In the ever-evolving world of firearms, the Orthos Joker 12 gauge shotgun has emerged as a standout contender, captivating the attention of enthusiasts, tactical shooters, and gear aficionados alike. This magazine-fed tactical shotgun promises to redefine the way we approach close-quarters combat and home defense scenarios. Join us as we delve into a comprehensive review of the Orthos Joker, exploring its features, performance, and why it might just be the next must-have addition to your firearms collection.
The Orthos Joker has been a highly anticipated release, with the company teasing its development for nearly two years. During this time, the Orthos team has meticulously refined and perfected the design, ensuring that the final product meets the high standards set by their brand. As a trusted manufacturer of reliable and well-performing firearms, Orthos has built a reputation for delivering exceptional quality, and the Joker is no exception.
At the heart of the Joker is its 11-inch barrel, which sets it apart from traditional shotgun designs. This compact configuration, combined with its magazine-fed operation, makes the Joker a formidable close-quarters weapon. The shotgun is available in two variants: the SPS (Stabilizing Pistol Brace) version and the pistol brace model, both of which offer adjustable length-of-pull options to accommodate a wide range of shooters.
One of the standout features of the Orthos Joker is its ability to reliably handle a wide range of 12 gauge ammunition, from low-brass 8-shot loads to high-powered double-ought buckshot and rifle slugs. During the extensive testing conducted by the Texas Gun Experience team, the Joker demonstrated flawless performance, cycling through a variety of ammunition without a single malfunction.
The Joker’s magazine-fed design sets it apart from traditional tube-fed shotguns, offering increased capacity and faster reloads. The shotgun ships with both 5-round and 10-round magazines, providing users with options to suit their specific needs. While the team encountered some minor issues with a 20-round drum magazine, the box magazines proved to be reliable and easy to use.
One of the standout features of the Orthos Joker is its fully ambidextrous design, catering to both right-handed and left-handed shooters. The magazine release, bolt catch, and charging handle can all be operated from either side of the firearm, ensuring seamless handling and control regardless of the shooter’s dominant hand.
The Joker’s ergonomics have been carefully considered, with the inclusion of a B5 vertical foregrip and grip. These components provide a comfortable and secure hold, allowing for precise control and recoil management, even during rapid-fire scenarios. The adjustable pistol brace or stock further enhances the Joker’s versatility, enabling users to customize the length of pull to their individual preferences.
Accuracy is a crucial aspect of any firearm, and the Orthos Joker delivers on this front. The shotgun’s 11-inch chrome-lined barrel, combined with its gas-operated action, ensures consistent and reliable performance. During the range testing, the team was able to achieve impressive accuracy, even when engaging targets at longer distances.
The Joker’s ability to accommodate a variety of choke options further enhances its versatility. The shotgun ships with three interchangeable Benelli-style chokes, allowing users to tailor the shot pattern to their specific needs, whether they’re engaging close-quarters targets or reaching out to longer ranges.
One of the primary concerns with any 12 gauge shotgun is the recoil impulse, which can be particularly challenging in a compact platform like the Joker. However, the Orthos team has addressed this issue through their thoughtful design and gas system tuning.
During the range testing, the team observed that the Joker’s recoil was remarkably manageable, with the shotgun recoiling straight back into the shooter’s shoulder. This smooth and controlled recoil can be attributed to the Joker’s gas system, which effectively mitigates the felt impulse.
To further enhance the Joker’s performance, the team experimented with various muzzle devices. The Dissident Arms competition-style brake proved to be the standout, providing an exceptionally soft and flat recoil impulse that felt akin to a .223 AR-15. The JK Armament suppressor, while effective in reducing noise and muzzle flash, did introduce additional gas and smoke into the shooter’s face.
The Joker’s ability to accommodate a variety of choke options further enhances its versatility. The shotgun ships with three interchangeable Benelli-style chokes, allowing users to tailor the shot pattern to their specific needs, whether they’re engaging close-quarters targets or reaching out to longer ranges.
The Orthos Joker, while designed for reliable performance, does require a more involved disassembly process compared to traditional AR-style firearms. To fully break down the shotgun, users will need to remove the muzzle device, handguard, and gas system components, ultimately allowing access to the barrel nut and bolt carrier assembly.
While this level of disassembly may seem daunting at first, the Orthos team has provided a comprehensive spanner wrench tool to assist with the process. Additionally, the Joker’s gas system is designed to be remarkably resilient, with the team noting that it can withstand a high round count before requiring any significant maintenance or cleaning.
For day-to-day use, the Joker can be easily maintained through basic field-stripping techniques, allowing users to quickly clean the bolt, chamber, and other critical components without the need for a full disassembly. This level of user-serviceability ensures that the Joker remains a reliable and ready-to-use firearm in any situation.
The true test of any firearm lies in its real-world performance, and the Orthos Joker did not disappoint during the Texas Gun Experience team’s range testing. From the moment they took the Joker out of the box, the team was impressed by the shotgun’s smooth and well-broken-in feel, a testament to the Orthos team’s commitment to quality control.
As the team put the Joker through its paces, they were met with consistent and reliable performance, regardless of the ammunition used. The shotgun effortlessly cycled through a wide range of 12 gauge loads, from low-brass 8-shot to high-powered double-ought buckshot and rifle slugs, without a single malfunction.
The Joker’s recoil management was a standout feature, with the team noting that the shotgun recoiled straight back into the shooter’s shoulder, providing a remarkably soft and controllable feel. The Dissident Arms muzzle brake, in particular, was a game-changer, effectively reducing the recoil impulse to a level that felt akin to a .223 AR-15.
In terms of accuracy, the Joker proved to be a capable performer, with the team able to engage targets at longer ranges with confidence. The adjustable sights and the Holosun optic mounted on the shotgun provided a clear and precise aiming solution, further enhancing the Joker’s overall effectiveness.
One area where the team encountered some minor challenges was with the 20-round drum magazine. While the box magazines performed flawlessly, the drum magazine experienced occasional feed issues, requiring some troubleshooting and adjustments. However, the team noted that this was a minor inconvenience and that the box magazines provided a more practical and reliable solution for everyday use.
The Orthos Joker 12 gauge shotgun has undoubtedly made a lasting impression on the Texas Gun Experience team. With its compact and maneuverable design, reliable performance, and impressive recoil management, the Joker stands out as a formidable contender in the tactical shotgun market.
Priced at a fraction of the cost of the popular Genesis 12 shotgun, the Joker offers exceptional value for money, delivering a level of quality and functionality that rivals more expensive options. The team’s enthusiasm for the Joker is palpable, and they are eager to continue putting the shotgun through its paces, with plans to reach the 1,000-round mark in the near future.
For enthusiasts, tactical shooters, and gear aficionados, the Orthos Joker 12 gauge shotgun is a must-consider addition to their firearms collection. Its combination of features, performance, and value proposition make it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile close-quarters weapon. As the team at Texas Gun Experience has demonstrated, the Joker is more than just a promising newcomer – it’s a true standout in the world of tactical shotguns.
The Orthos Joker 12 gauge shotgun has undoubtedly made a lasting impression on the Texas Gun Experience team. With its compact and maneuverable design, reliable performance, and impressive recoil management, the Joker stands out as a formidable contender in the tactical shotgun market.
Priced at a fraction of the cost of the popular Genesis 12 shotgun, the Joker offers exceptional value for money, delivering a level of quality and functionality that rivals more expensive options. The team’s enthusiasm for the Joker is palpable, and they are eager to continue putting the shotgun through its paces, with plans to reach the 1,000-round mark in the near future.
For enthusiasts, tactical shooters, and gear aficionados, the Orthos Joker 12 gauge shotgun is a must-consider addition to their firearms collection. Its combination of features, performance, and value proposition make it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile close-quarters weapon. As the team at Texas Gun Experience has demonstrated, the Joker is more than just a promising newcomer – it’s a true standout in the world of tactical shotguns.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Texas Gun Experience YouTube channel for more firearms reviews and shooting content. And be sure to check out the Orthos Arms website to learn more about the Joker and the company’s other innovative products.
Bryan is a former Marine with a deep passion for firearms and marksmanship. A dedicated gun enthusiast, he has extensive knowledge of weaponry, tactics, and firearm safety.
The Texas Gun Experience in Grapevine, Texas, offers a premier indoor shooting range, providing a range of experiences for both beginners and seasoned shooters. The facility features state-of-the-art gun ranges, including lanes for handguns, rifles, and shotguns, along with a variety of firearm rentals. They offer comprehensive training programs ranging from basic firearm safety courses to License to Carry (LTC) classes. Their retail store is stocked with firearms, ammunition, and accessories, and they also provide gunsmithing services. Visitors can enjoy special events like shooting competitions or VIP nights, as well as try shooting fully automatic weapons for a unique experience. With a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere, the Texas Gun Experience ensures an upscale unforgettable shooting experience!