It is time for TFB’s photo of the day. Today’s subject: Shotguns.

Previously we had a look at a Czech Side-by-side Shotgun and the Hatsan Escort AutoDefend TFS 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun. Both have their qualities…

Not everyone may know this, but Heckler & Koch has actually made shotguns. Or at least they made Italy’s Franchi develop and produce it for them in the 1970s. Franchi may not ring a bell, but think of the iconic SPAS-12 Shotgun. Today we have a semi-auto HK512.

Heckler & Koch HK512 – Here’s the story from Schrombo:

Another unicorn for my collection: The Heckler & Koch HK512 semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun.

This beauty was developed in the early 1970s by Italian manufacturer Franchi on request by Heckler & Koch. They were targeting the police and special forces market and the HK 512 found its way into the hands of such units as the German GSG9 and the Austrian Cobra.

The muzzle device is a shot diverter that shapes the shot pattern from a even circle to a waaay more horizontal pattern – makes room clearing a whole lot easier.

Because of this shot diverter you can effectively only use buckshot and the HK 512 only works properly with full-power loads.

My HK 512 is stamped “US Property” on the right side of the receiver, but I have no idea why…

The pictures are from Schrombo in Germany, used with permission. Please check his Instagram or Facebook out.

According to Wikipeda only around 1 500 HK512s were made, so it’s a rare beast.

What do you think? Do you own one? Who would like to own one? Do you know anything about the “US Property” stamp? Let us know below!