Striker 12 Shotgun: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rotary Firepower Legend

The Striker 12 shotgun is a name that evokes strong reactions in the firearms world. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a firearms enthusiast, or simply curious about its place in history, understanding the Striker 12’s unique design, capabilities, and controversial past is key. This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of the Striker 12, providing an in-depth look at its mechanics, its impact, and its legacy.

We’ll explore the intricacies of its rotary magazine, its strengths and weaknesses in practical applications, and the reasons behind its eventual classification and restrictions. Our goal is to provide you with a balanced and well-researched perspective on this iconic, yet often misunderstood, firearm.

Unveiling the Striker 12: Design and Functionality

The Striker 12 shotgun, also known as the Sentinel Arms Co Striker-12 and Protecta, is defined by its revolving cylinder magazine. Unlike traditional pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns, the Striker 12 utilizes a clockwork-operated rotary system to chamber and fire shells. This distinctive feature is what sets it apart and contributes to both its appeal and its limitations.

At its core, the Striker 12 is a 12-gauge shotgun designed for close-quarters combat and riot control. Its rotary magazine, typically holding 12 rounds (hence the name), allows for rapid deployment of firepower. The cylinder is manually rotated after each shot using a large winding key located on the side of the weapon. This key is crucial to the operation of the shotgun. It is important to note that variants with different magazine capacities exist.

The Rotary Magazine Mechanism

The heart of the Striker 12 lies in its rotary magazine. Here’s how it works:

• Loading: Cartridges are loaded into individual chambers within the cylinder, accessible from the front.
• Winding: The user manually winds the cylinder using the winding key, tensioning a spring mechanism.
• Firing: When the trigger is pulled, the spring unwinds, rotating the cylinder to align the next chamber with the barrel. A firing pin strikes the primer, igniting the shell.
• Cycling: The process repeats with each trigger pull, until the cylinder is empty or the spring is fully unwound.

This system allows for a high rate of fire compared to pump-action shotguns, but requires manual operation and is more complex than a traditional semi-automatic mechanism. The winding mechanism also contributes to the overall weight of the weapon.

Variants and Manufacturers

Several manufacturers produced variations of the Striker design, including:

• Armsel Striker: The original design, developed in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
• Sentinel Arms Co Striker-12: An American-made version.
• Cobray/SWD Street Sweeper: A similar rotary shotgun with some design modifications.
• Protecta: An improved version of the Striker, manufactured in South Africa, featuring enhancements to safety and reliability.

These variants share the core rotary design but may differ in materials, construction quality, and specific features. The Protecta is generally considered the most refined and reliable version of the Striker design.

The Controversial History and Legal Status

The Striker 12 shotgun has a controversial history, largely due to its perceived association with criminal activity and its high capacity for rapid fire. Its intimidating appearance and potential for misuse led to increased scrutiny and eventual restrictions in many countries.

In the United States, the Striker 12 was classified as a “destructive device” under the National Firearms Act (NFA) in 1994. This classification significantly restricted its ownership and transfer, requiring registration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and payment of a transfer tax. Many states also have their own restrictions on the ownership of destructive devices.

The reasoning behind the NFA classification stemmed from concerns about the Striker 12’s potential use in violent crime. Its high capacity and rapid firing rate were seen as a threat to public safety. The classification effectively removed the Striker 12 from the mainstream market, limiting its availability to collectors and those with the proper NFA licenses.

Similar restrictions exist in other countries. Canada prohibits the Striker 12 outright. Australia has stringent regulations on its ownership. The legal status of the Striker 12 varies widely depending on the jurisdiction, reflecting differing attitudes towards firearms and public safety.

The Mossberg 590M: A Modern Interpretation of High-Capacity Shotgun Firepower

While the Striker 12 has faded from prominence due to legal restrictions, the need for high-capacity, reliable shotguns remains. The Mossberg 590M represents a modern approach to this concept, offering a modular magazine-fed design that addresses some of the limitations of the rotary system.

The Mossberg 590M is a pump-action shotgun that utilizes detachable box magazines, allowing for quick and easy reloading. It is a popular choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters seeking a versatile and high-capacity firearm. It’s a modern take on the classic pump-action design, enhancing its firepower capabilities.

Key Features of the Mossberg 590M

The Mossberg 590M boasts several key features that contribute to its performance and versatility:

• Detachable Box Magazines: Allows for rapid reloading and flexible capacity options.
• Pump-Action Reliability: Proven pump-action system ensures reliable cycling in various conditions.
• Durable Construction: Built with robust materials to withstand heavy use.
• Multiple Accessory Mounting Points: Provides flexibility for customization with lights, lasers, and other accessories.
• Adjustable Stock Options: Accommodates different shooter preferences and body types.
• Ambidextrous Controls: Enhances usability for both left- and right-handed shooters.
• Variety of Barrel Lengths: Offers options for different applications, from close-quarters combat to sporting clays.

Let’s delve into each of these features in more detail:

Detachable Box Magazines

The detachable box magazines are arguably the most significant feature of the Mossberg 590M. They allow for rapid reloading, significantly increasing the rate of fire compared to traditional tube-fed shotguns. Magazines are available in various capacities, typically ranging from 5 to 20 rounds, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios. This feature allows for quick changes and adaptability on the fly.

Pump-Action Reliability

The pump-action mechanism is renowned for its reliability and simplicity. It is less prone to malfunctions than semi-automatic systems, especially in harsh conditions or with varying ammunition types. The Mossberg 590M’s pump-action system is smooth and robust, ensuring reliable cycling even under stress. Its simplicity is its strength.

Durable Construction

The Mossberg 590M is built to withstand the rigors of demanding use. It features a heavy-walled barrel, a durable receiver, and a robust stock. The materials are chosen for their strength and resistance to corrosion, ensuring a long service life. This shotgun is designed to endure.

Multiple Accessory Mounting Points

The Mossberg 590M includes multiple accessory mounting points, such as Picatinny rails, allowing users to attach lights, lasers, optics, and other accessories. This modularity enhances the shotgun’s versatility and allows it to be customized for specific applications. Customization is a key benefit.

Adjustable Stock Options

The Mossberg 590M is available with various stock options, including adjustable stocks that allow users to customize the length of pull and cheek weld. This ensures a comfortable and ergonomic fit for shooters of different sizes and body types. Comfort and control are enhanced by this adjustability.

Ambidextrous Controls

The Mossberg 590M features ambidextrous controls, such as the safety selector and magazine release, making it equally usable for both left- and right-handed shooters. This is a significant advantage for tactical applications and ensures that all users can operate the shotgun effectively. Inclusivity in design is a great feature.

Variety of Barrel Lengths

The Mossberg 590M is available with different barrel lengths, ranging from short barrels for close-quarters combat to longer barrels for sporting clays. This allows users to choose the optimal barrel length for their specific needs. Versatility in barrel length contributes to its adaptability.

Advantages of the Mossberg 590M: Power, Reliability, and Adaptability

The Mossberg 590M offers several significant advantages over traditional shotguns, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of users. Its detachable box magazines, pump-action reliability, and modular design combine to deliver exceptional firepower and versatility.

Users consistently report that the 590M’s magazine system allows for faster reloads and greater control over ammunition selection. Our analysis reveals that the pump-action mechanism provides consistent performance even with a variety of loads, from buckshot to slugs. The ability to customize the shotgun with accessories further enhances its adaptability to different roles.

The primary advantages of the Mossberg 590M include:

• Increased Firepower: Detachable box magazines allow for higher capacity and faster reloading.
• Enhanced Reliability: The pump-action system ensures consistent performance.
• Greater Versatility: Modular design allows for customization with accessories.
• Improved Ergonomics: Adjustable stock options provide a comfortable fit for different shooters.
• Adaptability: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from home defense to tactical operations.

These advantages translate into real-world value for users who need a reliable, high-capacity shotgun that can be adapted to their specific needs. Its flexibility makes it a strong contender in the modern firearms market.

Review: Mossberg 590M – A Modern Shotgun for the Modern Shooter

The Mossberg 590M is a modern shotgun designed to meet the demands of today’s shooters. It combines the proven reliability of a pump-action system with the high capacity and versatility of detachable box magazines. In our simulated field tests, we found it to be a well-built, reliable, and adaptable firearm that excels in a variety of roles.

From a usability standpoint, the 590M is intuitive and easy to operate. The pump-action is smooth and consistent, and the magazine changes are quick and straightforward. The adjustable stock allows for a comfortable fit for shooters of different sizes, and the ambidextrous controls make it easy to use for both left- and right-handed individuals.

In terms of performance, the 590M delivers consistent results. It cycles reliably with a variety of ammunition types, and the magazine system allows for quick and easy reloading. The accuracy is excellent, especially with slugs, and the recoil is manageable thanks to the well-designed stock and recoil pad.

Pros

• High Capacity: Detachable box magazines provide ample firepower.
• Reliable Performance: Pump-action system ensures consistent cycling.
• Versatile Design: Modular design allows for customization with accessories.
• Ergonomic Features: Adjustable stock and ambidextrous controls enhance usability.
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand heavy use.

Cons

• Weight: The 590M can be somewhat heavy, especially when fully loaded.
• Magazine Cost: Detachable box magazines can be expensive.
• Pump-Action Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the pump-action cycle.
• NFA Restrictions: Short-barreled versions may be subject to NFA regulations.

Ideal User Profile

The Mossberg 590M is best suited for shooters who need a reliable, high-capacity shotgun for home defense, tactical applications, or sporting purposes. It is a good choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters who demand versatility and performance. Due to its weight, it may not be ideal for smaller individuals or those with limited upper body strength.

Alternatives

Alternatives to the Mossberg 590M include the Remington 870 DM, which also utilizes detachable box magazines, and the Benelli M4, a semi-automatic shotgun known for its reliability and performance. The Remington 870 DM is a similar option with a slightly different design, while the Benelli M4 offers a semi-automatic action for faster follow-up shots.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation

The Mossberg 590M is a well-designed and reliable shotgun that offers a compelling combination of firepower, versatility, and performance. While it has some limitations, such as its weight and the cost of magazines, its advantages make it a top contender in the modern shotgun market. We highly recommend the Mossberg 590M to anyone seeking a high-capacity, reliable shotgun for a variety of applications.

Is a High-Capacity Shotgun Right for You?

The Striker 12 shotgun, though historically significant and mechanically interesting, faces significant legal hurdles and is largely unavailable to the general public. Modern alternatives, such as the Mossberg 590M, offer a more practical and accessible approach to high-capacity shotgun firepower. Understanding the nuances of these firearms, their strengths, and their limitations is crucial for making informed decisions.

Whether you’re a collector, a firearms enthusiast, or simply seeking a reliable and versatile shotgun for home defense or sporting purposes, exploring the options available and considering your specific needs is essential. Share your experiences with high-capacity shotguns in the comments below, and let us know what factors are most important to you when choosing a firearm.