What Shotgun Does the Marine Corps Use?
The Marine Corps, a branch of the United States Armed Forces, has a long-standing tradition of utilizing shotguns for various purposes, from combat to hunting. But what specific shotgun does the Marine Corps use? M1, Ithaca 37, Remington 870, and others are just a few examples of shotguns used by the Marines. But which one is the official shotgun of the Marine Corps?
The M12
The M12 shotgun, made by Stoeger, is the primary shotgun used by the Marine Corps for various purposes. Produced in the 1930s, the M12 was designed specifically for close-quarters combat, breaching, and crowd control. chambered in 12-gauge, it fires a range of shell types, including buckshot, slug, and FRAG-12 (FRAG-12 is an armor-piercing fragmenting round). The M12 is an autoloaded shotgun, meaning that it loads new shells from a magazine instead of the traditional pump-action or manual loading.
Key Features of the M12:
• Chambered in 12-gauge
• 5-round magazine capacity
• FRAG-12 and buckshot capable
• Automatic ejectors
• Parkerized finish
Benefits of the M12
The M12 has numerous benefits that make it a popular choice for the Marine Corps:
• Firepower: The M12 offers effective firepower at close range, making it an excellent weapon for breaching and taking out targets.
• Reliability: The auto-loader mechanism ensures that you can quickly get back on target after each shot.
• Range: Despite being designed for close quarters, the M12’s range is respectable, and it can accurately hit targets at distances of up to 50 yards.
• Versatility: It can fire various types of shells, making it useful for different situations.
Other Shotguns Used by the Marine Corps
In addition to the M12, the Marine Corps uses other shotguns for specialized purposes:
Ithaca 37
Chambered in 12-gauge, the Ithaca 37 is a classic pump-action shotgun used by the Marine Corps for various purposes, such as hunting and breaching. The Ithaca 37 is rugged and reliable, making it an excellent choice for wet and dirty environments.
Remington 870
The Remington 870 is another pump-action shotgun used by the Marine Corps. Chambered in 12-gauge, it’s known for its reliability and durability.
Benelli M3
The Benelli M3 is an Italy-made semi-automatic shotgun, chambered in 12-gauge. A popular choice among special operators, it’s known for its reliability, accuracy, and quick reloading capabilities.
Table: Marine Corps Shotguns
| Shotguns | Gauge | Load type | Magazine capacity | Trigger type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M12 | 12-gauge | Autoloading | 5-round magazine | Automatic ejectors |
| Ithaca 37 | 12-gauge | Pump-action | N/A | Manual bolt-action |
| Remington 870 | 12-gauge | Pump-action | N/A | Manual bolt-action |
| Benelli M3 | 12-gauge | Semi-automatic | 7-round magazine | Single-shot fire |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Marine Corps uses the M12, an autoloaded shotgun made by Stoeger, as its primary shotgun for various purposes. While other shotguns, such as the Ithaca 37 and Remington 870, are also used for specific tasks, the M12 remains the go-to weapon for the Marine Corps due to its firepower, reliability, and range. Its versatility and ability to fire various types of shells make it an excellent choice for Marines.
