United States Marine Corps Weapons & Equipment
12 Gauge Shotgun
Primary function: Manually operated (pump), repeating shotgun.
Length: 41.75 inches (106.05 centimeters)
Weight: 8 pounds (3.63 kilograms)
Bore diameter: 12 gauge
Maximum effective range: 50 yards (45.7 meters) with "00" buckshot load
Unit Replacement Cost: $600
Features: The 12 gauge shotgun is a manually operated (pump), repeating shotgun, with a seven-round tubular magazine,
a modified choke barrel, ghost ring sights, and is equipped with a bayonet attachment, sling swivels and a standard
length military stock with phenolic plastic buttplate. (Some models have wooden and/or folding stocks.) This special
purpose individual weapon is used for guard duty, prisoner supervision, local security, riot control, and any situation
which requires the use of armed personnel with inherent limited range and ammunition penetration.
Background: Various models of shotgun have been in service use since 1901. The current inventory consists of four
different 12 gauge shotgun models: Remington 870, Winchester 1200, Mossberg 500, and Mossberg 590. (Weight and
length of the weapon depend on the manufacturer.)
Information and Photos Courtesy of United States Marine Corps
