More Shotguns in Iraq

[00-Guy]

From Blackfive www.blackfive.net comes the following image:

http://www.blackfive.net/photos/uncategorized/temp_display_img_8388_1.jpg

Is this a Mossberg perhaps?

 

[Slater]

Kinda looks like a Mossy 500.

 

[mattw]

yep, thats a mossberg.

 

[Cosmoline]

I love Mossy guns. If mine have been any indication, the sands and abuse of Iraq would barely slow them down. The big tang safety and the loose tolerances make it perfect for rough use. Mine have fallen into various local waterways, been dropped into mud bogs and generally filled with grit and crap. I like them a LOT better than the Rems. for goging cocked and locked. I just don't trust that touchy little triggerguard safety.

 

[walking arsenal]

i've been seeing lots of mossys in the sandbox latley it seems. What gives?

 

[Fred Fuller]

Yup, a 590 if I'm not mistaken, given the magazine cap. Note the slung M16 with preference being given to the shotgun for this up close and personal task. Also note the stairway bannister to his immediate left- clearing stairs is a non-fun job, and that's what this trooper is busy doing. No doubt the rest of his team is similarly engaged, his tailgunner seems to be securing the open door behind him to avoid surprises from that direction. Seems to be a paracord sling on the shotgun, tied off to the front sling swivel and the stock behind the trigger guard.

 

[iiibdsiil]

Does that picture mean that the pistol grip ISN'T tactical :banghead:

Just messing around

 

[Spreadfire Arms]

i think the Mossberg 590A1 is USMC issue...that would explain them in Iraq.

i have seen many Fort Hood soldiers come by the gun shows looking for inexpensive used shotguns to take with them overseas. they just put a pistol grip on it and chop the barrel overseas, makes a good room clearing tool.

 

[Frandy]

Not just for the cities or the sand gents...

My uncle took the point for his sqaud on four Pacific islands during WW II. He had a Garand slung over his shoulder but a shotgun in his hands as they walked through the dense jungle. His job was to spot Japanese in the trees and take them out with the shotgun. Pretty wild!

 

[Cosmoline]

IIRC, the Mossberg 500 and a few others were standard issue during Vietnam as well.

 

[justsurvivingincalifornia]

Yes I agree it is the 590A1 with short magazine tube I got a picture off the mossberg site.

 

[Langenator]

Shotguns are also frequently used as a breach tool, with special rounds. Short barrelled versions are especially handy for this.

My former unit at Ft Lewis had a couple for each platoon. Looked like Mossys, but didn't have any Mossberg markings.

 

[Missourigunner]

The Shotgun with 00 Buck, was my favorite weapon in The NAM. It would definitely spoil Victor Charles day.

 

[Onmilo]

I am happy to report that several shotguns just like this were sent over to the sandbox with a local Military Police outfit.

The guns were made up, at cost, and purchased with individual funds since TOE would not justify the purchase.

The end use was anticipated to be door breaching using low recoil slug loads.

Since the arrival the guns have been reported to me to have been further modified and have become even shorter and handier.

They won't be coming back as several requests have been indicated by both civilian contracters and Iraqi Police departments working with the MPs to purchase the firearms upon their departure.

 

[Jack2427]

Both the Army and USMC have issued the 590A1 for various purposes. I just returned from my 7th (and hopefully final) contract as LE/security trainer overseas. Been to the Balkans and sandland. Shotguns are very handy, especially in urban areas. I have seen a couple of Winchester 97 trench guns being carried by US personnel as well as some other pump guns. Some weird stuff can be found in supply rooms, particularly Reserve and Guard units that have horded stuff for the last century or so.
Some interesting differences in Iraq and say Kosovo/Serbia: In sandland the BG usually spray and pray with small arms, the preferred weapon being RPG and IEDs and the ever popular suicide bomber, with or without car. In the Balkans they had some BG who were really dangerous snipers, in Iraq I felt safe from rifle fire at about 300 meters away, in Kosovo you could get sniped from 8-900 meters easy. Some of those guys could shoot!
In Iraq the locals seem to respect shotguns and pistols more than the rifles, maybe they really think you are more likely to shoot them with the close range weapons?

 

[Slater]

Can't recall seeing any pictures of extended mag 590A1's in service over there. Did they only bring over/buy the shorter mag versions?

 

[rudolf]

BTW, shortening a shotgun barrell below 18" starts reducing muzzle energy quite a lot. Shotgun shells are made for at least 18". There may be some specialty load for shotert barrels, but you need barrel length for energy, and thats what the shotgun is all about.

 

[Onmilo]

You don't need maximum energy to blow door hinges and locks off doors.
Too long a barrel moves the shooter too far back away from the door and puts him into the path of the entrance team.