CFD DUNDURN, Saskatchewan — A weapon that's been in our arsenal for a long time but is often overlooked is making a strong comeback on deployed operations. Although many soldiers have trained with the Remington 870 pump-action shotgun in the past, they rarely saw it again. That has changed.
From breeching locked doors and compounds to providing lethal and non-lethal protection in crowds, the shotgun is seeing a lot of use in Afghanistan. Most sections on patrol keep a shotgun in their vehicle, and it's not unusual to see at least one air sentry carrying one in a convoy.
The shotgun is not normally carried as a personal weapon. But it is used in specific situations to make use of its capabilities. Three types of shells are used: a slug, 00 buckshot consisting of 12 large pellets and a non-lethal beanbag load.
The latter leaves an ugly circular bruise that is sometimes called an "Oakland hicky," in honor of that city's estimable police department and its allegedly frequent use of such loads against peace hypocrites and other urban varmints.
Nifty photos at link, check them out.