At the SHOT Show 2026, the spotlight on folding firearms has extended beyond the much-discussed ZEV Technologies x Magpul Folding Defensive Platform. Rock Island Armory, an ARMSCOR brand, has introduced the PK-12 "Pak-Out" line, a series of 12-gauge pump-action shotguns designed to collapse for easier transport. While the novelty of a folding shotgun might seem like a contemporary gimmick, this lineage draws from a reasonably storied past, proving that sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back at the late 19th century.

The "Pak-Out" finds its DNA in the designs of the Turkish firm AXOR, which Gunsweek wrote to have taken inspiration from the Burgess folding shotgun of the 1890s. Andrew Burgess, a prolific American inventor, originally designed his shotgun to be carried in a holster by Wells Fargo messengers, allowing a full-length firearm to be deployed from a compact state.

Upon first inspection, the PK-12 appears to be a standard pump-action shotgun, yet the mechanical operation differs from the traditional "shuck-shuck" rhythm. The pump is spring-loaded, naturally returning to the forward position under tension. Instead of the manual forward-and-back motion familiar to most bird hunters, the shooter simply pulls the pump rearward and releases it. The spring then drives the bolt forward into battery, a process that feels more akin to charging an AK-pattern rifle than operating a standard Remington or Mossberg.

The primary interest, however, lies in the hinge. To collapse the firearm, the operator pushes the rear sight assembly towards the back of the receiver. This action retracts a locking pin, permitting the receiver to pivot forward on a pin located at the front, much like an AR-15 breaking open for maintenance. This design choice ensures the firearm is essentially halved in length, making it a viable candidate for those with limited storage space or a need for a discreet "truck gun" that does not require a massive hard case.

For practicality being a priority in the folded state, the magazine tube retains any loaded shells even when the gun is broken open. This configuration facilitates loading; a user can top up the magazine while the firearm is hinged. While the PK-12 cannot be fired from its folded position—precluding any Hollywood-style mid-air deployments—it can be snapped into a functional state in a matter of seconds. For the shotgun variant, the stock also folds, further reducing the footprint, though the pistol grip remains fixed.

Rock Island Armory is offering the PK-12 in two distinct configurations to suit different legal and practical requirements. The "Long" version is the traditionalist’s choice, featuring an 18.5-inch barrel, a blade front sight with a silver rod, and an ergonomic pistol grip. Its stock is both side-folding and adjustable for length of pull, catering to shooters of various statures. With an overall length of roughly 37 inches when extended, it serves as a functional tool for home defence or property management.

Conversely, the "Short" version targets a different niche, sporting a 14.1-inch barrel and a horizontal "Shockwave" style grip. In the United States, this configuration allows it to be classified as a "firearm" rather than a short-barrelled shotgun, bypassing certain bureaucratic hurdles. It is significantly lighter and more compact, weighing in at a claimed 2.3 lbs compared to the 6.7 lbs of its larger sibling. Both models share a top Picatinny rail for those who prefer optics over the machined notch sight found on the takedown lever.

Technical specifications for the series indicate a 4+1 capacity, an anodised finish, and a trigger pull ranging between 5 and 8 lbs. The "Long" version is positioned for a variety of roles, including recreational shooting and hunting, while the "Short" version is more pointedly marketed toward personal protection. Despite the mechanical complexity of the folding hinge and the spring-assisted action, the builds maintain a utilitarian aesthetic that suggests they are meant to be used rather than merely admired as curiosities.

Although the heritage is international, Rock Island Armory has opted to keep the current production domestic; the PK-12 is manufactured entirely within the RIA-USA facility in Utah, rather than being imported.

Entry into the folding shotgun market will require a modest investment. At the SHOT Show 2026, The Firearm Blog mentioned that the pricing for the stocked shotgun model was cited between $550 and $750, with the shorter version expected to retail for approximately $50 less. While it may not replace the traditional pump-action in every cabinet, the PK-12 "Pak-Out" offers a sensible nod to Victorian-era ingenuity for the modern owner. Interested parties would be well-advised to consult their local authorised dealers regarding arrival dates for these Utah-built folders.