When you think of cutting-edge innovation in the firearm world, Genesis Arms is quickly becoming a name you can’t ignore. In today’s blog, we’re diving into the fascinating story of Cody Cohen—a native of Coeur d’Alene, a former Recon Marine, a seasoned law enforcement officer, and now a proud partner at Genesis Arms.

We’ll uncover how his unique experiences shaped his path to helping develop what many are calling the most legendary AR-style shotguns ever created.

From Coeur d’Alene to Recon Marine

Cody Cohen isn’t just another transplant to North Idaho. Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, he grew up during a time when the area was much quieter—and much snowier—than it is today. His upbringing, filled with outdoor adventures like paint wars and building homemade ghillie suits, laid the groundwork for a life of service, adventure, and grit.

After an attempt at college life that “wasn’t the right fit,” Cody joined the Marine Corps at 22, eventually qualifying for Marine Recon—one of the most physically and mentally demanding roles in the military. His stories from that time paint a picture of relentless training, brotherhood, and pushing human limits.

Transition to Law Enforcement

After leaving the military, Cody found a second calling in law enforcement, eventually joining Coeur d’Alene PD. His military background made him a perfect fit for specialized roles, and he quickly became a SWAT team member, sniper, and instructor.

His philosophy was simple but powerful: train hard, set high standards, and always be ready to serve your community at the highest level. Cody believed in conditioning not just the body but the mind—teaching recruits the mindset of a peace officer, not just a law enforcer.

One of his most rewarding experiences? Watching a cadet he once trained take down a dangerous felon—and crediting that success to the lessons Cody had instilled.

The Genesis of Genesis Arms

Today, Cody brings that same level of excellence and mission-driven purpose to Genesis Arms. Based in Post Falls, Idaho, Genesis Arms has made a name for itself by producing the Gen-12—an AR-style, magazine-fed 12-gauge shotgun that is a total game-changer.

Unlike traditional shotguns, the Gen-12 addresses major shotgun weaknesses: limited ammo capacity, complicated manual of arms, and heavy recoil. By creating a system with AR-like handling, higher capacity, and manageable recoil, Genesis Arms has produced a shotgun platform that is not only devastatingly effective but also easy to train on.

What Makes Genesis Arms Shotguns Legendary?

1. AR-Style Manual of Arms: If you know how to run an AR-15, you can run the Gen-12. That means easier, faster, safer training for professionals and civilians alike.
2. Suppressed Power: With a specialized 12-gauge suppressor, the Gen-12 dramatically reduces recoil and concussion—perfect for CQB, home defense, or tactical use.
3. Magazine-Fed Design: No more struggling with slow pump actions. Magazine-fed shotguns like the Gen-12 allow faster reloads and higher capacity.
4. Built for Breaching and Beyond: Originally designed as a breaching tool, the Gen-12 proved so effective it’s now seen as a multi-purpose shotgun—equally deadly at 5 yards or 100 yards.
5. Made in North Idaho: Final assembly and production happen locally, supporting North Idaho jobs and maintaining top-tier quality control.

Genesis Arms on the World Stage

Genesis Arms has exploded in popularity—especially after making an appearance in John Wick 4. But it’s not just Hollywood that has noticed. Law enforcement and military agencies across the U.S. and internationally are beginning to adopt the Gen-12 for breaching, CQB, and even drone defense roles.

Genesis Arms’ production has scaled from just 45 guns a month to 45 guns a day—a staggering testament to the growing demand for this groundbreaking system.

A Legacy of Excellence

Cody Cohen’s story—from the snowy fields of Coeur d’Alene to the grueling crucible of Recon training to shaping the future of tactical shotguns—is one of resilience, grit, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

And it’s exactly that spirit that lives in every Genesis Arms shotgun.

If you’re looking for a firearm that can truly do it all—home defense, breaching, tactical deployments, or just range fun—the Gen-12 should be on your radar.