Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Range Day at SHOT Show 2026 is where weird ideas either flop or quietly impress. At the Rock Island Armory bay, the new PK-12 “Pak-Out” landed firmly in the second camp.
This is a 12-gauge pump gun built around one idea: shrink it down without turning it into a gimmick.
Unfolded, the Pak-Out measures 37.25 inches. Folded, it collapses to roughly 18.5 inches. Small enough to stash in a backpack without feeling like you’re hauling plumbing. The trick is a clever folding system that locks at the rear sight, then swings the stock over cleanly. No awkward muzzle gymnastics, no circus act.
Once it’s open, it’s a straightforward pump shotgun with a pistol grip, adjustable stock, and onboard shell storage. Capacity is 4+1, feeding 3-inch shells through an 18.5-inch barrel.
SEE ALSO: Chiappa Rhino 44 Mag: Bigger, Better, Bottom Firing — SHOT Show 2026
The real curveball? The action.
This is a spring-assisted pump, meaning once you pull it rearward and release, the forend drives itself forward and chambers the next round. It’s not semi-auto, but it’s noticeably smoother and faster than your average pump, especially under stress or rapid cycling.
At 6.7 pounds, the Pak-Out stays manageable, and the overall setup feels aimed at personal protection, truck-gun duty, or compact storage rather than turning heads on a clay field. It’s not flashy. It’s just different, and different in a way that makes sense.
We see a lot of “innovation” at SHOT. This one earns the label.
Key Specs of Rock Island Armory Pak-Out
- 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, hunting
Learn more HERE.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
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Is the pak out 12 gauge the bull pup in-stock waiting for it so I can order one .
It’s a NO GO for me!!! Have it break to the side and I will take another look…
I like the PK12 Pack Out, but let us know when it comes out with the magazines & drums. We need Semi-Auto Shotguns!
Why wouldn’t you just have this fold to the side instead of under? Look at how much wider this thing is with the handle in the way. Show me the pack this is going to fit in other than the new Eberlestock Spectre.
I have a crossbow that has a folding grip. It would make this gun much more foldable.
Why the pistol grip? That makes for larger space folded.
I was coming to the comment section to say exactly this. They need to ditch the pistol grip.
If the barrel is 18.5″ and the action is attached to the barrel as pictured, the folded length would be more like 24″.
Need to work on getting the grip tucked away on the fold before I would consider buying it.
Some hood-rat will figure out how to shove it under their hoodie and rob the local 7-11.