Home » Blog » What shotguns does the military use?

What shotguns does the military use?

What Shotguns Does the Military Use?

Shotguns are not typically the first weapon that comes to mind when thinking about military operations, but they have their place in the arsenal of various armed forces around the world. In this article, we’ll explore the types of shotguns used by the military, their specifications, and the roles they play in different scenarios.

Direct Answer:

Bulk Ammo for Sale at Lucky Gunner

The military uses a variety of shotguns, each designed for specific purposes. Here are some of the most common ones:

M1014 USAS (United States): The M1014 is a semi-automatic combat shotgun used by the United States military. It fires 12-gauge, 2.75" shells and has a effective range of 50-70 yards.
SA-80 (United Kingdom): The SA-80 is a family of rifles and shotguns used by the British military. The shotgun variant, SA-80 L109, is a 12-gauge, pump-action weapon used for close-quarters engagements.
FAMAS-F1 (France): The FAMAS-F1 is a semi-automatic shotgun used by the French military. It fires 12-gauge, 2.75" shells and has a effective range of 50-70 yards.
TTS-141 (Canada): The TTS-141 is a semi-automatic shotgun used by the Canadian military. It fires 12-gauge, 2.75" shells and has a effective range of 50-70 yards.

Combat Shotguns:

Combat shotguns are designed for close-quarters engagements and are typically used by special forces, SWAT teams, and other elite units. They are often modified with customized barrels, stocks, and optics to enhance their effectiveness.

M1100 (United States): The M1100 is a semi-automatic shotgun used by the US Army Special Forces. It features a 20-inch barrel, 12-gauge magazine, and a modified Mossberg 500 stock.
M3 Inceptor (United States): The M3 Inceptor is a lightweight, 12-gauge shotgun used by the US Navy SEALs. It features a 14-inch barrel, collapsible stock, and a unique modular design.

Tactical Shotguns:

Tactical shotguns are designed for law enforcement and civilian use, but are often used by military personnel for non-combat purposes such as riot control and SWAT operations.

Benelli M4 (Italy): The Benelli M4 is a semi-automatic shotgun used by many law enforcement agencies and some military units. It fires 12-gauge, 2.75" shells and has a effective range of 50-70 yards.
Remington 870 (United States): The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun widely used by law enforcement and civilians. It fires 12-gauge, 2.75" shells and has a effective range of 50-70 yards.

Specialized Shotguns:

Some shotguns are designed for specific purposes, such as explosive breaching or hunting. These shotguns are not typically used in combat but are useful for specialized missions.

Breaching Shotgun (United States): The Breaching Shotgun is a modified Remington 870 used by military explosive ordnance disposal teams. It features a shorter barrel and a specialized buttstock for increased maneuverability.
Hunting Shotgun (Various Countries): Many military personnel and hunters use shotguns for hunting and sport shooting. These shotguns are typically 12-gauge or 20-gauge, pump-action or semi-automatic, and feature specialized stocks and optics.

Key Features:

When considering the various shotguns used by the military, the following features are often taken into account:

Caliber: 12-gauge is the most common caliber used by military shotguns, but other calibers such as 20-gauge, 16-gauge, and.410 are also used.
Action: Pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action shotguns are all used by the military, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Barrel Length: Shorter barrels (10-14 inches) are often used for breaching and close-quarters engagements, while longer barrels (18-24 inches) are used for greater range and accuracy.
Stock: Stocks can be modified for ergonomics, weight, and ease of use. Some shotguns feature collapsible stocks for increased mobility.
Optics: Reflex sights, red dot sights, and telescopic sights are used to enhance aiming accuracy and speed.

Conclusion:

Shotguns are an important part of the military arsenal, serving various purposes from combat and close-quarters engagements to tactical operations and specialized missions. Understanding the different types of shotguns used by the military and their key features can help improve our understanding of these versatile weapons.

Table: Military Shotguns

ShotgunCountryCaliberActionBarrel LengthEffective Range
M1014 USASUnited States12-gaugeSemi-automatic18.5 inches50-70 yards
SA-80 L109United Kingdom12-gaugePump-action12 inches50-70 yards
FAMAS-F1France12-gaugeSemi-automatic20 inches50-70 yards
TTS-141Canada12-gaugeSemi-automatic18 inches50-70 yards

References:

  • US Army Special Forces Handbook: M1100 Shotgun
  • US Navy SEALs Handbook: M3 Inceptor Shotgun
  • Benelli M4 Product Information
  • Remington 870 Product Information

Note: The information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but please consult official sources for any changes or updates.

Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories


Leave a Comment