Shotguns (World War I)

Shotguns, World War I When the Americans entered the war, they brought with them the combat shotgun. As a close-range weapon, it was highly effective for clearing a German assault on a trench or clearing German positions such as dugouts or buildings. The Winchester Model 1897 was a popular pump-action shotgun with American civilians and the military before the war, and it is said that General John Pershing was a big supporter of US troops being issued with such shotguns in World War I because of their effectiveness during the Philippine insurrection. To suit its military role, a trench-grade version of the Model 1897 was designed based on what they had observed from the first three years of the war. The M1897 trench-grade shotgun featured a perforated steel heat shield over the barrel, which protected the soldier's hand from overheating, and a bayonet lug for an M1917 bayonet. The weapon could also be slam-fired, meaning all six buckshots could be fired like a crude automatic shotgun by holding down the trigger and working the slide. It has also been said that soldiers who were skilled trap shooters were employed with the shotgun so they could shoot enemy hand grenades midair. However, this would have been very difficult and impossible during nighttime raids. The initial paper-hulled shotgun shells of the M1897 were unsuitable for the damp conditions of the trenches, as they were prone to swelling up and jamming the weapon. To alleviate this, brass cases were developed. American soldiers and Marines equipped with shotguns had such formidable firepower in their hands that they referred to the weapon as the trench sweeper or trench broom. The use of the Winchester Model 1897, along with the Model 1912 and various Remington models by the American troops, gained protests from the German side who alleged that the shotgun was prohibited by the law of war and that it caused unnecessary suffering. When the Americans refused to stop using the weapon, German high command threatened to execute any American soldier who had been caught with a shotgun or shotgun shells. Watch our other videos to learn more. Get your copy of Simple History World War One, available on Amazon now. Thank you guys for all your support on the Simple History YouTube channel. If you enjoy it, please consider visiting our Patreon page. There, you can show us your support for the channel by donating and make a huge difference in what we're able to create for you. Plus, you can get early access on upcoming videos. So let's keep it growing and thank you for being part of this amazing community.