Praxis: The Shotgun - Force Multiplier for Civilian Small Unit Tactics- Part II – Integration of the Shotgun for Ambush Patrols
American property owners defending Korea Town during LA riots, twenty years ago this week. Note over-under shotgun. When the party opens, you go with what you've got. Here, the deer rifle's longer range and accuracy complements the shotgun's close range limitations. Which demonstrates another truth -- combat, even against rabble looters, is a team endeavor.
An older post, but a useful discussion.
The modern armed citizenry of the United States is, by neglectful nature, not "regulated" in the term of the Founders, that is, they are not armed with weapons of common caliber, familiar in their use, and well-trained. Indeed, the most common weapon to be found in American gun owners' closets and gun safes is the ubiquitous 12 Gauge shotgun, some few of the type known as "combat shotguns" but most not. Yet it is also true that when a breakdown of public order occurs, it will be the shotgun that appears in large quantities. It behooves the armed citizen to think through and plan for that eventuality so that the rabbit, bird and deer shotguns are able, within a mix of other more capable firearms, of being effective against the most dangerous game -- two legged predators.
In the 90s, we would work with newbies to "combatize" their game guns, often just by the simple expedient of swapping barrels to something more effective in close quarters battle. Often this was as simple as finding a beat-up long game barrel for a Mossberg 500, for example, cutting it down to 18.5" and adding a shell carrier or two to facilitate rapid reloading.
But the fact of the matter is that when the party opens, you go with what you've got. Period. A little thought and pre-planning goes a long way.
7 comments:
I would wager there are far more battle rifles and carbines out there now thanks to the wake up call the other side gave everyone with the ban in 1994.
Some of you who served in Viet-nam may remember some warriors, Army/Marines, who modified .12 gauge shotguns with a "duckbill". This simple modification made an excellent weapon into an awesome weapon. The duckbill .12 gauge was especially effective in urban fighting, such as Tet of 1968. It's kind may be needed again, so research it, or talk to any old vet familiar with the modification. I'm not telling you to do it, just know how.
Mike, God bless and speed healing.
The shotgun is often under-rated in the grand scheme of things, but as a a reloader - it's versatility compares to little when it comes to selection of load designed for the desired application. This is especially true when one has a chamber capable of 3" and up.
America has three main weapons on the table: 12 Gauge, the AR-15 and the 22 Lr. - each system has their respective applications. In an ideal America, one would see the M1A1/M14 and the Browning 1919 fluently in that mix.
However, the shotgun still does the trick. The Germans and Vietnamese feared it.
Like the revolver, the shotty demands respect. When used properly, it - as you stated - becomes an effective force multiplier.
Just wanted to note that an 870 riot gun available in most states is about 17-7/8" long from muzzle to beginning of action.
Apparently legal barrel length is measured internally, from closed bolt face to muzzle. Which may be different than measuring for a rifle barrel.
When people ask me why I took up shooting a couple of years ago, I tell them about camping with my wife a LONG way from the sheriff and cell phone service, and a bunch of rowdies that drove in at 3:00 AM that made us realize that we were a long way away from any help.
When bad stuff happens it usually happens quickly, and I swore I would never be without a weapon while camping again. Getting to that point took months, with selecting and purchasing a weapon, and requisite training, as I was totally new to handguns.
Anyone caught up in the Rodney King riots who suddenly felt the need to buy a gun got a rude introduction to California gun law, which includes a 10 day waiting period.
Good for the Koreans for being prepared. But if one knows anything about Korean history, one should not be surprised to see them heavily armed and prepared to fight for their property. They are definitely not the "model minority", God Bless'em!
"Riotizing" a field barrel by chopping it really hurts your range. I chopped a 90 dollar Moss 500 to 18.5 inches and it threw a pattern big enough to walk though at 10 yards.
To correct, I bought an old poly choke from the local gun shop that had been removed when the owner switched to choke tubes, only cost 20 bucks. I used hand files to draw down my chopped barrel, then after fitting used JB weld to anchor it in place. Silver solder also works, and I would suspect that the "black" locktite would do fine, too.
Dialed up to full, I can get effective patterns with 00 at 30 yards, it made a huge difference and extended the lethal range.
ScottJ nailed it.
Standardized my safe with Garands, .45s, and auto-shotties.
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