how effective were shotguns in vietnam

Entries are listed below in alphanumeric order (1-to-Z). It got to the point that the Germans made it known that any American caught using a shotgun in combat would be executed on sight. The guns had 20″ barrels and plain, unadorned stocks with plastic buttplates and no sling swivels. Many were stamped with U.S. Navy property markings. Thank you for your support. These guns were basically the same as the civilian riot guns of the period and were not numbered in a unique range (as were the “S-prefix” Model 37 riot guns). There are a total of [ 11 ] Vietnam War Shotguns entries in the Military Factory. This article was first published in American Rifleman, March 2002. Shotguns were procured in great numbers and from multiple firearms manufacturers. These were similar to the riot guns but were fitted with a ventilated metal handguard/bayonet adapter and sling swivels. These were addressed with the M16A1 version and the rifle eventually gained a reputation for reliability. Rifleman Q&A: When Did M1 Carbines Get Bayonet Lugs? During World War II, Marines favored pump-action shotguns in the cramped, dark quarters of cave and tunnel complexes throughout the Pacific. A very small number of prototype M77E trench guns (riot guns fitted with bayonet adapters) were procured, but few, if any, were issued. Some stated Remington 870's, some say Ithaca 37's. Although the Ithaca M37, Stevens M77E, Winchester Model 1200 and Remington Model 870 were the primary “official issue” combat shotguns fielded in Vietnam, there were isolated instances of shotguns purchased from PXs and other private sources being carried “in the field.”. As it had in the South Pacific, the shotgun proved a very effective weapon in the jungles of South Vietnam. In all, over 2.7 million Browning Auto-5 shotguns were … It is far more likely that they were upset at how incredibly effective shotguns were in their deadly work. U.S. Navy photo, Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors, NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award Presented by Brownells, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program. Early examples had the front swivel mounted on a band affixed to the barrel and later guns had the front swivel attached to the magazine plug base. Navy SEALs used the 870 in Vietnam. Most of those guns were Parkerized, and any worn or defective parts were replaced as part of the overhaul proce… With more than 50,000 M77E riot guns manufactured, the Stevens M77E was the most widely used shotgun of the Vietnam War. The refurbished World War II shotguns that saw the most use in Vietnam were the Winchester Model 12 and Stevens M520-30 trench guns. The M14, for example, was not intended to kill an enemy soldier or guerrilla outright. Effective range of a modern weapon is about 50 yards (45 m). Communist forces were principally armed with Chinese and Soviet weaponry though some Viet Cong guerrilla units were equipped with Western infantry weapons either captured from French stocks during the first Indochina war or from ARVN units or requisitioned through illicit purchase. This U.S. military policeman in Vietnam is armed with a Stevens Model 77E shotgun. VIETNAM, 1965 (Photo by SAUER Jean-Claude/Paris Match via Getty Images) These malfunctions, unfortunately, led to numerous fatalities as US troops had to disassemble their XM16E1s to resolve malfunctions in the middle of firefights. Unlike the Claymore, the M14 mine (and the M16) utilized by U.S. forces in Vietnam were more intimate. The World War I-vintage shotguns were about a quarter century old by that time, and the supply was insufficient to meet the burgeoning demand. When the United States stepped up the deployment of troops to Southeast Asia beginning in the early 1960s, it was recognized that shotguns could be of value for fighting in the jungles and similar terrain. In 1970, the U.S. military was transitioning out of its offensive combat role in the Vietnam War, tasking its soldiers with training South Vietnamese troops and maintaining defensive garrisons. In addition to the M77E, a fairly small number of Stevens 69R riot guns was purchased by the government in the late 1960s. They were used with great success by the US Army in the trench fighting of World War I where the Winchester Model 1897 pump shotgun gained its fame. They are an Ithaca Model 37 “S-prefix” ”riot gun,” a Winchester Model 1200 “trench gun” with a late 1960s-vintage M1917 bayonet attached and a Stevens Model 77 E “riot gun.”. The World War II-vintage trench guns (and some riot guns) were refurbished as necessary, and many were sent to Vietnam. The M1200 was intended as a replacement for Winchester’s legendary Model 12, which had proven very costly to manufacture. The guns were Parkerized, and the wooden stocks were fitted with rubber buttpads. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps acquired Remington Model 870 shotguns. Auto-5s lived a good long healthy service life with the American military, ultimately seeing the end of its fighting days in the Vietnam War. This was a question presented at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland where engineers and weapon experts were tasked with testing the effectiveness of counterambush weapon systems. The standard sporting shotgun shells of the period had plastic cases that were also water-resistant and durable, and they were all but immune to corrosion. It's a long way from Camp Perry to Vietnam. The bayonets made by these firms were not as well-crafted as the World War I bayonets and were fitted with checkered plastic grips. In the late 1960s, the U.S. Army contracted with Winchester Repeating Arms Co. for a quantity of the firm’s new Model 1200 shotguns. The Remington Model 870 was used by US Marines in the Vietnam War but why the hell would you like to carry a sawed off shotgun as a personal weapon into combat? A normal barrel 12 gauge buckshot shotgun is 14 inches long and has a maximum effective … Though the camp was eventually lost, Sgt Maj Adkins has plenty of stories for that 3 day close combat battle. E-mail your comments/questions about this site to:[email protected] For questions/comments about American Rifleman magazine, please e-mail:[email protected] You can contact the NRA via phone at: NRA Member Programs1-800-672-3888, To advertise on American Rifleman, visit nramediakit.com for more information. It's a long way from Camp Perry to Vietnam. When the U.S. got involved in WW1, some of our troops got to using shotguns to very good effect in trenches. Ithaca Model 37The first of these new contracts was given in 1962 to the Ithaca Gun Co. for a plain-barrel riot gun version of its popular Model 37 slide-action shotgun. U.S. Army photo. The Marines in France were meeting German attacks with effective rifle fire … Navy SEALs used the 870 in Vietnam. The M77E riot guns were issued to U.S. Army and Marine military personnel as well as to some South Vietnamese troops. The first of these new contracts was given in 1962 to the Ithaca Gun Co. for a plain-barrel riot gun version of its popular Model 37 slide-action shotgun. U.S. Navy photo. AmmunitionThe most common type of combat shotgun ammunition issued during the early stages of the Vietnam War was World War II-vintage “M19” shells. Close in security work around bases and quite effective in WW2 especially for Marines. Unlike the Ithaca M37, the M77E was a conventional slide-action shotgun design with an ejection port on the receiver’s right side. The carbine, like the shotguns used by the Marines, was light and created a traumatic cavitation wound at short range, although, like the shotgun, it was not effective at greater distances. Helicopters flown during the Vietnam War were not heavily armored. They are an Ithaca Model 37 “S-prefix” ”riot gun,” a Winchester Model 1200 “trench gun” with a late 1960s-vintage M1917 bayonet attached and a Stevens Model 77 E “riot gun.”. And yet shotguns were so effective in trench warfare that we opted NOT to supply our soldiers with very many and to prolong the war as a result. We who benefitted from their courage and dedication to duty really do owe a sacred debt to those brave men. These guns were basically the same as the civilian riot guns of the period and were not numbered in a unique range (as were the “S-prefix” Model 37 riot guns). Winchester Repeating Arms Co. supplied Model 97 and Model 12 shotguns of all three types. Shotguns were not general issue to all infantrymen, but were select issue, such as one per squad, etc. Most of those guns were Parkerized, and any worn or defective parts were replaced as part of the overhaul process. While the M14 and M16 were the primary infantry small arms of the Vietnam War, the various combat shotguns also provided valuable service to our fighting men on many occasions. The bayonets made by these firms were not as well-crafted as the World War I bayonets and were fitted with checkered plastic grips. In the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army were notorious in coordinating ambushes against unarmored and unarmed … Germany blocked that motion. The guns were Parkerized, and the wooden stocks were fitted with rubber buttpads. Semi-Auto. 00 Buck, XM162.” The shells were typically packaged in 10-round cardboard boxes. 4,095 pilots and crew members were killed in action in Vietnam. When the United States stepped up the deployment of troops to Southeast Asia beginning in the early 1960s, it was recognized that shotguns could be of value for fighting in the jungles and similar terrain. Following the Armistice in 1918, the trench guns remained in the inventories of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps where they saw use in some “hot spots” in the Caribbean and China “between the wars.” The supply of shotguns left over from World War I was sufficient to meet the demand until the eve of World War II. In fact, our troops were so effective with their shotguns that the Germans complained about them. The Model 10 and Model 31 slide-action shotguns and Model 11 autoloader were part of America’s military small arms during both World Wars. The barrel was marked with a “U.S.” on the right side and the receiver bore a “U.S.” marking below the serial number near the loading port. They were issued for guard duty in the flightlines. Here is its … A few of these later Model 37 riot guns were equipped with sling swivels and some were subsequently fitted with “duckbill spreaders” (shot diverters) for use primarily by U.S. Navy personnel, including “SEALs.”. Flag images indicative of country of … Remington Arms Co. turned out riot and training gun variants of its Model 11 autoloading shotgun, and Savage Arms Co. produced a number of the almost-identical Model 720 riot guns and training guns. After the United States’ withdrawal from Vietnam, combat shotguns remained a part of our armed forces’ inventory. Here is a rundown of some of the top historical guns which were used in Vietnam: The M16: The 16 rifle would become one of the most widely used Vietnam war infantry rifles. The Model 870 was already a standard staple of police forces across the fruited plains, so choosing it for combat was a natural selection. The M1200 combat shotguns first saw issue in the late 1960s, and they still remain in limited use today by the U.S. Army. There were several variations found in military M870 shotguns of the era including Parkerized and blued finishes, solid plastic butt­plates, rubber buttplates and a variety of marking formats. Winchester developed a trench gun version of the M1200 that utilized a ventilated handguard/bayonet adapter reminiscent of the type used by the firm in World War I and World War II on its Model 97 and Model 12 trench guns. The M870 Mark 1 was fitted with an adapter that allowed the M7 bayonet (the bayonet used with the M16 rifle) to be attached. They were always going against the odds of survival when they came to our aid under fire. After World War II, the only combat shotguns that remained classified as “Standard” were the Winchester Model 12 “trench gun” and the Stevens M520-30 and M620A “trench guns.” It should be noted that the term “trench gun” was not an official classification but was, and is, widely used to identify a short-barreled shotgun fitted with a handguard and bayonet adapter. The M1200 slide-action shotgun was a rather conventional design that featured an alloy receiver to make the gun lighter and to reduce production costs. Though certainly effective, Patton crews often had reason to resent the visibility of their tanks. In addition to the M77E, a fairly small number of Stevens 69R riot guns was purchased by the government in the late 1960s. The standard riot gun version of the Stevens M77E along with the Ithaca M37 were the most commonly issued combat shotguns of the Vietnam War. The US Navy SEALs utilized modified shotguns during hikes through the jungles of Vietnam. While the M14 and M16 were the primary infantry small arms of the Vietnam War, the various combat shotguns also provided valuable service to our fighting men on many occasions. Vietnam War Shotguns Remington 870. The Military Cannot Get Enough Of Its Shotguns (For Good Reason) Shotguns are not terribly suited to combat: shotgun shot has a maximum effective range of … Most of the stocks were noticeably shorter than standard U.S. shotgun stocks to accommodate our typically smaller-statured South Vietnamese allies. Stevens Arms Co. delivered trench gun, riot gun and training versions of its Model 520-30 and 620A shotguns. The Pearl Harbor attack found the United States military woefully short of all manner of arms. From smart bombs to night vision and lightweight assault rifles, Vietnam was a proving ground for countless new weapons and the tactics that drove their employment. Contracts were given to the Remington Arms Co. for short-barreled “riot gun” versions of its M870 slide-action shotgun. Shotguns. The M870 was a popular sporting and police shotgun due to its reliability and smooth action. Plastic 00-buckshot ammunition was adopted by the U.S. military and initially given the designation “Shell, Shotgun, Plastic Case, 12 Gauge, No. Since Vietnam was the most recent U.S. war, its veterans were the men who could provide answers to critical questions addressing willingness to fire. The Vietnam-era U.S. military Model 37s bear “U.S.” stamps on the right sides of their receivers. The war in Vietnam saw the introduction of a wide array of new technologies. There were several variations found in military M870 shotguns of the era including Parkerized and blued finishes, solid plastic butt­plates, rubber buttplates and a variety of marking formats. Plastic 00-buckshot ammunition was adopted by the U.S. military and initially given the designation “Shell, Shotgun, Plastic Case, 12 Gauge, No. Even with the “recycled” World War II guns in inventory, it was obvious that the supply was going to be exhausted before too long, and contracts were given for the procurement of new shotguns. A few Winchester Model 97 shotguns saw use during this period as well—even though most of them had been disposed of as surplus by the government in the late 1940s. Shotguns were modified for and used in the trench warfare of WWI, in the jungle combat of WWII and the Vietnam War. Shotguns were also used by the US Marines in the Pacific jungle fighting during WW II and by the British during the 1950s in Malaysia. Col. Greg Dillon sat down and talked with us about the small arms that himself and the men he was commanding were faced with during the course of his two tours in Vietnam during the conflict in the 1960s. While the .45 ACP is formidable in its own right, it pales in comparison to 12 gauge #00 Buckshot. It generally gave satisfactory service but proved to be a bit less reliable and durable than the Ithaca M37. They were used both offensively and defensively, carrying infantry into attacks but also used for mine laying and the defense of forward operating bases. Most Important Guns of the Vietnam War 1. Many were stamped with U.S. Navy property markings. The ubiquitous Soviet AK-47 was widely regarded as the best assault rifle of the war and it was not uncommon to see U.S. special forces with captured AK-47s. The World War II-vintage trench guns (and some riot guns) were refurbished as necessary, and many were sent to Vietnam. The barrel was marked with a “U.S.” on the right side and the receiver bore a “U.S.” marking below the serial number near the loading port. Sons Of Liberty Radio LIVE with Tim Brown Weekdays 6-7am EST, Knife Rights: North Dakota Concealed Carry Knife Reform Bill Introduced, Winchester’s New Wildcat TrueTimber Strata Rimfire Carbine, Colt’s Model 1855 Revolving Rifle in the Civil War, Burris 4.5-14x 42mm Droptine Riflescope – Review, Streamlight Launches TLR-10 Rail-Mounted Tactical Light, Rossi Matched Pair: The Top-Selling Single-Shot of 2020, How to Use Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication for Self Defense, Some States are Trying to Bring Freedom to College Campuses, Head to Head: .22-250 Remington vs. .204 Ruger. When it comes to collectors guns, most collectors generally look for weapons which were primarily used throughout world war one and world war two. Shotguns continued to see a surprising amount of military use, albeit “informally,” during the War Between the States and into the “Indian Wars” period. This was the same type of shotgun shell pouch first adopted in 1921 and widely issued in World War II. The writings I've found on the subject differ on what was issued. Although the Ithaca M37, Stevens M77E, Winchester Model 1200 and Remington Model 870 were the primary “official issue” combat shotguns fielded in Vietnam, there were isolated instances of shotguns purchased from PXs and other private sources being carried “in the field.”. Long-range semi-automatic rifles have been the preferred weapon for soldiers since before WW2. Ammunition This is how we help to make money so we can continue to bring you amazing content. It is very effective at close range. In addition to these positive attributes, they were much cheaper than the earlier all-brass variety. The 69R was similar in design and performance to the M77E, but it saw only a modicum of use as compared to the much more widely issued M77E. Shotgun, smoothbore shoulder weapon designed to fire a number of pellets, or shot, that spread in a diverging pattern after they leave the muzzle. They were a trusted firearm for men who had to engage the enemy at close range. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps also required additional quantities of combat shotguns in the late 1960s. 4s were used more or less concurrently from the time of adoption through at least the early 1990s. Although durable and water-resistant, much of the supply sent to Southeast Asia was poorly stored and a large amount had to be discarded due to corrosion. The tried and proven Model 1897 was slightly modified by the addition of a ventilated metal handguard and bayonet adapter and was referred to as the “trench gun.” The Winchester Model 1897 12-ga. trench guns, along with a smaller number of Remington Model 10 trench guns, saw action in the trenches of France during the closing months of the war. by Bruce Canfield - https://gunsinthenews.com/combat-shotguns-of-the-vietnam-war The M77E was the first United States combat shotgun equipped with a rubber recoil pad. It is used primarily against small moving targets, especially birds. In certain combat situations, there is no deadlier arm than a slide-action shotgun loaded with buckshot. The M77E shotguns had 20″ barrels and were marked “U.S.” on the receivers with small “p” proof marks on the barrels and receivers. The reasons the Germans wanted the shotgun outlawed was because they thought it was inhumane. I am wondering just what shotguns were used during the Vietnam War. A combat shotgun is a shotgun that is intended to be used in armed conflicts, typically by a military force. 4s were used more or less concurrently from the time of adoption through at least the early 1990s. It generally gave satisfactory service but proved to be a bit less reliable and durable than the Ithaca M37. Twelve 10-round boxes were packed in a metal  ammunition can. Some of those used in Vietnam, especially the Ithaca “S-prefix” and Stevens M77E shotguns, are seldom encountered today because the majority were left in Southeast Asia. The number of Model 37 Vietnam-era trench guns procured under government contract has not been verified but was likely only a relatively small quantity—certainly no more than a few thousand. The XM257 No. Enfield” bayonet. The M1200’s adapter was still designed to use the venerable 1917 bayonet. In addition to these positive attributes, they were much cheaper than the earlier all-brass variety. ... fought in Korea and Vietnam with pump-action shotguns that re-validated their effectiveness. These were all-brass 12-ga. shells loaded with 00 buckshot. Everything from AKs, B52s, and RPGs are lightly discussed in this informative episode. Ithaca Gun Co. produced a small number of Model 37 trench guns and a larger number of Model 37 riot guns and training guns. How Effective Were Shotguns In Vietnam And How Many Rounds Can A Shotgun Hold In Ny is best in online store. This U.S. military policeman in Vietnam is armed with a Stevens Model 77E shotgun. The Winchester M97 would go on to serve through the Vietnam War. In fact, our troops were so effective with their shotguns that the Germans complained about them. Stevens Model 77E Helicopters flown during the Vietnam War were not heavily armored. The individual shells were standard 00-buckshot shells (red plastic cases) indistinguishable from sporting ammunition of the same variety. Are there written articles on how effective the shotguns were in Vietnam. The M1200 military trench gun had a dull anodized finish on the alloy receiver and the steel barrel and handguard assembly were gray Parkerized. Most of those guns were Parkerized, and any worn or defective parts were replaced as part of the overhaul process. Except for the markings, those military-contract shotguns were essentially identical to the Model 37 riot guns made for civilian and police use during that same period. In Europe, the expectation was that most combat would occur at distances beyond the effective range of a shotgun. Due to their limited capacity, they were reportedly seldom used, and most soldiers carried shotgun shells in M16 magazine pouches or other containers, or simply stuffed handfuls in their pockets. A few years later, some additional Model 37 riot guns were procured by the government. As the war in Southeast Asia continued, other types of shotguns were procured by the U.S. military. The thinking was, rifle ammo would penetrate the aircraft and do internal damage. This was the same type of shotgun shell pouch first adopted in 1921 and widely issued in World War II. The Mark 1 shotguns had 21" barrels and were equipped with extended magazine tubes (eight-round total capacity), rifle sights and sling swivels. Friday, April 22, 2016. Shotguns, ultimate high speed DOOR KEY (breaching tool)! 4 buckshot was packaged in the same type of 10-round boxes as the XM 162 No. Pump and semi-automatic shotguns were used in marksmanship training, particularly for bomber gunners. It is reported that American units armed with shotguns had higher “body counts” than similar units without shotguns. 00 buckshot, and both types of No. The number of Model 37 Vietnam-era trench guns procured under government contract has not been verified but was likely only a relatively small quantity—certainly no more than a few thousand. It was the replacement for the M14 rifle and considered to be much more accurate than the typical AK47. When the U.S. got involved in WW1, some of our troops got to using shotguns to very good effect in trenches. Ithaca 37 pump-action shotgun replaced every other shotgun in the field and armed the United States Marine Corps throughout the war. Winchester Model 1912 pump-action shotgun was used by the Marines during the early stages of the war. Both plain-barreled “riot” versions (top) and “trench” versions with ventilated top handguards and bayonet lugs were procured. 4 Buck, Special, XM257.” Early versions of the XM257 shells were red plastic with the nomenclature stamped on the outside while later production shells were made of green “subdued” colored plastic. The United States military again turned to shotguns when the nation became embroiled in World War I. inspects a Soviet AK-47 recovered in Vietnam in 1968. The guns proved to be of enormous benefit against Moro tribesmen in the close-range jungle fighting common to the Philippine “pacification” campaigns. This bayonet was selected for use with the first “trench guns” used in World War I and remained the standard shotgun bayonet in U.S. military service until the late 1960s. Although durable and water-resistant, much of the supply sent to Southeast Asia was poorly stored and a large amount had to be discarded due to corrosion. There were three basic types procured during World War II; trench guns (with bayonet adapters and handguards), riot guns (plain, short-barreled guns) and longer-barreled trap or skeet guns (for training aerial gunners and for recreational use). Of the nearly 1 million Americans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War era (1964-75), many were or went on to … I have a friend who was in the Rhodesian Army during the troubles. Really, trench brooms (WW1 era) shotguns had been in EVERY Marine Corps and USAF armory that I had worked since the 1970s. var wWidgetConf_72c367966e = {rows: 4,cols: 1,backgroundColor: 'rgb(240, 240, 240)',textColor: 'rgb(0, 0, 0)',borderColor: '#DDD',displayContent: '0',contentSort: '0',contentType: '0',showTitle: '1',showThumb: '1',widgetID: 'wWidget_72c367966e',layout: 'basic'}; (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:11366059450282598,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-3996-7102"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.lockerdomecdn.com/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Shown here (from top to bottom) are three U.S. military combat shotguns commonly used during the Vietnam era. The attachment of the buttstock to the receiver was rather weak and resulted in a number of guns being broken. This theory is made even more likely by the fact that numerous American messages were sent from the front line vehemently requesting additional shotguns. Which today, we’re gonna interview him some more. “The next day, the weather broke enough so they could come get us,” he said. The pouches held 12 shells in internal web loops. Interestingly, the bayonet adapter for the Model 37 trench gun was designed for use with the M1917 “U.S. The Tiger and the sawed off shotgun are only two of them. Six hundred Patton tanks were used in Vietnam, organized into 57 tank units at battalion level. In addition to the new-production bayonets, some refurbished World War I M1917 bayonets were issued for use in Vietnam. Our posts contain affiliate links and we earn a small commission from those links. Some shotguns were purchased by the government for “foraging” purposes, but a number of privately owned shotguns accompanied some soldiers into combat during this period. When compared to the bolt-action rifles of the time these shotguns were very reliable and effective in the trenches. Ithaca had previously manufactured shotguns for the U.S. government during World War II.

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