How effective have Shotguns proven to be in combat?

[NM Mountainman]

PT92 wrote:

"A Federal Facility would certainly warrant the need for either a tactical shotgun or carbine, in particular, in this current environment. Kind of stupid to rely solely on pistols IMHO at any important facility."

I agree PT92. I can't speak for everywhere, but at federal facilities (DOE related, national labs, military bases, correctional facilities) I am aware of, the security teams are trained based on the assumption that a security threat could come from trained teams of terrorists with body armor, automatic weapons, sniper rifles, night vision equipment, and grenades (maybe RPG as well). They always have a select fire M16 or M4 close at hand and they will sometimes wear them on a sling with an across the chest (or other) carry during periods of high alert.

They train frequently and burns lots of practice ammo. Most of them are a lot closer to being commandos than rent-a-cops. Many of them are ex special forces and/or combat veterans from our armed forces.

Other advanced security equipment and procedures are employed as well, but they are not usually noticeable to the untrained observer.

 

[PT92]

NM Mountainman wrote:

I agree PT92. I can't speak for everywhere, but at federal facilities (DOE related, national labs, military bases, correctional facilities) I am aware of, the security teams are trained based on the assumption that a security threat could come from trained teams of terrorists with body armor, automatic weapons, sniper rifles, night vision equipment, and grenades (maybe RPG as well). They always have a select fire M16 or M4 close at hand and they will sometimes wear them on a sling with an across the chest (or other) carry during periods of high alert.

They train frequently and burns lots of practice ammo. Most of them are a lot closer to being commandos than rent-a-cops. Many of them are ex special forces and/or combat veterans from our armed forces.

Other advanced security equipment and procedures are employed as well, but they are not usually noticeable to the untrained observer.

NM Mountainman,

I hope you are correct because anything less would be unacceptable. I know Blackwater (now AKA Xe) had quite a few of these contracts at one time (a buddy told me they are now heavily contracted via European countries to provide marine protection off the Somali Coast making some serious money as naval protection is too costly). I know for a fact that shotguns are common place aboard marine vessels in that region (though not as the primary weapon). I believe there is a picture thread on this board that speaks to that.

---------
NRA Life Member

 

[Skidawg]

While I am a Marine Corps Veteran, I did not carry a shotgun into combat (only a M16A2). I do have two friends, one that was in USMC Radio Reconnaissance and another in the Army Rangers. Both utilized a shotgun in their operations. The Marine issued one to his point man (1993ish) the Ranger used a Mossberg 500A to breach doors in Iraq II. The Ranger even developed a special "holster" for the Mossbeg to ride in post door breaching (basically a stainless steel hook).

 

[baylorattorney]

With the recent innovations in ammunition, specifically slugs, range is no longer a limiting factor for shotguns. Hornady claims:

"Unmatched Long Range Accuracy
The SST® Shotgun Slug delivers true 200 yard accuracy and you'll achieve sub-2" groups at 100 yards."

 

[Fred Fuller]

What the decidedly not fine print says in that same advertisement, however, is this:

SST® Slugs are designed for use in fully rifled barrels only.

Which means they are a specialty item, because buckshot fares poorly (or worse) in rifled barrels...

lpl

 

[Owen Sparks]

Nothing is more effective as a close range fight stopper than a shotgun. the problem in combat is that it is usualy not always at close range. Unless you are in a dense jungle or part of a specialized entry team clearing houses room to room you need a rifle. For civilian use of defending a set position like your bedroom a shotgun is the best choice. If you have to go outside to flee a Katrina type of situation you would be better served with a rifle. A handguns only virtue is that it is concealable and can be carried on your belt.