Combat Shotgun for the field?

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BerettaNut92

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Why would someone bring a shotgun over a carbine in the field? I can see the merits of a shotgun for the house, but I still see it as a defensive arm, something that you use to win a pistol fight.

Not knocking it, just seeking enlightenment. TIA
 
Well the shotgun was deployed with good sucess in jungles and in trench warfare in past wars.
 
It depends how "Field" is defined. Up to 25 yards, no better weapon exists. After that, the drawbacks outnumber the advantages.

Much as I like shotguns, if I had to play combat infantryman again,I'd insist on an M-14. Perimeter observation, prisoner escort, etc, then an 870.
 
I understand that the NVA/Viet Cong had a reward out...

for the capture or demise of US GI's found carrying shotguns, much the same as the reward for US snipers. Testament to the effect of the 12-gauge with the buckshot load in jungle warfare, ain't it?

Then there's all the states that prohibit rifles for deer hunting, but still allow shotguns, with either slugs or buckshot. Still a very effective means of bringing home venison for the supper table, albeit not at the longer ranges like rifles.

And if you have a taste for squab, pheasant, goose, duck, or turkey...
 
Actually that was the Germans in WWII. They said they would execute soldiers found with a shotgun or ammunition.

They never actually did though.

They also complained to the US that the shotgun violates the Geneva Convention. This claim was also found to be false.

Regards,
HS/LD
 
Not having been there, it's all 2nd-hand, I guess.

My info came from a Vietnam 2-tour Marine Gunnery Sgt. (my father-in-law) Sounded entirely plausible, just like the bounty on "White Feather" Hathcock.
 
Shotguns are the best tool for certain jobs. Relatively close range and when sustained fire is not really a requirement.

However if I was out in the "combat field" I would take an FAL L1A1. It is what I was trained on and will do just about anything.

Regards,
HS/LD
 
Actually, a shotgun is extremely versitile.

By racking the slide you can have either a #7-1/2 dove shot or a .73 caliber slug - or really, anything in between, & a decent slug at 75 yards ain't no slouch.

If I was "in it," I'd rather have a rifle, but given a 12 gauge (hopefully a blessed 870), I wouldn't feel too unlucky.

Figure you'd have to have goodly cover in any event & a shotgun's pretty darned good for keepin' 'em at arms length.

& as mentioned, within 25 yards - maybe 50, I'd rather have a SG than a rifle.
 
I think it would partly depend on whether you were on your own, or part of a unit where there would be some overlap of weapon capabilities. Bill Jordan used a Winchester '97 in WWII in the Pacific, only giving it up for a Thompson after the paper hulled shells swelled to the point that it wouldn't function. I imagine that if the fight moved to longer ranges he let the Garands take care of it.
 
Actually that was the Germans in WWII. They said they would execute soldiers found with a shotgun or ammunition.

They never actually did though.

They also complained to the US that the shotgun violates the Geneva Convention. This claim was also found to be false.<<

Now that's almost funny.
:rolleyes:
 
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