Magazine Fed Shotgun

[Doug]

In competition, we have the Saigas, Vepr, and MK1919s. These take time and tweaking depending on what you get. Replacement parts are an issue, etc... It can be frustrating.

I came across this by accident,

http://www.hatsan.com.tr/en_new_escort_raider.html

http://www.hatsan.com.tr/images/escort_raider_ts.jpg

http://www.hatsan.com.tr/assets/escort_raider_manual_en.pdf

Though it looks like a Turkish Benelli M4 clone with a magazine, it looks interesting nonetheless. It seems at some point some manufacturer of worth will be able to get a semi-auto shotgun right. Not saying this particular one is even close.

Will there ever be a reliable magazine fed shotgun in the US worth using for HD or duty use? Thoughts?

[JodyH]

I wouldn't buy any magazine fed shotgun unless a major magazine manufacturer (Mec-Gar, Magpul) was on board.
Single source imported magazines... nope.

[UNK]

I have read the weak link is shells stored over a period of time become out of round and won't chamber. I've also read these were originally designed for solid brass hulls. As I recall...I don't have first hand experience.

[Haraise]

It's difficult, given that you're feeding ninety degree angles through a semi auto (look a how much just even slightly more steep hollowpoints affect feeding), and the rim is very counterproductive as well. Round nosed, brass cased, smaller diameter rounds would be great, and have been tried, but trying to sell a new weapon system based on a new ammunition... It'll probably take some military contract, but can't see why one would happen, personally.

[LHS]

It's difficult, given that you're feeding ninety degree angles through a semi auto (look a how much just even slightly more steep hollowpoints affect feeding), and the rim is very counterproductive as well. Round nosed, brass cased, smaller diameter rounds would be great, and have been tried, but trying to sell a new weapon system based on a new ammunition... It'll probably take some military contract, but can't see why one would happen, personally.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. You'd want all-brass, rimless, round-nosed shells of probably about 20ga or so. Who's going to pay for those, when you can get 12ga birdshot training fodder for $0.25/rd? None of the duck hunters will switch, there's no need for them to do so and no incentive. No military's going to drop the coin on a weapon system that will see virtually no use in this time of select-fire 5.56 carbines. For better or worse, we're stuck with the century-old shotgun shell form factor, and will have to make do with alterations in materials and payload, which makes me kind of sad.