The new Rock Island Armory Pak-Out shotgun is one of those guns that’s both practical and fun. It’s a 12-gauge shotgun that folds up so it can be more easily carried in a pack, gun case, or even in your truck. I know what you’re thinking, it sounds gimmicky, but I can attest to the fact that it does indeed fold as it should and also fires reliably. And I admit I was excited to shoot this, because it’s always fun to see a more unique gun. Sure, firearms are tools, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them.
Although it’s likely the Pak-Out will be marketed to hikers, campers, and preppers due to how well it tucks into a backpack, it’s really the gun for anyone who wants a firearm that can be made more compact for storage or transport. Yes, it’s a 12-gauge, and it has a 5-round capacity. The barrel is 18.5-inches in length. It’s a pump action, so if you’re one who prefers semi-auto, now’s the time to get on board with manual cycling.
The stock on the RIA Pak-out is solid and extremely well padded at the butt. Considering it’s a folding model, which does limit certain aspects of engineering, it’s a good idea to have this design. It does help absorb some of that 12-gauge felt recoil. In the image above you can see a hinge on the visible side of the stop, right behind the pistol grip. This hinge is strong, so it shouldn’t be a weak spot by any means, but you do need to ensure you shoulder the gun securely before firing because that hinge is quite close to your face and it does protrude a bit. Even so, this is a fun gun to run.
OD green graces the receiver of this shotgun with all furniture being black. Considering its outdoor applications, it makes sense they’d go with this shade of green. The Pak-Out name is clearly written on the receiver. But perhaps the nicest thing is the length of Picatinny rail atop the receiver, making it easy to add a red dot.
The trigger is pretty standard for a factory shotgun. It isn’t gritty and the break is clean with a short re-set that’s useful for rapid fire (should you feel the need to rapid fire a shotgun).
In addition to the 18.5-inch barrel model with a folding stock and barrel, there will be a smaller model with a bird’s head grip. The barrel on the shortened model is 14-inches and capacity stays at 5-rounds. Picatinny rail comes standard on the bird’s head model and thanks to the grip and length, it really does fold down to a beautifully compact size. Now, if you’re wondering about this one’s classification, the first thing that you need to know is that while it’s a 12-gauge, it isn’t a shotgun. The bird’s head model is classified simply as a firearm by the BATFE. It’s designed to be fired similarly to a pistol, not from the shoulder.
Exact MSRP not known at this time, but these will both be under $600.
Would be really easy to clean
I look forward to being able to handle one at a dealer/gun show soon
Ok ok, I’ll buy ANOTHER shotgun!!!