10 lower, slap it on one of the Genesis uppers, and get to work.
Plus, it’s relatively slim and lightweight. Eliminating that bulky and rambunctious feeling that you usually get with the AR-12.
It’s an interesting firearm, but it is pretty expensive.
As for the budget side of things, Turkish firearms maker Panzer, makes an AR-12 that became the light at the end of the tunnel for some. Like the Gen 12 from Genesis, it’s not as bulky as the AR-12s that came before, but you can get it for a relatively low price.
The Panzer Arms AR-12 looks fantastic with a fresh Cerakote job. Source
How Does an AR-12 Work?
AR-12s employ a design similar to that of the AR-15, utilizing either a direct impingement or a piston-driven operating system to cycle the bolt.
Except they shoot shotshells instead. Thankfully, most of the AR-12 controls are positioned similarly to those of the AR-15. You know, it’s familiar. The AR-15 is America’s rifle after all.
But the AR-12 doesn’t get as much love as you’d expect, due to its often lower-than-ideal magazine capacity. While other semi-automatic shotguns, such as the Benelli M4, hold 6+1 rounds in the tube, the average standard AR-12 magazine capacity is 5+1.
The controls and functionality should look familiar. Source
It’s not a significant difference, but that extra shotshell can make all the difference. Those styles of semi-automatic shotguns are also more reliable since they don’t have to rely on magazines, which is one of the main complaints with AR-12s.
Don’t get too discouraged, though, as there are plenty of aftermarket magazines that can quickly and easily boost your AR-12’s capacity. From 10-round magazines to 20-round drums, you aren’t stuck with 5+1 rounds!
There has been a change in how some AR-12s work, though. Genesis, the makers of the Gen 12 that I mentioned above, used a reciprocating barrel to eject the old shotshell in the first iterations of its shotguns.
However, since the shotgun used the reciprocating motion of the barrel to cycle, placing the muzzle against a door for breaching was not possible. So, they returned to the short recoil system and a fixed muzzle to rid that issue.
The innovation put the AR-12 on the map.
Best Uses
AR-12s can work in a variety of scenarios thanks to their versatility. From protecting your land to hunting to range trips with friends, the AR-12 can handle it all.
The main advantage is quicker reloads, but the downside is general magazine issues found with AR-12s.
An extended magazine is never a bad idea! Source
It’s essential to take that into account, especially if you’re considering using the shotgun for any defensive purposes.
The one area where I would not recommend an AR-12 is for home defense. I know many believe that shotguns are optimal for home defense, but the AR-12 serves a better purpose elsewhere.
I say that due to the heft of most AR-12s. They can be relatively heavy even without a magazine, and once you add an extended or drum magazine, they become even more complicated to maneuver with. In contrast, other styles of firearms offer you more capacity and are relatively easy to control.
But that’s just my consensus.
Conclusion
AR-12s have a promising future if they continue to maintain this pace. It could knock the Saiga 12 off its throne. But for now, there’s still work to do.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you better understand the AR-12 platform and why you should keep an eye on future iterations of these shotguns. For now, I will stick to my pump actions until we see some more progress.
Have fun and happy hunting!
