Free Downloads

US Combat Shotguns (Weapon)

Winchester, Remington, Ithaca Gun Company, Stevens, Savage, Mossberg, Benelli, and other gun manufacturers have produced a range of combat shotguns for US armed forces. When a soldier must face multiple opponents at close quarters, few weapons can match the shotgun. From World War I to the War on Terror, the shotgun has been a devastating weapon in the hands of US troops. For urban combat, prisoner control, and shipboard operations it remains as deadly today as it was a century ago.Early combat shotguns were basically sawed-off versions of the double-barreled shotguns used for sporting purposes. The Winchester Model 97 slide-action shotgun, first used in 20in-barreled "riot gun" form during the Philippine Insurrection, would remain in service in one form or another at least until the Vietnam War. During World War I shotguns were obtained in "riot gun" versions and also in "trench gun" versions (trench guns had a ventilated handguard added that allowed the mounting of a bayonet; riot guns did not have this feature). Joining the Model 97 as trench guns were the Winchester Model 12 and Remington Model 10, while these slide-action weapons plus the Remington Model 11, a semi-automatic, also served as riot-guns. So effective was the trench shotgun that Germans claimed it was inhumane and violated the "Rules of War", threatening to execute troops captured carrying a shotgun.The various Banana Wars saw the use of World War I military shotguns still in the armories. During World War II, Winchester Model 12 and Model 97 trench and riot guns were joined by the Ithaca Model 37, Remington Model 11 and Model 31, Stevens Models 520-30 and 620A, and Savage Model 720. The US Marines found the shotgun useful for the close combat they encountered in the jungles during World War II, in humid conditions that necessitated the development of military brass-case shotgun shells, while OSS agents found single-shot shotguns useful for arming guerillas in Burma, the Philippines, and elsewhere.During the Korean and Vietnam Wars the same types of shotguns deployed during World War II were used, though some additional models were acquired as riot guns, including the Remington Model 870, Savage Model 77E, Winchester Model 1200, and Winchester Model 25. In Vietnam shotguns were used by point men and others on patrol, while members of the US Navy SEALs especially liked shotguns for launching ambushes in the Mekong Delta.During the period since the First Gulf War new combat shotguns have been adopted by the US military, such as the Mossberg 500 series, including one trench-gun model, and the Benelli 1014. More recently during the War on Terror, shotguns have been used to clear cave complexes in Afghanistan and buildings in Iraq, but especially to blow doors open during entries and searches.Featuring specially commissioned full-color artwork, this is the story of the origins, development and use of the combat shotgun in US service, from the trenches of World War I to the cave complexes of Afghanistan.

Series: Weapon (Book 29)

Paperback: 80 pages

Publisher: Osprey Publishing (August 20, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 178096014X

ISBN-13: 978-1780960142

Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 0.2 x 9.6 inches

Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #655,417 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #28 in Books > History > Military > Weapons & Warfare > Conventional > Firearms #6448 in Books > History > Military > United States #50128 in Books > Teens

I gave book a 5 star rating because it is a great reference for shotguns that are used in the military today, as well as past shotguns from the days of WWI - gulfwar. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in miliary small arms.

Another solidly researched and knowledgeably presented work by Leroy Thompson. I grew up reading Mr Thompson's articles and books, and now that I've been a professional for the last twenty years, I fully realize the depth of knowledge that he possesses. I enjoyed "US Combat Shotguns" and it, along with his works on the 1911 and Fairbairn-Sykes knife, covers three of my favorite weapons.

I enjoyed reading this book. It is the usual high quality from Osprey. Very comprehensive review of military shotguns from the revolution to current day.

A must have for any collector's library. Very thorough and great pictures with detail. It covers all aspects of US combat shotguns.

Great history - some good photos but could have had more. Like to see the older shotguns especially the M97 WWI trench gun.

Good overview of Trench Gun history and use. Not the greatest on details between different models and eras but overall a pleaseant and informative read.

US Combat Shotguns (Weapon) Minecraft: The Ultimate Combat Survival Handbook: An Unofficial Guide to Minecraft Combat Secrets and Tricks (Essential Minecraft Books for Kids) Minecraft Combat Handbook: All-In-One Minecraft Combat Guide. Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon (Newbery Honor Book) Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor The Flintlock Musket: Brown Bess and Charleville 1715-1865 (Weapon) Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck (Weapon) HAARP: The Ultimate Weapon of the Conspiracy (Mind-Control Conspiracy) Culture Is Our Weapon: Making Music and Changing Lives in Rio de Janeiro The Machine That Changed the World: The Story of Lean Production-- Toyota's Secret Weapon in the Global Car Wars That Is Now Revolutionizing World Industry The B2B Executive Playbook: The Ultimate Weapon for Achieving Sustainable, Predictable and Profitable Growth The CEO's Secret Weapon: How Great Leaders and Their Assistants Maximize Productivity and Effectiveness The Power of Leveraging the Charitable Remainder Trust: Your Secret Weapon Against the War on Wealth Hawkeye, Vol. 1: My Life as a Weapon (Marvel NOW!) Swashbuckling: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Art of Stage Combat & Theatrical Swordplay - Revised & Updated E Flying Legends: A photographic study of the great piston combat aircraft of World War II B-24 Liberator Units of the Fifteenth Air Force (Osprey Combat Aircraft 21) How to Shoot Like a Navy SEAL: Combat Marksmanship Fundamentals