Historical Background

Within Windham Weaponry’s shotgun lineup, the Akicita Pump-Action Series—encompassing the Akicita PS18, Akicita PW18, and Akicita PW28 models—was developed as a modern, high-spec 12-gauge platform. Designed to balance traditional mechanical strength with modern ergonomics, the Akicita line offers options tailored for compact tactical breaching and home defense (PS18 and PW18) as well as extended-barrel hunting and clay shooting configurations (PW28).

Technical Overview

The Windham Weaponry Akicita Series utilizes a smooth, twin-action bar pump-action operating mechanism chambered in 12 Gauge with a 3-inch (76mm) chamber, capable of handling standard 2.75-inch and magnum 3-inch shotshells. Featuring standard 5+1 tubular magazine capacities, the series bridges tactical home defense and traditional field sports through distinct stock materials, barrel lengths, and choke systems.

Construction & Receivers

• Receiver Architecture: Machined from high-strength lightweight aluminum alloy with an integrated top Picatinny rail section that functions as both a standard optical mounting platform and a low-profile rear sight groove.

• Barrels & Metallurgy: Barrels are precision-machined from heavy-duty AISI 4140 carbon steel.

  • Akicita PS18 & PW18 (Tactical): Built around an 18.5-inch compact barrel configuration, optimized for tight maneuvers and home defense. Fitted with a fixed cylinder choke for wide defensive pellet spread or slug passage.

  • Akicita PW28 (Hunting): Features an extended 28-inch vent-rib hunting barrel engineered for tighter velocity, smooth swing, and long-range patterning. Equipped with an interchangeable choke tube system (typically shipping with IC, M, and Full choke sets).

• Feed & Safety System: Incorporates a robust dual-action bar pump mechanism to prevent binding during rapid cycling, a cross-bolt manual safety button accessible behind the trigger guard, and a smooth factory trigger tuned to approximately 4.8–5.5 lbs pull weight.

Furniture & Model Variants

• Akicita PS18 (Tactical Synthetic): Outfitted with a high-impact composite plastic stock and handguard featuring a soft-touch texture for grip stability under harsh weather or sweat. Includes stock shim kits to adjust drop at comb and heel.

• Akicita PW18 (Tactical Wood): Features identical 18.5-inch tactical barrel dimensions as the PS18, but outfitted with a classic walnut wood stock and forend for shooters who prefer traditional aesthetics on a short-barrel defensive shotgun.

• Akicita PW28 (Field Wood): Configured with traditional checkering on a classic walnut wood stock and pump forend, paired with the 28-inch ventilated rib barrel designed for waterfowl, upland game, and trap/skeet shooting.

• Sights & Muzzle Configurations: The tactical variants (PS18 and PW18) incorporate high-visibility metal front sights paired with the integrated receiver rail, while the PW28 features a traditional brass bead front sight set upon the ventilated rib.