You can't fit a shotgun in a backpack. You can't tuck one under a truck seat. You can't stash one in a small safe without dominating the entire space.
Until now. Meet the RIA-USA PAK-OUT, the viral folding shotgun that's made right in the United States.When was the last time a single firearm dominated an entire trade show? At SHOT Show 2026, the Rock Island Armory PAK-OUT didn't just turn heads — it stopped traffic. While most booths fielded the usual "what's new?" questions, the Armscor booth saw something different: people walking up specifically asking to see "that folding shotgun."
"I don't think we've seen this kind of reception at SHOT Show for a product in a while," said John McClain from Team Armscor. "Word of mouth was sending people to our booth to check out that particular shotgun."
The buzz wasn't confined to the show floor. Search traffic spiked, social media exploded with videos, and yes — skeptics even claimed the footage was AI-generated. (It wasn't. Hundreds of actual videos from SHOT Show attendees proved it was very real.)
The skepticism is understandable. Most "revolutionary" firearms aren't. But sometimes something genuinely different comes along, and the PAK-OUT earned its viral moment.
So what makes the PAK-OUT different?
A Folding Design That Actually Works
Produced by RIA-USA in Cedar City, Utah, these 12-gauge firearms fold in a way most shooters have never seen before. The receiver breaks open in half, allowing the entire gun to collapse into something small enough to disappear into a backpack or vehicle storage compartment.
But here's what matters: it's not just a gimmick. The spring-assisted pump action keeps the system locked and in place when folded. When you're ready to deploy, the gun unfolds and locks solid.
"On the showroom floor, those guns got beat," said John. "Hundreds of people every hour for four days, folding it up, throwing it out so it unfolds in their hands. People wanted to be the Terminator. They were literally throwing the gun back into place to lock it."
The result? Thousands of folds and unfolds over four days. A couple of screws came loose here and there — regular maintenance for any hard-working firearm — but no failures. No guns pulled off the floor.
Two Models: Short vs. Long
The PAK-OUT comes in two versions, each designed for different needs.
PAK-OUT Long
The Long is a full 12-gauge shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel. Unfolded, it measures 37.25 inches. Folded, it compacts down to about 26 inches. It features a side-folding adjustable stock, the same spring-assisted pump action, and the same 4+1 capacity (unless you're running 3-inch shells, which drops capacity to 3+1).
Both versions share the same core receiver design. The differences are in everything before and after it: barrel length, stock configuration, and overall dimensions.
PAK-OUT Short
The Short is a 12-gauge firearm (not a shotgun, and not an NFA item — no tax stamp required). At 26.75 inches unfolded, it folds down to just 18.5 inches with a 14.25-inch barrel. It weighs only 2.3 pounds. That makes it one of the most packable defensive firearms you can legally own.
It features what's called an F grip instead of a traditional stock, holds 4+1 rounds, and delivers serious 12-gauge firepower in an incredibly small package. The Short works for truck guns, backpacks, camping, and close-quarters defense, where space is at a premium.
Real-World Applications
At SHOT Show, people weren't just handling the PAK-OUT for fun. They were already thinking through real applications.
Vehicle Storage and Truck Gun
- A full-size shotgun doesn't fit discreetly in a vehicle
- The PAK-OUT folds to fit in center consoles, under seats, or storage compartments
- No need to advertise what you're carrying
Camping and Backpacking
- Provides serious firepower in bear or wildlife territory
- Solves the public land hunting problem: when crossing private property easements, firearms must be cased and inaccessible
- No rifle case required, no unpacking and repacking
Home Defense with Compact Storage
- Stores in nightstands, closet shelves, or handgun-sized quick-access safes
- Delivers 12-gauge stopping power without needing a full gun safe
- No shotgun leaning in the corner
Emergency Prep and Go Bags
- The PAK-OUT Long folds small enough to fit alongside other essential gear
- Doesn't force you to choose between protection and supplies
- Serious defensive tool without dominating bag space
Where to find them
The PAK-OUT Short runs around $600 MSRP. The PAK-OUT Long is around $650 MSRP.
Both are available through Rock Island Armory dealers. Use the dealer locator to find one near you, or check with your local firearms retailer about availability.
The bottom line
The firearms world doesn't get genuinely excited very often. When it does, there's usually a reason.
The PAK-OUT solves real problems: how to store a shotgun in limited space, how to carry serious firepower without bulk, how to stay legal and prepared during land crossings, and how to have a defensive firearm that doesn't dominate your living space.
It's not trying to be everything to everyone. It's trying to be the right tool for people who need a 12-gauge that folds, deploys fast, and works reliably.
