The Gen-12 Shotgun by Genesis Arms.
While there are a lot of shotguns on the market trying to capitalize on the ergonomics of the AR pattern of rifles, most fall short. They are often clunky or chock-full of so many proprietary parts that they don’t even resemble an AR. But what if you had a shotgun that was almost exactly the same as an AR-10? Enter the Genesis Arms Gen 12 Shotgun.
Genesis Arms has introduced both a full production Gen-12 Shotgun, as well as Gen-12 upper receivers that can be swapped with any DPMS Pattern Gen 1 lower receiver. Pop out the two takedown pins on your AR-10, throw the new Gen-12 upper on and you are ready to rock.
A Gen-12 upper receiver on a Spikes Tactical AR-10 lower, with the standard Spikes .308 upper shown below.
Specs:
- Receivers: 7075 T6 Billet Aluminum Type III Hardcoat Anodized
- Handguard: M-LOK Compatible
- Action: Short Recoil
- Barrel: 18” or 14.5” 4140 Chrome Molly Steel Barrel
- Chamber: 2 3/4” – 3”
- Stock: Magpul CTR Buttstock or SBA3 Collapsable Brace
- Capacity: 5 and 8 Round Magazines
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Choke Tube: Saiga Threads
- MSRP: Complete $2,230 – Upper Receiver $1,550
How does all of this work? Well, Genesis Arms has created a shotgun upper receiver that uses a short recoil action (similar to how a Glock operates). This means the barrel itself moves, a short distance, which is enough to cycle the gun, rather than trying to use a DI gas system like in ARs.
The Gen-12 can accept Saiga chokes and muzzle devices.
Of course, that is only half the battle, you need to feed the gun. Genesis has you covered. They currently offer 5-round magazines with 8-round mags coming soon. Also in the works are 10 rounders. The shotguns and magazines work with 2 3/4” and 3” shells.
From left to right is the 5-round, 8-round and *10-round prototype* magazines.
What is it like to shoot? Pretty damn fun. I was fortunate enough to spend some time on the range with the Gen-12 prior to SHOT Show. The recoil impulse is totally different from most shotguns and really manageable. With the recoil being more of a push than a snap.
For me, the big draw to this shotgun is the compatibility of skills. Shotguns aren’t something I’ve spent much time with and consequently the manual of arms isn’t that easy for me. But since cutting my teeth on the M16-A2 back in 1998, that platform is familiar. The fact that I can pick up the Gen-12 and immediately have a level of competence in manipulation is awesome. The only slight change being the right side charging handle.
All of those familiar controls of an AR-Patterned lower receiver.
Additionally, I think it is incredible that the Gen-12 upper can replace the upper on your AR-10. Giving you two drastically different caliber choices and capabilities with one serialized lower. Find out more about the Gen-12 here.
The Gen-12 is also offered in a “Firearm” configuration.
So, nothing but 2019 posts. I’m beginning to have serious doubts. I purchased the 18.75 bbl full shotgun from GA in April 2021 and it is now 18 weeks with no efforts from GA to communicate to me when I would be getting my shotgun. Website at time of purchase said 12-14 weeks. I’ve notified GA that if I haven’t received notification of “locked” ship date by Sept. 01 – 20 weeks, I’m cancelling the order and not paying their stated 30% restocking fee. I can get a Standard Manufacturing 12GA semi-auto today for 1/2 the price and have it in 8 to 10 days. I strongly advise anyone to buy anything else if you want it in your hands within a year!
I have been waiting for one that could just drop on an AR10 lower. I suppose this means I have to put my money where my mouth is!?
The military will use it, it will make a great CQB weapon.
Nice, when the entire gun costs half that price, I might be interested. Probably not, but maybe. I can buy a Rick Island VR60 for $650 and its a great shotgun.
For a lower price yes I would buy one to go with my lower, at this price point why would you. You could buy 2 AK variants at this price and have money left over for extra magazines and ammo.
What everyone here doesn’t realize is places like New Jersey make buying a firearm a 6 month ordeal.
So immediate gratification for a shotgun might just sell rather well
For 1,550 you could buy a slew of “normal” shotguns and still have some cash for shells! That’s ridiculous. Does it reduce recoil as well as a Remington versamax? Probably not… would it be good for ducks or turkeys? Probably not… seems like a cock extension gun. Totally useless unless you’re huntin in a hallway.
So stupid – I will stick with my conventional Remington 870 and my Mossberg Persuader
For the $1,550 that the upper alone costs, I could employ me a small guide and buy him a Remington 870 to carry and still have money left over!!
HAhahahah, Wade. That gave me a real butt fart chuckle! I wonder how many of us here got the ‘funny’???
I happened to take the opportunity to heft my tricked and accessory laden 870 Express Magnum with the hopes it would remain true to mythical legends that it ever was a viable tactical weapon and I thought I would get a hernia if I ever really had to use it in some hot and heavy CQB, LOL!
Are they nucking futz? 1500 for an upper LMAO
For a a5 clone. With minimal parts. So it’s just a smooth barrel, and a bolt. I mean r and d costs. And chances are they are selling it cause they want to, not cause they have to. So. If they sell a few a month, probably happy. Other wise, you’d be seeing a media hype-push with reviews all over and prices dropping.
But yes, it’s neat, but too expensive for me to jump in at the moment as well. I like em, and my plan to get it in my budget, but without mags bigger than an 870, why pay 5-6x an 870? What they call a N.Y. reload with a shotgun? Mad max reload? 6 870s be 30rds. More if they have bigger tubes. Diff strokes diff folks! Murica!!( with all the love in my heart!!)