The TTI Dracarys Gen-12 Mag-Fed Shotgun

Intro skit and range setup

The video opens with a short skit built around a dog named Winston, ending with the line that in this movie the dog lives. After the skit, the host from Classic Firearms arrives at the Taran Tactical Innovations range, describing it as an iconic facility. Taran Butler has invited the team out to see a new shotgun he has been working on but has not revealed details in advance. Gunfire can be heard in the background as the host walks up to meet Taran on the range, setting the stage for a live-fire demonstration and discussion of the platform’s capabilities.

Dracarys Gen-12 overview and John Wick connection

Taran introduces the shotgun as the Dracarys Gen-12, a mag-fed 12-gauge platform. He explains that this is the shotgun featured in John Wick: Chapter 4, developed after earlier films used Benelli shotguns. The goal was higher capacity and faster reloads, leading to 10-round and 13-round magazines. The gun shown has a short 10.5–12 inch barrel, a flared magwell, ambidextrous charging handles, and a Hyperfire trigger. The host highlights the short recoil system derived from the Barrett M82, noting how the gun slightly reciprocates with each shot to cycle reliably while keeping the recoil feel manageable. A brace-equipped version is mentioned as the configuration viewers can expect.

Mag-fed reliability and AR platform advantages

Taran notes that the Dracarys Gen-12 was developed in collaboration with Genesis and was originally targeted for John Wick 3 but was not ready in time. He describes mag-fed 12-gauge shotguns as a long-standing challenge, calling them historically unreliable and prone to severe jams in competition. He recalls using earlier mag-fed designs to win nationals but still suffering 10–20 second malfunctions and even losing matches due to constant stoppages. The Dracarys is presented as a reliable mag-fed option built on an AR-style platform rather than an AK pattern. Both Taran and the host emphasize that many shooters prefer the AR system, comparing it favorably to AKs in ergonomics and overall feel.

First drill runs and SDI sponsor break

The host asks to run drills with the Dracarys Gen-12 on the Taran Tactical range, and Taran insists on a John Wick-style course of fire. Before the shooting starts in earnest, the video cuts to a sponsor segment for Sonoran Desert Institute. The host explains that SDI offers online courses in gunsmithing-related fields such as armorer certification, ballistics, woodworking, gun finishes, and sport shooting management, and that they ship tools and materials for hands-on work at home. Returning to the range, Taran runs a fast, complex stage with the Dracarys, engaging multiple targets so quickly that the camera crew and host struggle to follow the sequence. The host reacts to the speed and control, clearly impressed by how the shotgun handles under rapid fire.

Long-range steel, target challenges, and coaching

After the initial drill, they move to longer-distance steel targets. Taran engages a target around 31 yards away, and they pace off the distance to confirm. The host and Taran joke about hit locations on the steel, including chin and groin shots, and reference the movie “They Live” while talking about whether targets could still “reproduce” after certain hits. They continue working various steel targets, including one that requires waiting for it to rise fully before shooting. The host attempts hip shots and follow-up shots, sometimes forgetting the safety and occasionally walking rounds into the target. At one point, a mechanical target stops resetting, and Taran notes that these are expensive, high-end targets that can be damaged by improper engagement, adding a practical note about range equipment limits.

Improving stage runs and safety habits

The host runs a full stage with the Dracarys Gen-12 and then reviews performance with Taran. Taran points out that a fumbled reload cost significant time and that the host overran a shooting position and had to backtrack. A missed target would add roughly three seconds in many three-gun rule sets, and possibly more depending on the match. Taran also highlights safety manipulation as a problem: the host set the gun down without engaging the safety, then later engaged it at the wrong time, which slowed the run. Taran advises building a habit of putting the safety on whenever the gun is staged, mirroring match requirements. On a subsequent run, the host posts a time of 18.97 seconds, which Taran praises as smoother and more controlled, though the host still wants further refinement.

Three-gun Dracarys configuration and features

Later in the session, Taran changes the setup and introduces an updated configuration. He mentions that the Pit Viper pistol has evolved into the Sand Viper, and that the Dracarys shotgun has been enlarged and lightened for a three-gun role. This version is described as the John Wick 4 Dracarys three-gun edition. Instead of the earlier 10–12 inch barrel, it now uses an 18.5 inch barrel to allow the use of interchangeable chokes such as light modified or improved cylinder, which are important for competition. The magwell on this model is integrated into the receiver rather than being an add-on. A four-port compensator is installed to help manage recoil. The operating system remains the same short recoil design inspired by the Barrett M82.

Balance, recoil, and final impressions

The host shoulders the three-gun Dracarys and comments on its balance, noting that most of the weight sits closer to the shooter, making it easy to keep the muzzle up. On the timer, the host runs another course and records a time of 19.49 seconds. He remarks that the gun feels very easy to shoot, with the front end feeling light and responsive. Taran confirms that the compensator and operating system are tuned to keep recoil manageable while maintaining reliability. The host points out that his hits on key targets are centered, avoiding damage to outer scoring areas, which would matter in a match or on specialized props. The segment closes with an emphasis on how the Dracarys Gen-12’s balance, short recoil system, and mag-fed design support fast, accurate shooting in a practical competition environment.