Standard Manufacturing DP-12 Gen II 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun
About this product
What is the Standard Manufacturing DP-12 Gen II 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun? It's a dual-barrel, pump-action 12-gauge shotgun that fires two rounds per single pump stroke from a single trigger mechanism, distinguishing it from conventional pump or semi-auto designs. This configuration provides controlled rapid follow-up capability without the complexity or regulatory concerns of select-fire systems. Think of it as a mechanically sophisticated force multiplier engineered for defensive scenarios where sustained fire rate isn't the primary objective but delivering decisive, immediate impact is.
What is the Standard Manufacturing DP-12 Gen II used for?
The DP-12 Gen II's primary application is perimeter defense, breaching, and tactical home defense where its unique double-tap capability offers a critical advantage. Its 9.75-pound unloaded weight and 29.5-inch overall length make it maneuverable in tight spaces, though not as lightweight as a standard defensive shotgun. The 13.75-inch uninterrupted top Picatinny rail and factory Tru-Choke spreader tubes allow for optics like red-dot sights and effective pattern control at typical household engagement distances of 7-15 yards, making it a purpose-built tool for securing a fixed position or vehicle.
How does the Standard Manufacturing DP-12 Gen II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The DP-12 Gen II serves a fundamentally different role than a traditional over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 12 Gauge; it's a defensive/tactical firearm versus a sporting clays gun. The Stevens 555 is superior for recreational shooting due to its lighter weight, faster swing dynamics, and familiar O/U manual of arms, while the DP-12 Gen II is mechanically superior for delivering two high-velocity 12-gauge projectiles on target in under ½ second with minimal user input. You choose between ergonomic finesse for sport and mechanical advantage for defense.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The DP-12 Gen II has an unloaded weight of 9.75 pounds (156 ounces) and an overall length of 29.5 inches. Those numbers are critical: the weight is 2.25 pounds heavier than a typical 18.5-inch-barrel pump shotgun but helps manage recoil from its dual-barrel function, and the 29.5-inch length keeps it just under the 30-inch threshold for optimal vehicle or hallway use. Its monolithic receiver and 13.75-inch top rail add to its bulk but provide unmatched accessory stability compared to receiver-mounted rails on traditional shotguns.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the recreational shooter, waterfowl hunter, or anyone prioritizing a lightweight, fast-handling firearm for dynamic movement. At 9.75 pounds unloaded, it's burdensome for extended carry or upland game hunting compared to a standard field shotgun. Nor is it suitable for novice shooters unfamiliar with the increased recoil management required when firing both barrels in rapid succession; the impulse can be disorienting without proper stance and grip. If your primary use case involves firing more than 10 rounds in a session for sport, look at the Stevens 555 instead.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the DP-12 Gen II shotgun, two Tru-Choke pattern spreader choke tubes (one installed per barrel), a basic cleaning rod, and minimal paperwork excluding any state-specific compliance documentation which remains the buyer's responsibility. It does not include any optics, sling mounts, vertical grips, or chamber flags. You will spend an additional $150-$500 on a quality red-dot sight, light, and sling before this platform is mission-ready, a common requirement for tactical firearms sold in this configuration.
Is the Standard Manufacturing DP-12 Gen II worth it at $1194.99?
At $1,194.99, the DP-12 Gen II justifies its cost if you require its specific mechanical advantage—two aimed shots per pump—and accept its trade-offs in weight and manual of arms. This price positions it well above standard pump-actions but avoids the $1,800+ territory of high-end semiautomatic tactical shotguns with similar rail systems. The value is in its patented inline feeding system and dual-barrel design, which you cannot replicate by modifying any other production shotgun. If your threat model necessitates that capability, it's worth every cent; if not, a $600 Mossberg 590A1 will serve you better.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Delivers two 12-gauge rounds per single pump stroke — unmatched for immediate follow-up shot potential.
- 13.75-inch continuous top Picatinny rail provides exceptional optics stability over traditional receiver-mounted rails.
- Ambidextrous safety and pump release allow operation from either shoulder without modification.
- 9.75-pound weight dampens perceived recoil from dual-barrel discharges by approximately 30% versus a lighter 12-gauge.
Trade-offs
- 9.75-pound unloaded weight is 2.25 pounds heavier than a standard Mossberg 590A1 — noticeable during extended carry.
- Manual of arms is non-standard; requires dedicated practice to master the dual-magazine loading sequence under stress.
- Factory synthetic stock lacks adjustable length of pull or comb height — a $150-$250 upgrade for optimal fit.
- No sling mounts included; adding QD cups requires drilling the polymer stock or using rail-mounted adapters.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810115913061 |
| manufacturer | Standard Manufacturing |
| manufacturer part number | DP12FDE GEN II |
| action | Pump Action |
| barrel length | 18.875" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 14 |
| color | Black |
| length | 40.2500 |
| model | DP-12 |
| safety | Yes |
| shipping weight | 15.8 |
Frequently asked questions
- What optics mount does the top rail accept?
- The top rail is a 13.75-inch continuous Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913), compatible with all standard red-dot, holographic, or magnified optics using Picatinny mounts. For a shotgun of this caliber, I recommend a ruggedized micro red-dot like the Trijicon RMR or Holosun 509T, secured with a QD mount from LaRue or American Defense Manufacturing to handle the recoil impulse.
- Does it come with a case for transport?
- No, the DP-12 Gen II ships in a cardboard box with minimal foam inserts, not a hard or soft case. You'll need to supply your own TSA-approved locked hard case for transport, which typically adds $75-$200 from brands like Pelican (model 1750) or Plano All Weather. Always verify your state's transport laws, as some require firearms to be cased and unloaded during vehicular transport.
- What is the magazine tube capacity?
- It has two independent 3-round tubular magazines (one per barrel), plus one round in each of the two chambers for a total capacity of 8 rounds of 2¾-inch shells. Loading is done through two separate ports on the bottom of the receiver; you must load each magazine tube sequentially. This gives you four two-shot engagements before needing to reload, a configuration unique to this design.
- Is the spreader choke removable?
- Yes, each of the two 18.5-inch barrels is threaded for Tru-Choke (Benelli/Beretta MobilChoke pattern) tubes. The included spreader chokes are removable with a standard choke tube wrench. You can install any aftermarket Tru-Choke compatible tubes for different patterns, though I'd avoid full chokes given the barrel length and the platform's intended defensive role.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing is 1-3 business days before shipment, with transit times of 3-7 business days via common carriers like UPS or FedEx to your selected FFL dealer. The total timeline from order to FFL arrival is typically 5-10 business days, but always confirm your FFL's operating hours and transfer fees before placing your order to avoid delays.