MPS AA12 Machine Shotgun/FRAG-12 Grenade Weapon System

The Atchisson Assault Shotgun, also known as, Auto Assault-12 (AA-12) was a firearm first developed in 1972 by Maxwell Atchisson. It served as the basis of several later weapons, including the USAS-12 combat shotgun. The weapon could fire in semi automatic or fully automatic modes. MPS version In 1987, Max Atchisson sold the rights of AA-12 to Jerry Baber of Military Police Systems, Inc. The company in turn developed the successor simply known as Auto Assault-12, which was redesigned over a period of 18 years with 188 changes and improvements to the original blueprint. MPS also teamed up with Action Manufacturing Company, and Special Cartridge Company to combine the gun with FRAG-12 High-Explosive ammunition into a weapon system. In 2004, 10 firing models of the AA-12 were produced and demonstrated to United States Marine Corps. Changes The weapon was shortened to 966mm but retained same barrel length as the original, and lightened to 4.76kg. The CQB model has 13-inch barrel length, and is half a pound lighter than the regular model. It uses 8-round box, 20-round drum, or 32-round drum magazines, as opposed to the original 5-round box magazine. It is designed to fire three different types of 3" 12 gauge shells: Buckshot, slug, or Frag-12 rounds. MPS has claimed that the weapon requires zero cleaning or lubrication. Media Coverage The MPS version was featured on the March 19, 2007 episode of Future Weapons. STATISTICS: Atchisson assault shotgun Type Combat shotgun Place of origin United States Production history Designer Maxwell Atchisson Designed 2006 Specifications Weight 5.2 kg less magazine. 7.3 kg with loaded 20-round drum Length 991 mm length 457 mm