Monolith Arms P-12

The Monolith Arms P-12 is an American prototype shotgun developed by Brian F. Abbott in 2005 under the banner of Monolith Arms. It was designed as a bullpup, pump-action shotgun with a unique 20-round detachable box magazine, inspired by the design of the FN P90. The P-12 never reached mass production and remains a singular prototype in private possession.
Design and Features
The P-12 was developed to offer a high-capacity, compact shotgun suitable for tactical and defense use. It featured a bullpup configuration, which allowed the overall length of the firearm to be shortened without reducing the barrel length. The primary innovation of the P-12 was its top-mounted, horizontally positioned magazine, similar to the FN P90, allowing for a high-capacity feed of 20 rounds of 12-gauge shells.<ref name="FirearmBlog" />
Key specifications of the P-12 include:
* Type: Shotgun
* Caliber: 12-gauge
* Action: Pump-action
* Overall Length: 26.3 inches (67 cm)
* Barrel Length: 18 inches (46 cm)
* Weight: 8.0 pounds (3.6 kg)
* Feed System: 20-round detachable box magazine
The P-12 incorporated a blend of custom-made and off-the-shelf parts, including standard fire control group components and Saiga shotgun magazine springs. This approach was intended to facilitate easier maintenance and compatibility with existing firearm components.<ref name="Instagram" />
Development and Prototyping
The P-12 was primarily constructed using 3D printing technologies, making it one of the first firearms to utilize this manufacturing method for prototyping.<ref name"Instagram" /> and processes were used for components like the receiver and magazine housing, while metal components such as the bolt and barrel were likely produced using traditional machining or .<ref name"AR15" />
Challenges
The P-12's top-mounted magazine posed significant design challenges, particularly in ensuring reliable feeding of rimmed 12-gauge shells in a double-stack configuration.<ref name"Instagram" /> The magazine system was eventually made functional, but the overall design still faced challenges with brand alignment and market acceptance.<ref name"FirearmBlog" /> Despite interest from a major firearm manufacturer, the P-12 was ultimately shelved and never entered production.<ref name="AR15" />
Legacy
Although the Monolith Arms P-12 was never commercially released, it influenced the development of high-capacity, bullpup shotguns that appeared later on the market, such as the Kel-Tec KSG and the UTAS UTS-15.<ref name"FirearmBlog" /> Its early use of 3D printing for prototyping set a precedent for future firearms development and rapid prototyping in the industry.<ref name"Instagram" />

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