The Detested Weapon: The German Wehrmacht's Fear of the Riot Gun/Shotgun

Introduction

During World War II, the German Wehrmacht faced a weapon that instilled both fear and hatred: the riot gun/shotgun. Specifically, shotguns were not only despised by the Germans but also by the Japanese, proving to be a challenging and terrifying addition to the Allied forces' arsenal.

The Versatile Riot Gun/Shotgun

Shotguns were extensively used by Allied forces and their partisan supporters across all theaters of combat during World War II. This versatile weapon, with its pump and semi-automatic mechanisms, was issued to all branches of the United States military and was later adopted by various other Allied and independent forces. From French and British troops to Australian and New Zealand forces, shotguns found their place in numerous conflicts around the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Models and Usage

Six different models of shotguns were accepted by the US Army during World War II. Among these, the M97 and M1912 models were the most popular. These weapons, while effective, faced some logistical challenges. The standard rifle pouches carried only about 30 rounds, and alternative methods, such as the SL-3 grenade vests from World War I and modified bandoliers, were also employed. In the jungle, the shotgun excelled in combat, particularly against snipers hidden in trees and for clearing bunkers and dugouts.

Shotgun Ammunition and Effectiveness

The most common ammunition used in combat shotguns was buckshot. Typically, a 70 mm, 234-inch, 12-gauge shell loaded with nine hardened 00 buckshot, measuring about 8.4 mm or .33 inch, was employed. This ammunition proved to be brutally effective at close ranges, targeting unarmored targets such as flesh. The Germans even protested against the use of this weapon in 1918, recognizing its formidable capabilities.

Military Specifications and Design

Military-issue shotguns were designed for close-quarters combat and had much shorter barrels than shotguns used for hunting. These shotguns typically featured modified magazines capable of holding more than the standard 3 to 5 shots found in hunting shotguns. The majority of combat shotguns used tubular magazines mounted underneath the barrel, similar to those found on hunting shotguns but adapted to hold more rounds. Some recent designs incorporated detachable box magazines.

Adaptation and Use by Leaders

The adaptability of the riot gun/shotgun was exemplified by the instance where General Alexander Patch, a key figure in the war, was seen using a Winchester shotgun during a personal attack on Guadalcanal. This highlights the weapon's versatility and impact on the battlefield.

Conclusion

The fear of these shotguns and the devastating injuries they inflicted at close range surpassed any trepidation of regular firearms. The German Wehrmacht, along with the Japanese, faced a formidable and dreaded weapon in the form of the riot gun/shotgun, making it a significant and terrifying aspect of World War II.