The Pancor Corporation Jackhammer is a 12-gauge, blow-forward gas-operated bullpup automatic shotgun designed in 1984 and patented in 1987. Only three working prototypes of the Jackhammer were built, but despite notable interest, legal and financial issues meant the Jackhammer never entered production, though it was notably popular as a prop weapon in films, television shows, and video games in the 1990s and 2000s, owing to its futuristic design and unusual operation.

Development

The Jackhammer was designed by John A. Anderson, who formed the company Pancor Industries in New Mexico. Anderson, a Korean War veteran, found the pump action shotguns he used in the war to be awkward and time consuming to reload, and believed he could design a better shotgun without this flaw.

Testing was conducted by HP White Labs in destructive tests that destroyed two of the three prototypes. These models reportedly had of material removed with increased stamping instead of casting and a different easier method of reloading, meaning they are not reflective of what an actual production model could have resembled. Several dozen non-functioning examples were also made from sheet tin, balsa wood, and clay in order to make working tool prototypes.

Reportedly, several foreign governments expressed interest in the design and even ordered initial production units once ready for delivery.

A toolroom prototype that is in technical firing condition, but is constructed largely with machine screws and requires disassembly to reload, was owned by Movie Gun Services, during which time its forend was replaced with an MP5SD handguard. Another prototype with more refined construction, though non-functional, was legally registered as a machine gun and has also been seen auctioned.

Design

thumb|right|Components of the Jackhammer machine shotgun

Though unconventional, the Jackhammer can best be described as a gas-operated revolver. Many parts were constructed of Rynite polymer to reduce weight. Layout was of a bullpup configuration with a 10-round revolving cylinder that fired conventional 12-gauge shells. The cylinder's method of rotation was very similar to the Webley–Fosbery Automatic Revolver, an operating rod being used to rotate the cylinder, although gas-operated as opposed to the recoil operation of the Webley-Fosbery.

The Jackhammer is capable of semi-automatic and fully automatic fire by way of a thumb safety/selector switch.

See also

References

  • Modern Firearms – Jackhammer
  • Internet Movie Firearms Database page for the Pancor Jackhammer