Genesis Arms Gen-12

About the Genesis Arms Gen-12

The Genesis Arms Gen-12 is a magazine-fed, semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun built on the AR-10 (.308) pattern, introduced in 2019. Unlike most AR-pattern shotguns, the Gen-12 is engineered so that its billet 7075-T6 aluminum upper receiver and proprietary magazines mate directly to standard DPMS Gen 1 .308-pattern AR-10 lower receivers, letting owners convert an existing AR-10 lower into a box-magazine-fed shotgun. It uses a short-recoil operating system in which the barrel reciprocates to cycle the action, feeding 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells from detachable 5- and 8-round magazines. The package includes a free-float M-LOK handguard with a full-length Picatinny top rail, a right-side charging knob, an AR fire-control group, an adjustable stock or brace, and an external choke using Saiga-pattern threads. Offered in 14.5-inch, 18-inch and short-barreled configurations, the Gen-12 brings AR ergonomics and rapid magazine reloads to the fighting-shotgun role.

AR-pattern magazine-fed shotguns have a long history of finicky reliability, and most use proprietary lowers. Genesis Arms took the unusual route of building the Gen-12 to bolt onto an existing AR-10 lower, pitching it as a way for .308 AR owners to add a hard-hitting box-fed 12-gauge to their collection without buying a whole new gun.

Genesis Arms Gen-12 specifications

Specifications reflect the 18 in / 18.75 in (476mm) barrel model: ~7.5 lb (3402g), chambered for 2-3/4 in and 3 in 12-gauge shells. Magazines available in 5- and 8-round capacities. Short-recoil action with reciprocating barrel. Upper and magazines designed to fit DPMS Gen 1 .308 (AR-10) pattern lowers. External choke uses Saiga / M22x0.75 threads. Smoothbore barrel. Complete-rifle MSRP around $2,230. Overall length varies with adjustable stock and barrel length and is not published as a single fixed figure.