For heavy loads, such as high brass or slugs, the port should be open to allow excess gas to be vented from the weapon to prevent damage. With lighter loads, such as target or small game loads, the port should be closed or slightly open. The system is designed so that a shotgun shell can be used as a tool to adjust the large gas plug located above the barrel. The patented gas system of the Origin 12 allows it to pick up the gas as soon as it leaves the chamber, making it very efficient. The short-barreled model weighs 7 pounds, 3 ounces the 18.5-inch barrel shotgun weighs 9 pounds, 3 ounces. The barrels come fitted with thread protectors. The barrel’s muzzle is externally threaded with the same M22x75 threads as the Saiga and Vepr shotguns to accommodate flash hiders, muzzle brakes or sound suppressors. The barrel module is available in different lengths and can be swapped out in seconds by the removal of a single pin. The 10.67-inch barrel model is a short-barreled shotgun, which is subject to NFA regulations and the $200 federal transfer tax. The Origin 12 shotgun is available in 18.5- (non-NFA) or 10.67-inch barrel lengths. The safety and magazine release are positioned for operation without removing the hand from the pistol grip. Origin 12 shotguns are all restricted to 2.75-inch shells. The shotgun is a two-part modular construction consisting of the receiver and stock, and the barrel, gas tube and handguard assembly. There is plenty of rail space to mount just about any accessory-from optics to flashlights. Front and rear polymer folding sights are standard. A large ejection port cover keeps debris out of the action when the weapon is not in use. The telescoping AR-style stock folds to the side to decrease the overall length of the shotgun for storage or carry. The magazine release and safety lever are ambidextrous, while the non-reciprocating charging handle is located on the left-hand side of the receiver. Felt recoil is reduced by the stock, which is located above the centerline of the bore. The weapon’s reliability is enhanced by a rotating bolt with two large extractors.

One of those features is a long-stroke gas system, which will function with low-power shells that are normally reserved for pump or break-open shotguns. The Origin 12 has a few unique features that set it apart from many other semi-automatic 12-gauge shotguns. The Origin 12 is made in the USA and has been available for a year or so, yet it is relatively unknown. The weapon is the FosTecH Outdoors LLC Origin 12 shotgun. There is a fairly new magazine-fed, semi-automatic, gas-operated tactical shotgun available for scattergun enthusiasts.

Fostech origin 12