It is quite often that a weapon designed for one task is used in another. So it is with the case of the shotgun. Initially designed for hunting small game where the small pellets would be sufficient to bring down pheasants and other small animals, the shotgun has turned into a much used and greatly appreciated weapon of warfare. Appreciated by the side that is using them, that is.

Shotguns have the benefit of being able to work well at relatively close range. They are quite inaccurate at any long range, but then again, there are instances where short range weapons are preferable. The US Army discovered this while working the Moro wars in the Philippines. Here, its ability to stop rampaging attackers and to work well in dense foliage was a benefit. They also proved to be excellent in trench warfare during WWI, being touted as 'trench guns' with the addition of a bayonet. So effective were they, that the Germans complained that the guns violated the Geneva Convention because they infrequently killed the recipient of the fire, only wounding them.

Generally these shotguns were not the standard long barreled weapons many hunters are familiar with, but were shortened or 'sawed off' for close range use. They are generally used with the large 00 shot rather than the smaller birdshot. Built by a variety of manufacturers, these guns were mostly pump action that could hold a number of rounds before reloading. There are and were versions tested that had a semi-automatic feature with large detachable drums holding many more shells.

Not only are these guns useful in warfare, but more and more police departments and prison officials are armed with them. No other military uses the shotgun to the extent of the United States and they are still a valued weapon in military service.

Author Thompson does a great job of providing us with the history of the gun as well as the number of different manufacturers and types. Of equal interest is the description of its use during its operational use. The book is well illustrated, showing the variety of guns and with period photos showing it in use by soldiers. It all makes for a very good read and one that I have no trouble recommending to you.

September 2013

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