EMG Genesis ARMS GEN-12 AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU

If you like the AR-like styling of the GEN-12 shotgun but want no compromise when it comes to range and available upgrades, the EMG Genesis ARMS GEN-12 AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU should be your next buy. This full-metal AEG replicates the real steel GEN-12 shotgun, of which the Dracarys variant has been seen in a popular movie franchise we all know and love. This is not that variant but looks awesome and menacing in its own way.

Inside the GEN-12, we have an almost standard M4/AR-15 AEG, compatible with any aftermarket upgrade with the only hurdle being magazine compatibility. We doubt this will hold you back, however, as the GEN-12 comes with a gigantic 900rnd high-cap magazine, suitably sized to mimic the real 10-round 12 guage magazine of the real GEN-12. If you like a unique platform with proven internals and near-unlimited access to aftermarket upgrades, the EMG Genesis ARMS GEN-12 AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU fits the bill!

Starting at the front, we have an insanely aggressive muzzle choke-style flash hider, complete with multiple ports around its circumference and a spiked front end designed for breaching doors. The flash hider is attached purely via its threading, no grub screw or other mounting device and it comes preinstalled on the platform. The choke is constructed from alloy and a big part of the GEN-12 look but can be replaced with any 14mm CCW male threaded muzzle device, including tracer units and suppressors.

The muzzle choke sits slightly recessed into the M-LOK handguard, providing an integral look and sleek exterior. The handguard itself is constructed from CNC machined aluminium and offers M-LOK negative space attachment slots at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions along with additional slots at the offset angles, ready for M-LOK accessories or 20mm Picatinny rail adapters for M-LOK. Running along the top, we have a 20mm Picatinny rail which integrates with the receiver rail seamlessly, allowing optical sights, PEQ lasers, magnifiers and all manner of other accessories to be mounted with no shortage of space.

Moving rearwards, we come to the receiver which is a perfect match for the real Genesis Arms GEN-12, finished in black with accurate Gen-12 markings on both sides. The controls layout is a perfect match for the M4/AR-15, meaning if you're accustomed to the M4 platform you will have practically no extra learning to master the GEN-12. The trigger guard is enlarged to allow gloved users easy access to the trigger, and the fire selector is ambidextrous, present in the usual spot above the pistol grip and offering 3 modes of fire; safe, semi-automatic and full-automatic.

The magazine release is located on the right side of the magwell, right where we would expect it, and is an M4/AR-15 style push-through design which is easily accessible from a firing grip. The bolt release catch is a modern skeletonised design on the centre left of the receiver, allowing you to close the mock bolt following HOP-up adjustment with a satisfying metal-on-metal "clank".

The upper receiver is where things depart slightly from the original M4/AR-15, boasting what is known as a "side-charger" configuration. This means the usual "T" rear charging handle of the AR platform is gone, replaced by removable charging handles which can be mounted on either side, or both. The charging handles are supplied separately in the box and come with a pair of bolts and an Allen key for installation. When installed, pulling either of the handles back will retract the highly detailed 12 gauge style bolt carrier with its attractive, fluted surface, revealing the rotary HOP-up adjuster on the right side.

The HOP-up unit is a standard M4/AR-15 rotary unit, meaning compatibility with aftermarket buckings, nubs and barrels is a go for the range and accuracy seekers. Adjustments are applied via the rotary dial, allowing you to tune the GEN-12 for your chosen ammo weight, looking for the flattest possible trajectory. As mentioned, when your adjustment is complete, slap the bolt catch to send the mock bolt back into battery.

The pistol grip boasts an ergonomic design with a filled backstrap to support the web of the hand, the grip angle is also refined, reducing wrist fatigue when shooting with the stock fully collapsed. If you have a preferred grip we are happy to state that it is M4/AR-15 AEG pistol grip compatible The pre-installed baseplate is nice and solid, with a large motor height adjustment screw for easy motor tuning. Motor-wise, the GEN-12 AEG uses a long shaft motor, meaning plenty of options for replacements and upgrades.

Bringing up the rear, we have a familiar sight; the good old M4/AR-15 buffer tube. This 6-position alloy buffer tube is compatible with most aftermarket M4/AR-15 stocks and also serves as the battery compartment. The stock itself is patterned after the real steel "Gunfighter MOD.2" rifle stock, boasting a low profile adjustment lever, QD sling socket on each side, a conventional sling slot and a sloped cheekpiece. This stock design is fantastic and we doubt you'll want to change it, but having the option is always a bonus!

Accessing the battery compartment will require a small tool to be inserted through the hole in the adjustment lever while the adjustment lever is held down (we used a small screwdriver). With this done, pull your tool downwards from both sides and the stock should slide off to the rear. Inside the buffer tube, you will find a Deans connector to which you mount your choice of battery. We recommend a 7.4V 1200mAh LiPo battery in a stick configuration for an easy fit and fantastic performance.

On the inside, the GEN-12 AEG boasts basic but proven internals, built around the common version 2 gearbox equipped with 18:1 ratio steel gears and 8mm ball bearing bushings, opening up plenty of opportunity for future upgrades. The HOP-up unit is a rotary M4/AR-15 HOP-up unit paired with a 6.02mm tightbore inner barrel, giving you the edge in accuracy and a slight raise in FPS using the same power spring. Basic though the internals may be, we found the trigger response to be impressive on a 7.4V LiPo battery, ideal for CQB.

Also present inside the latest version of the GEN-12 is the Kestrel Basic ETU/MOSFET from Eshooter, offering 6 levels of adjustable pre-cocking, options for 3-round burst and binary trigger along with low battery warning, cycle completion, active braking and low/high voltage cutoff. This means you can crank up the trigger response for super fast double taps or run SAFE-SEMI-3RND BURST fire controls, using the 3-round burst mode to simulate shotgun firepower! 

If you want to complete the Baba Yaga loadout with a lesser-seen platform everyone on site will have questions about, you need the EMG Genesis ARMS GEN-12 AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU Version! With the aesthetics of a 12 gauge shotgun but the reliability and aftermarket upgrade options of a standard M4 AEG with a Kestrel Basic ETU as the icing on the cake, we are drooling over the true performance and aesthetic potential of the GEN-12 AEG!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Licenced Taran Tactical Innovations trademarks from EMG - Sexy!
• 6.02mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Muzzle choke included - Menacing looks, just like the real thing
• M-LOK handguard - M-LOK slots at 3, 6, & 9 o'clock
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for a red dot sight or scope, seamless integration with the handguard rail
• Flared magazine well - Helps guide your magazine in for speedy and intuitive reloads
• Ambidextrous fire selector switch - Great for left or right-handed shooters
• Ambidextrous side charging handles - Included in the box, easy HOP-up access for left or right-handed shooters
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Accessible when the bolt is locked back via the charging handles
• Enlarged trigger guard - Easy access to the trigger even when wearing thick gloves
• Ergonomic pistol grip - Reduced grip angle with filled-out backstrap for comfort
• 6 Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Compatible with aftermarket M4/AR-15 AEG stocks
• Gunfighter MOD.2 style stock - Sloped cheekpiece for comfort, textured butt plate for traction
• Version 2 gearbox:
  • 18:1 Steel Gearset
  • 8mm Ball bearing bushings
  • Kestrel Basic ETU
• Kestrel Basic MOSFET/ETU functions:
  • Binary Trigger
  • 3-Round burst
  • Active braking
  • Low/high voltage cutoff
  • Low battery warning
• Rear wired: Deans/T-Plug connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1200mAh LiPo battery Stick configuration
• Compatible with EMG/Double Bell JW4 Gen-12 Dracarys AEG magazines - NOT compatible with M4/AR-15 mags

Package Includes

• EMG Genesis ARMS GEN-12 AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU
• 900rnd High-cap Magazine