Each year at the SHOT Show, companies tout innovative, groundbreaking designs. While the hype is high, the results are generally lukewarm in reality. While they are great products, in many cases, they are variations on a theme. In my endless miles walking the show floor, however, I did chance upon something that made me say, ” Yes, that is innovative”. That item is the PAK-12 Pak-Out shotgun from Rock Island Armory.
PK-12 Pak-Out – Taking Compact to a New Level
The PAK-12 is an interesting 12-gauge shotgun that is designed to fold into itself, making it ridiculously easy to carry. When fully unfolded, the gun measures 37.5 inches long. Very similar to a standard shotgun. When it is broken down and folded, however, is where the magic happens. Folded, the gun shrinks down to an amazing 18.5 inches. In this configuration, it is a simple matter to throw it in a pack or carry case.
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The breakdown process is a simple matter. The folding system locks at the rear of the shotgun’s rear sight. Activated, you swing the stock over, and without any real effort, the gun is folded and ready to store. Once open, the gun is essentially just like any other shotgun. It comes with an adjustable stock, pistol grip, Picatinny rail, and runs 3” shells. Coming in at only 6.7 pounds, the PAK-12 is easy to carry.
Spring Assisted Pump
While the PAK-12 is officially a pump gun, it operates slightly differently. This has a spring-assisted operation, which means after you rack the action to the rear, a spring drives the action forward. The benefit of this is speed and reliability in feeding. If you have run a pump gun a lot, you have certainly experienced a moment when you didn’t rack the gun fully forward. This design helps with that.
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Two versions are available. The “Long” version I have been discussing comes with an 18.5-inch barrel. The “Short” version comes with a 14.1-inch barrel, a bead front sight, and a horizontal black synthetic “Shockwave” grip, which classifies it as a “firearm” and thus NFA-exempt.
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PK-12 Pak-Out
If you are like me, you see multiple applications for this unique shotgun. Its compact nature and ease of carry make it an excellent addition to a bug-out bag or backcountry pack.
Key Specs of Rock Island Armory Pak-Out Long Version
| Caliber: | 12 Gauge |
| Action: | Spring-Assisted Pump |
| Capacity: | 4+1 |
| Barrel: | 18.5″ |
| Overall Length: | 37.25″ (18.5″ folded) |
| Weight: | 6.7 lbs. |
| Chamber: | Up to 3″ shells |
| Purpose: | Personal protection, recreational shooting, and hunting |
| MSRP | $650.00 |
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For more information, visit Rock Island Armory.
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