The AA-12 (Atchisson Assault Shotgun) is a fully automatic, gas-operated weapon designed to deliver rapid fire with minimal recoil. In Call of Duty, it is portrayed as a magazine-fed shotgun with a steady fire rate and moderate recoil, ideal for close-quarters engagements.
Unlike most shotguns that reload shell by shell, the AA-12 reloads entire magazines at once. This allows players to stay in the fight longer without being vulnerable mid-reload. Its fully automatic fire gives it unmatched suppression in tight spaces, but the weapon’s high fire rate quickly burns through ammo. Learn everything about the AA-12 in Call of Duty, including its history, stats, attachments, and how it performs across campaigns.
Table of Contents
The AA-12 in Modern Warfare 2
The AA-12 made its first major appearance in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009). It could be found in several campaign missions such as “The Only Easy Day… Was Yesterday,” “The Gulag,” and “Loose Ends.” In these levels, it was used effectively to clear corridors and rooms filled with enemies.
Campaign and Performance
In the campaign, the AA-12 fired at 705 rounds per minute and offered excellent stopping power. Its strength came at a cost — the weapon’s high rate of fire meant that ammo was depleted quickly, making precision and reload timing critical.
Multiplayer Stats
In multiplayer, the AA-12 became available at level 18. It fired eight pellets per shot with a damage profile of 20–15 per pellet, dealing no damage beyond 12.5 meters. Five pellets were needed for a one-shot kill at close range. Players could double the magazine capacity from 8 to 16 rounds using Extended Mags, though it left them without spare ammo unless using Scavenger Pro.
Stopping Power improved its damage, allowing four pellets to kill within 7.5 meters. Despite the short range, the AA-12’s fully automatic fire rate of 400 RPM made it lethal in close combat. Its moderate recoil and wide hip-fire spread encouraged players to aim down sights to improve accuracy by about 10%.
Attachments
The AA-12 supported common shotgun attachments such as the Red Dot Sight, Silencer, Grip, FMJ, Holographic Sight, and Extended Magazines. The Grip had an unusual function, reducing the time it took to switch to the weapon instead of improving recoil.
The AA-12 in Modern Warfare 3
The AA-12 returned in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) with a darker design and cosmetic details like a new grip, spare shell holder, and improved sights. It was used by several factions, including Delta Force and the Inner Circle, and appeared in missions such as “Hunter Killer” and “Turbulence.”
Multiplayer Details
Unlocked at level 26, the AA-12 retained its automatic fire mode with a rate of 400 RPM and a base magazine of eight shells. At close range, it dealt 15 damage per pellet, dropping to 5 damage at 11.25 meters. This meant seven pellets were required to kill within 6.25 meters, making it effective only in very short-range situations.
Despite its spread and limited range, its fast reload animation and steady handling kept it viable for players who preferred mobility. The AA-12 maintained 100% base movement speed, with a 40% strafe speed when aiming. Reloads took 2.75 seconds (3.58 when empty), and players could reload-cancel after two seconds.
Attachments and Proficiencies
Players could equip the AA-12 with the Silencer, Red Dot Sight, Holographic Sight, Extended Mags, and Grip. The weapon’s Grip once again shortened the switch time rather than reducing recoil. Weapon proficiencies like Kick, Focus, Range, and Damage made it more flexible, especially in Survival Mode.
Special Ops and Survival
In Special Ops missions like “Milehigh Jack” and “Over Reactor,” the AA-12 appeared as a secondary weapon. In Survival Mode, it was unlocked at level 44 and cost $5000. It was effective against groups of enemies but struggled in later waves due to limited range and slow reload speed. Players often replaced it with heavier weapons past higher-tier enemies.
The AA-12 in Modern Warfare (2019)
In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), the AA-12 returned under a new name — the JAK-12. It was introduced in the Season Six update and manufactured in-game by JAK and XRK. This version was the most customizable in the franchise, offering new ammunition types and attachments.
Stats and Variants
The JAK-12 fired 12-gauge shells at 339 RPM with an 8-round magazine, expandable to 20 or 32 with attachments. It had a 3.3-meter one-shot range, with damage dropping off entirely after 22.5 meters. Players could choose between standard shells, Dragon’s Breath incendiary rounds, FRAG-12 explosive slugs, or 12-gauge slugs for long-range precision.
Attachments and Customization
The JAK-12 supported a full range of attachments, including:
- Barrels: ZLR J-2800 Influx, JAK Urban King, ZLR J-3600 Torrent
- Muzzles: Monolithic Suppressor, FORGE TAC Marauder, Compensator
- Magazines: 20 or 32-round drums, FRAG-12, or Dragon’s Breath
- Optics and Stocks: Multiple reflex and holographic sights, ZLR Tsunami, and FSS Power Wrap
Its reload time was 1.64 seconds, faster than earlier versions. The weapon’s modular system turned it into a close-range powerhouse or a pseudo-rifle depending on setup.
The JAK-12 in Call of Duty: Mobile
The JAK-12 arrived in Call of Duty: Mobile in 2022 during Season 2: Task Force 141. It retained the fast fire rate and high close-range power of its console counterpart, with an 8-round base magazine and up to 25-round drums. The weapon excelled at clearing enclosed spaces but suffered from extreme damage drop-off past five meters.
Multiplayer and Battle Royale
In multiplayer, the JAK-12’s damage profile varied by ammunition. It fired 12 pellets per shot with 16–5 base damage, and up to 87 damage per pellet with slugs. Players could use the FRAG-12 Explosive Mag, which caused an explosion on impact but reduced fire rate and consistency. In Battle Royale, it was best used in close encounters, shredding armor and health but quickly losing effectiveness at range.
Notable Details and Trivia
- In Modern Warfare 2, when the AA-12 had a Heartbeat Sensor equipped, the empty magazine was visibly thrown away during reload — a unique animation detail.
- The Modern Warfare (2019) and Mobile versions use black shotgun shells, a stylistic departure from the red shells seen in earlier games.
- The MW3 model featured markings reading “Knights Armor INC RS400 Rail” on its top rail, referencing its fictional in-universe manufacturer.
The AA-12’s Legacy in Call of Duty
Across its many appearances, the AA-12 has remained one of the most distinctive shotguns in Call of Duty. Its automatic fire, steady handling, and rapid reload made it a favorite for close-range specialists. Though often limited by range and ammo consumption, it consistently rewards aggressive play and positioning.
The AA-12’s transition into the JAK-12 showcased Call of Duty’s growing focus on customization. From the tight corridors of Modern Warfare 2 to the versatile gunsmith of Modern Warfare (2019), the AA-12’s evolution reflects how weapon systems have advanced within the franchise.
Its legacy continues in both classic and modern titles — a weapon that perfectly captures the thrill and chaos of close-quarters combat.
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