"D. M-870 12 Gauge Riot Gun

1. Ships issue: IAW NAVSEAINST 8370.2

2. Pump action, manually operated.

3. Magazine capacity 3-8 rds. (normally 4)

4. Maximum effective range - 50 yds with #00 buckshot

(Maximum range 250 yds).

5. Qualifications: EASIEST WEAPON TO QUALIFY WITH

a. 10 yards - 10 rounds fired at two silhouette targets,

spaced approximately 2 feet apart.

b. A minimum of 32 hits (pellets) per target.

6. Employment:


a. Used to clear brow or passageway.

b. Good defensive weapon in a tight zone."

Source: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/swos/ops/73-13.html

This reference is part of a SWO course, giving a general overview. Frankly, there never has been, and probably doesn't need to be, a lot of shotgun training in the Navy Forces Afloat. Far more time spent on when to use force than how. Personally, I always preferred the scattergun to others inside a ship but would rather have #8's over 00 Buck.

Ole" Dixie has shipped some interestig specialized ammo to various Coast Guard units that were having soft Foster slugs flatten out on fiberglass Dope boats.
Regards, James

Interesting Mr Gates! Coasties have a totally different mission than the average squid on a ship. They are more offensive and we were defensive. The stratagy was to keep them off the ship with anything you could, short of deadly force, including water hoses. There were areas on the ship (likely) where Deadly Force would be used against ANY intruder, even ships force, that was not authorized access. Course, fire would be met with fire and up to 50 cal and 20mm, depending on vessel. A CO would rather move his ship than have to repell boarders with weapons.
BTW, depleted uranium tipped 20mm WILL penetrate fiberglass... and almost anything else! Been there, done that... but wore out my T-shirt!

Yes, I well understand the difference! Been there also! Today's Coast Guard is often overlooked/overshadowed by events elsewhere. I do feel that a boarding party is well equiped with the Remington 870"s, whatever the situation.....most very close in work!
Regards, James

First time I've checked this particular part of Shooter's Forum. Some time ago I carried a Winchester MOD 12 (military version) for boarding party assignments while in the Tonkin Gulf a.k.a. "the gun line". I was on a FRAM-1 destroyer (first tour) and our normal duty was either naval gunfire support along the coast or plane-guarding the carriers.

Regards, Vic