What Shotgun Does the US Military Use? (2023)

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

The United States military has a long and storied history with shotguns. From the early days of the Civil War to the modern battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, shotguns have proven their worth as reliable and versatile weapons. But what shotgun does the US military use today?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the shotguns currently in use by the US military. We’ll explore their history, their design, and their capabilities. We’ll also discuss some of the challenges facing the US military in selecting and using shotguns in combat.

So if you’re interested in learning more about the shotguns used by the world’s most powerful military, read on!

Name Caliber Action
M590 12 gauge Pump-action
M870 12 gauge Pump-action
M1014 12 gauge Semi-automatic

History of the Shotgun in the US Military

The shotgun has been used by the United States military since the early days of the country. The first recorded use of a shotgun by a U.S. soldier was in 1776, when a militiaman used a sawed-off shotgun to defend his position against British troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

During the Civil War, shotguns were used by both sides, and they were particularly effective in close-quarters combat. After the Civil War, shotguns continued to be used by the U.S. military, but they were not widely issued until the Spanish-American War.

In the Spanish-American War, shotguns were used by U.S. troops to fight in the jungles of Cuba. The shotguns were effective against the Spanish troops, who were often armed with only machetes.

During World War I, shotguns were used by U.S. troops in the trenches. The shotguns were effective against the German troops, who were often dug in behind barbed wire.

After World War I, shotguns were used by the U.S. military in a variety of conflicts, including the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In these conflicts, shotguns were used for a variety of purposes, including close-quarters combat, riot control, and hunting.

Today, shotguns are still used by the U.S. military. They are issued to soldiers in a variety of roles, including infantry, special operations, and law enforcement. Shotguns are also used by the U.S. military for training purposes.

Current Shotguns in Use by the US Military

The U.S. military currently uses a variety of shotguns, including the following:

  • M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS): The M26 MASS is a pump-action shotgun that is chambered for 12 gauge shells. The M26 MASS can be equipped with a variety of accessories, including a laser sight, a flashlight, and a bayonet.
  • M4 CQB Shotgun: The M4 CQB Shotgun is a short-barreled, semi-automatic shotgun that is chambered for 12 gauge shells. The M4 CQB Shotgun is designed for close-quarters combat.
  • Remington 870: The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun that is chambered for 12 gauge shells. The Remington 870 is a reliable and versatile shotgun that is used by a variety of law enforcement agencies and military units.
  • Mossberg 500: The Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun that is chambered for 12 gauge shells. The Mossberg 500 is a popular choice for home defense and hunting.

These are just a few of the shotguns that are currently used by the U.S. military. The U.S. military continues to evaluate new shotguns and accessories, and it is likely that the types of shotguns used by the military will continue to change in the future.

The shotgun has been a valuable weapon for the U.S. military for over 200 years. It is a versatile weapon that can be used for a variety of purposes, including close-quarters combat, riot control, and hunting. The U.S. military continues to evaluate new shotguns and accessories, and it is likely that the types of shotguns used by the military will continue to change in the future.

3. Applications of Shotguns in the US Military

Shotguns have been used by the US military for over a century, and they continue to serve a variety of important roles on the battlefield. Some of the most common applications of shotguns in the US military include:

  • Close-quarters combat (CQB): Shotguns are ideal for close-quarters combat (CQB) because they are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and can deliver devastating firepower at close range. Shotguns are often used by soldiers in urban warfare and other situations where they need to engage enemies in tight spaces.
  • breaching: Shotguns are also used for breaching, which is the process of breaking down doors or other barriers to gain entry into a structure. Shotguns are effective for breaching because they can fire specialized breaching rounds that can penetrate wood, metal, and other materials.
  • Riot control: Shotguns are sometimes used for riot control, as they can be used to fire non-lethal rounds that can disperse crowds and control riots. Shotguns are also effective for riot control because they can be fired from a distance, which helps to minimize the risk of injury to bystanders.
  • Hunting: Shotguns are also used by the US military for hunting. Soldiers may use shotguns to hunt game for food or to protect themselves from dangerous animals.

4. Future of Shotguns in the US Military

The future of shotguns in the US military is uncertain. Some experts believe that shotguns will continue to play an important role on the battlefield, while others believe that they will be replaced by more modern weapons systems.

There are a number of factors that could affect the future of shotguns in the US military. These factors include:

  • The development of new technologies: The development of new technologies, such as assault rifles and body armor, could make shotguns less effective on the battlefield.
  • The changing nature of warfare: The changing nature of warfare, such as the increasing use of drones and other unmanned systems, could also reduce the need for shotguns.
  • The cost of shotguns: The cost of shotguns could also be a factor in their future use by the US military. Shotguns are typically more expensive than other types of weapons, such as assault rifles.

Despite these factors, there are also a number of reasons why shotguns could continue to play an important role in the US military. These reasons include:

  • Shotguns are versatile weapons: Shotguns are versatile weapons that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as close-quarters combat, breaching, and riot control.
  • Shotguns are reliable weapons: Shotguns are reliable weapons that are known for their accuracy and stopping power.
  • Shotguns are easy to use: Shotguns are easy to use, even for inexperienced soldiers.

Overall, the future of shotguns in the US military is uncertain. However, there are a number of factors that suggest that shotguns will continue to play an important role on the battlefield for many years to come.

What shotgun does the US military use?

The United States military currently uses the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS). The MASS is a 12-gauge shotgun that can be configured with a variety of barrels and accessories to meet the needs of different missions. It is chambered for 2-inch or 3-inch shells and can fire buckshot, slugs, or birdshot. The MASS has a cyclic rate of fire of 30 rounds per minute and a range of up to 100 yards.

Why does the US military use a shotgun?

The US military uses a shotgun for a variety of reasons. Shotguns are effective at close range, making them ideal for clearing rooms and buildings. They are also versatile weapons that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as riot control, breaching doors, and hunting. Additionally, shotguns are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, making them a cost-effective option for the military.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a shotgun?

The advantages of using a shotgun include:

  • Close-range effectiveness: Shotguns are very effective at close range, making them ideal for clearing rooms and buildings.
  • Versatility: Shotguns can be used for a variety of tasks, such as riot control, breaching doors, and hunting.
  • Relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain: Shotguns are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, making them a cost-effective option for the military.

The disadvantages of using a shotgun include:

  • Limited range: Shotguns have a limited range, making them less effective at longer ranges.
  • Slow reload: Shotguns have a slow reload compared to other types of firearms, such as rifles.
  • Potential for over-penetration: Shotguns can over-penetrate targets, which can be dangerous in urban environments.

What are the different types of shotguns used by the US military?

The US military uses a variety of shotguns, including:

  • The M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS): The MASS is a 12-gauge shotgun that can be configured with a variety of barrels and accessories to meet the needs of different missions.
  • The Remington 870: The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun that is used by a variety of military units, including the Marine Corps and the Navy.
  • The Mossberg 500: The Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun that is used by a variety of military units, including the Army and the Air Force.
  • The Benelli M4: The Benelli M4 is a semi-automatic shotgun that is used by a variety of military units, including the Special Operations Command.

What are the different types of ammunition used in shotguns?

The US military uses a variety of ammunition in shotguns, including:

  • Buckshot: Buckshot is a type of ammunition that is made up of small lead balls. It is used for close-range combat.
  • Slugs: Slugs are a type of ammunition that is made up of a single large projectile. They are used for longer-range shooting.
  • Birdshot: Birdshot is a type of ammunition that is made up of small lead pellets. It is used for hunting birds.

How is a shotgun used in combat?

Shotguns are used in combat for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Clearing rooms and buildings: Shotguns are very effective at clearing rooms and buildings because they are able to hit multiple targets with a single shot.
  • Breaching doors: Shotguns can be used to breach doors by firing a round at the lock.
  • Hunting: Shotguns are used for hunting a variety of game, including birds, rabbits, and deer.

What are the safety precautions that should be taken when using a shotgun?

When using a shotgun, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  • Always treat a shotgun as if it is loaded.
  • Never point a shotgun at anything you do not intend to shoot.
  • Be sure of your target and what is beyond it before firing.
  • Wear hearing protection when shooting a shotgun.
  • Follow all applicable safety rules and regulations.

    The United States military has used a variety of shotguns over the years, but the current standard-issue shotgun is the Remington 870. The 870 is a pump-action shotgun that is chambered for 12 gauge shells. It is a reliable and versatile weapon that can be used for a variety of tasks, including self-defense, riot control, and breaching doors. The 870 is also relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for military use.

The 870 has been used in combat by the U.S. military since the Vietnam War. It has proven to be a reliable and effective weapon in a variety of situations. The 870 is also popular with law enforcement agencies and civilians alike. It is a versatile weapon that can be used for a variety of purposes, making it a good choice for anyone who is looking for a reliable and affordable shotgun.

Here are some key takeaways regarding the use of shotguns by the U.S. military:

  • The 870 is the current standard-issue shotgun for the U.S. military.
  • The 870 is a pump-action shotgun that is chambered for 12 gauge shells.
  • The 870 is a reliable and versatile weapon that can be used for a variety of tasks.
  • The 870 has been used in combat by the U.S. military since the Vietnam War.
  • The 870 is also popular with law enforcement agencies and civilians alike.

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