When a soldier must face multiple opponents at close quarters, few weapons can match the effectiveness of 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. This book examines various types, from the early combat shotguns through to the riot gun and trench gun versions used in World War l. So effective was the trench shotgun, the Germans complained it violated the “Rules of War” as an inhumane weapon, and threatened to execute troops captured carrying one. 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 the use of the combat shotgun in US service, from the trenches of World War l, to the Korean and Vietnamese Wars and lately the cave complexes of Afghanistan.

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.

For home protection or battlefield use, nothing matches the shotgun's ability to lay down massive, deadly fire at close ranges. Read reviews of more than 150 shotguns along with Long's expert advice on choosing a shotgun, combat tactics, ammunition, customizing your gun without running afoul of the Assault Weapons Ban and much more.

Second in the series--For Collectors Only--of books designed for antique arms enthusiasts, these books provide detailed information on particular firearms including history of development & use, specifications, markings, dimensions, finishes & accessories. This new offering includes all combat shotguns used by US military forces in all conflicts from World War I to the Persian Gulf. It is the first to provide detailed information on these unique firearms. A basic reference tool for collectors.

THE CLASSIC COMBAT SHOTGUN MANUAL Giant 8.5" x 11" format. Enlarged from the original 1942 War Department Technical Manual. Digitally remastered for optimal clarity of this historical military document. 260+ pages - complete & unabridged. Essential reference for every classic combat shotgun owner and enthusiast. "Batteries last hours, books last decades. Get the print edition!" Feared by the enemy and trusted by the U.S. military for its simplicity, reliability and devastating effect, the 12-gauge combat shotgun has remained a favorite since its introduction to the trenches of World War One. This 1942 War Department technical manual - digitally-remastered and enlarged for this new, full-size 8.5"x11" edition - provides the classic shotgun owner and enthusiast with a full, comprehensively-illustrated guide to the operation, maintenance and repair of these weapons, including identification, disassembly, assembly, cleaning, lubrication, and ammunition. It covers a variety of shotguns in use by U.S. forces during WWII, including: WINCHESTER SHOTGUN, MODEL 1897 WINCHESTER SHOTGUN, MODEL 1912 STEVENS SHOTGUN, MODEL 620A, 520 & 620 ITHACA SHOTGUN, MODEL 37 REMINGTON SHOTGUN, MODEL 10 REMINGTON SHOTGUN, MODEL 31 REMINGTON SHOTGUN, MODEL 11 & SPORTSMAN SAVAGE SHOTGUN, MODEL 720 This book is a digitally remastered reproduction of a historical military document. Every effort has been made to curate, enhance and present this material with the greatest possible clarity and quality. Search for 'CARLILE MILITARY LIBRARY' to find more TOP-FLIGHT, SQUARED-AWAY publications for your professional bookshelf! Published in the U.S.A. by CARLILE MEDIA. Information purposes only.