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Posted: 6/4/2013 5:04:37 PM EDT
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I searched to find any threads on this, and came up empty, so
here is one of this type. I've developed a strong dislike of starting these types of threads on this site due to how crazy some of the more strongly opinionated people in this forum can be. I hope this thread isn't like that. I am curious about possible military applications for the AA-12 shotgun. All I've seen is promotional videos for it. I've gone online and read different opinions on it, and my conclusion is the same as many that it is a very effective niche weapon that fits a very specific role, but not nearly as useful outside of that role as a close quarters fighting weapon that unleashes a ridiculous amount of firepower. Due to the size of shotgun shells, and the size and shape of the 20 round AA-12 magazine, an individual can't carry very much ammo for it, especially considering the weapon's rate of fire (very high). Being a shotgun, it won't be as useful at long or medium range shots unless using the Frag12 round, and even that has less range than a 5.56 I would relegate this weapon to the a very unique situational weapon, much like hand grenades. I would say leave a squad with the same weapons they currently use. If the AA12 is to be used at all in the military, it would be only be unleashed during these specific situations. Each platoon would only get a few of these weapons, and only one or two would be issued to a squad for a specific mission if the commander expected that it would be useful. Deployed in the same manner as the M-32 or AT4 or LAW. Any other opinions? |
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It simply doesn't have a place in military operations.
The sole use of shotguns in the modern military combat is for breaching doors. Now outside combat, they are useful for riot control, less lethal operation, etc. The AA12 is a modernized version of an older design, by Atchisson. The original didn't have a place in the military for combat, and any derivatives wont either. In combat, room clearing, etc, the carbine is the better weapon. For delivering a payload, a grenade launcher is better. Don't waste the taxpayer dollar and armory space on a silly gimmick. |
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I agree, however, something can be said for the possibility
of using it to getting a fireteam that is trapped by heavy enemy fire inside a building. The AA12 could be a life-saver in such a sticky situation as heavy indoor fighting. Outside of that, I agree that the current weapons in inventory will do the job just fine. |
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When I think about it, I really wouldn't mind
seeing a special fireteam of AA12 gunners acting as sort of a QRF force to be deployed at Commander's discretion during MOUT operations. Suppose a Company of Marines are conducting a push through a neighborhood to clear out hostiles. All of a sudden the Platoon Commander gets word over the radio that 6 Marines are pinned down by heavy enemy fire in the bowels of a large industrial type warehouse building. He sends a fireteam of Marines armed with AA12s to their location to fight through the bottleneck, and help the pinned Marines advance through. I think such a specially equpped team would serve as a creative solution to a unique problem at best, and perhaps serve as a "fantasy" burden to troops at worst. |
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Quoted:
How old are you? Seriously. Seriously? Reread my suggestion and try to ascertain if I'm anymore serious about my idea than any others produced by "free writing?" What I was trying to articulate is that I feel like the AA-12 has potential in SOME sort of military application, I am just trying to brainstorm to see where or IF at all it could be applied. |
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We really appreciate your "free thinking" spirit son. Has the military asked you to do this info gathering mission? Are you looking for opinions, because you are able to put these plans in motion?
Or are you just dreaming up problems, to use your solution on? I mean, with the "marines trapped in the bowels" and all, it gets a bit surreal. Good luck on your fire mission son, carry on. |
I really don't see where a team with AA-12's would be that much more effective than regular M-4's. Limited ammo, in room clearing distance the pattern is still quite small. I think I would rather have more rounds in the magazine and more mobility from lighter carbine, plus the ability to have a few more mags closely at hand and faster reload. (Although this is coming from someone who has never been shot at  .
YMMV Doc |
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