What Shotgun Do the Marines Use?
The Marine Corps has a long and storied history of relying on shotguns for their unique combination of firepower and versatility. In this article, we’ll delve into the various shotguns that the Marines have used and continue to use today. But first, let’s answer the question directly:
What shotgun do the Marines use?
The Marines currently issue the M1017 shotgun to their Special Operations personnel, including reconnaissance, infantry, and amphibious units. The M1017 is a variants of the Italian-made Saiga-12 shotgun and is widely used by numerous special forces units around the world. It’s considered a top-of-the-line shotgun due to its semi-automatic operation, high muzzle velocity, and ability to fire both buckshot and slug rounds with precision.
History of Shotguns in the Marines
Shotguns have played a significant role in the Marine Corps’ arsenal throughout history. One of the earliest shotguns used by the Marines was the Model 1887 Springfield Shotgun, which was standard-issue from 1887 to 1901. This double-barreled shotgun was used by officers and NCOs primarily for close-quarters combat.
During World War I and World War II, the Marines issued the Savage-Springfield shotgun, which was chambered for the 16-gauge shell. These shotguns were used to great effect in trench fighting and house-to-house Clearing operations.
Vietnam Era and Beyond
During the Vietnam War, the Marines used the M-500 riot shotgun, which was heavily modified to accept a shortened barrel and collapsible stock. The M-500 was issued to Marine police and reconnaissance units, primarily for patrolling and convoy security duties.
In recent years, the Marines have used various shotguns as part of their standard issued inventory, including the:
- Remington 870 pump-action shotgun
- M500 riot shotgun (standard issue in the 1990s)
- Benelli M4 semi-automatic shotgun (primarily issued to special forces units)
Current Variants
The M1017 shotgun, currently in use by the Marines, comes in several variants:
- M1017 standard issue: featuring a 20-inch barrel and collapsible stock for ease of use and mobility.
- M1017-H heavy-barrel variant: featuring a 24.5-inch barrel, telescoping foregrip, and increased weight for improved accuracy at longer ranges.
- M1017-T tactical variant: featuring a 19.5-inch barrel, pistol grip, and tactical rails for installing accessories.
Specifications: M1017 Shotgun
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12-gauge |
| Barrels | 20-inch, 24.5-inch (H variant), and 19.5-inch (T variant) |
| Capacity | 4-round tubular magazine, detachable box magazine compatible |
| Trigger | Semiautomatic |
| Weight | 7-9 lbs (depending on variant) |
| Sight | Rear aperture sight |
| Rails | Picatinny rails for accessories |
| Materials | Aluminum alloys, polymer |
Comparison of Marine Corps Shotguns
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of shotguns used by the Marine Corps throughout history:
| Shotgun | Gauge | Year Issued | Barrel Length | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 1887 | 10-gauge, 12-gauge, 16-gauge | 1887 | Various | Double-barreled |
| Savage-Springfield | 16-gauge | 1901-1945 | 23-inch, 28-inch | Semi-automatic |
| M500 | 12-gauge | 1945-1990 | 22-inch, 18.5-inch | Semiautomatic |
| Remington 870 | 12-gauge, 20-gauge, 16-gauge | 1950s-present | 20-inch, 28-inch | Pump-action |
| Benelli M4 | 12-gauge | 1990s-present | 22-inch | Semiautomatic |
| M1017 | 12-gauge | 2000s-present | 20-inch, 24.5-inch, 19.5-inch | Semi-automatic |
In conclusion, the Marine Corps has had a long and storied history of using shotguns for a variety of missions and scenarios. From their early double-barreled models to the modern semiautomatic M1017, shotguns continue to play a vital role in the Marine Corps arsenal.
