Similarities to the SCAR
Other than the shape, the SCR has a few more similarities to a FN SCAR. For instance, it is gas-operated and has an adjustable gas system. The gas port is located near the front of the handguard. You adjust the gas setting by either pushing in the button to open or pulling it out to close down the port for high-velocity ammo.
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The Panzer also has a polymer upper and lower, and this version has a fantastic FDE Multicam paint job.
Finally, the Panzer’s charging handle is in about the same location as on the SCAR, and it is reciprocating and reversible. Early production FN SCARs had reciprocating charging handles. As with an FN, it is easy to switch the charging handle to the other side of the gun. Pull it and it pops out, then you just push it into the other side. I installed it on the right side because I did want the movement of the handle to interfere with my support hand grip.
Features
Starting at the front, the big muzzle brake works fairly well to tame recoil. I mean, it’s still a shotgun, but the muzzle brake combined with the gas system makes the gun easy to control even with high power loads.
Under the brake is an interchangeable choke system. The SCR XII comes with three chokes. The barrel itself is 18.5 inches, and the upper is monolithic just like a FN SCAR. A top Picatinny rail runs the length entire length of the gun, while the bottom Pic rail runs the length of the handguard. Plus, there are short sections of Pic at 3 and 9 o’clock.
This is where I ran into my first issue with this gun. The Pic rails were out of spec. The channels are too narrow, and I was not able to install the red dot I wanted. I tried a few different mounts, and only one sort of worked. So, I just stuck with using the included flip-up polymer sights.
The package also includes an angled foregrip, which adds to comfort and helps with control. The stock is fixed, so it doesn’t fold like an FN SCAR. The length of pull is also not adjustable, but the cheekpiece can be raised for different height scopes and sights and different face shapes.
Controls
Controls are standard AR-15 controls, except for the magazine release button, which is accessible on both sides of the shotgun.
The SCR XII comes with two five-round magazines. The mags do lock the action open when the last round is fired. The trigger feels mil-spec. It is single-stage and broke at around 5 pounds. The re-set was long.
Shooting Impressions
Accuracy was great, even with the mil-spec trigger. I got a touching group with slugs at 25 yards.
Recoil was standard for a shotgun. At 9 pounds, The SCR XII is not light or heavy. It swings well, is handy, and because of the AR format, it is intuitive to control.
Reliability is the biggest downside to the Panzer. These Turkish-made shotguns have a spotty reputation: some run great, but some are lemons. I’ve found they usually run heavier loads better. This one had a break-in period, but after a few boxes of full-power ammo, it started to smooth out and run reliably. I only used the fully open gas setting.
My other issue was over-inserting the magazines. The mags themselves worked well; however, I found that if I slammed the mags in, I could over-insert them and induce a malfunction. Just be aware of this and don’t be overly aggressive when you insert the mag.
Conclusion
The big question is: how long will this gun run? That’s the tradeoff with a budget shotgun. Right now in December 2024, it’s going for around $400 on Guns.com.
It’s not built to be a bomb-proof combat shotgun or a competition workhorse. It’s designed as a fun shotgun suitable for backyard antics and the occasional hunting trip. I think it would make a good home defense gun once it has been broken in and you are confident with it. For these tasks, the Panzer Arms SCR 12 is a bargain, and I can guarantee you’ll enjoy it.
