12-gauge AR Shotgun

If you were getting tired of the Saiga-12, there is now another option for a semi-auto, box mag-fed shotgun. Intrepid Tactical Solutions has released the AR-12, a 12-gauge AR-15-style upper that fits standard AR-10 lower receivers. A larger, 8-round magazine has also been developed to fit the shotgun shells. The rest of the AR remains unchanged, aside from requiring a stronger, stiffer buffer spring.

The only main problem with the AR-12 is the requirement for specialized ammo. Standard 12-gauge shells do not work well in box magazines, primarily because the rims on each shell make them difficult to stack. Therefore, Intrepid Tactical Solutions actually designed a new, proprietary round just for the AR-12. The full-polymer construction shell features a "retracted" rim, and a round nose cone. While this is a great idea, I'm not sure how well this new ammunition will fair. Intrepid Tactical Solutions has stated that it has formed a partnership with a major ammunition manufacturer to produce the "RAS-12" shells, but the requirement of proprietary ammo is a bit of a setback in my opinion, and we all know too well that it's not easy for a new type of ammunition to catch on.

Remington R12

Remington has introduced a new tactical variant of their innovative Versa Max shotgun, which featured gas ports in the chamber and just ahead of it, forming a regulation system that utilized the shotgun shells themselves.

The R12 is produced by Remington Defense, therefore it is only for sale to military and law enforcement. However, I'm sure we can expect a modified civilian version for sale soon. Remington is currently selling two models of the R12: One with a traditional stock (shown above), 18" barrel, ghost ring sights, and a 6+1 capacity; and one with a 14.5" barrel, open sights, 5+1 capacity, and a pistol grip stock. The latter, designated the R-12E (Entry) is most likely intended as a breaching or close-quarters shotgun.