Tag Archives: Marine shotgun

Beretta gives the Guadalcanal Raiders a Salute in Frogskin

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Beretta has debuted a new configuration of the A300 Ultima Patrol semi-auto 12 gauge platform in two editions, just in time for the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday.

Built to honor 250 years of the nation’s go-to amphibious corps, the Patrol Raider is clad in a nostalgic yet functional “Frogskin” camo pattern akin to that worn by Marine Raiders as they fought across the Pacific Theater in World War II.

USMC Raiders in frogskin camo Guadalcanal
First carried ashore by Marine Raiders on Guadalcanal, Frogskin was one of the earliest attempts at issuing individual disruptive camouflage uniforms in combat and remained in limited use as late as Vietnam. (Photos: National Archives). 
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider
The new A300 Ultima Patrol Raider includes a bayonet mount, enlarged controls, ample accessory mounts via multiple M-Lok mounting points, aggressive texturing in grip areas, and a 7+1-shot extended magazine tube. Weight is 7.9 pounds, unloaded, while the length of pull is 13 inches and includes a half-inch recoil pad.  (Photos unless noted: Beretta)
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider
It has a 19.1-inch barrel with a Mobil choke and an overall length of 38 inches. 
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider Commemorative Edition
A limited A300 Ultima Patrol Raider Commemorative Edition includes an Ontario OKC 3S bayonet, which is current-issue to the Marines, along with a custom wooden ammo crate display case. 
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider Commemorative Edition Ontario bayonet
Beretta details that the bayonet mount reflects the shotgun’s historical role in close-quarters combat, going back to Marine units in World War I, offering added authenticity and appeal for collectors and enthusiasts of military heritage.

The standard Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider has an MSRP of $1,399 while the Commemorative Edition, of which just 250 will be made, runs $2,499.

“The United States Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary is a historic milestone, and we wanted to create something that truly celebrates their legacy,” said Caleb McMillen, Sr. Product Manager at Beretta USA. “The A300 Ultima Patrol Raider is more than a shotgun. It’s a tribute to 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment. By blending battlefield heritage with modern performance, we’re proud to offer both a commemorative edition and a mission-ready configuration that salute America’s Finest Fighting Force.”

870 Love, Sh-tty Kitty Edition

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Official caption: “A Marine armed with shotgun and ammunition belt stands guard at a rail aboard the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), 12/15/1984”

Dig those crisp cammies and leather shell bandolier. Talk about Cold War esthetic. Photo 330-CFD-DN-ST-87-09135 by PH3 Davidson via NARA 

While many just talk about the Marines going from the Winchester 97 Trench Gun in WWI, to the Winchester 12 in WWII and the Mossberg 590 and Benelli M4 today, for years the Corps fielded a specialized version of the Remington 870, dubbed the M-870, Mark 1, complete with a bayonet lug forend over a lengthened mag tube. These guns are highly collectible when encountered in the wild today.

USNS JOSHUA HUMPRHEYS (T-AO-188), Marine FAST team member with an M870 MK1 Remington shotgun, notably missing the front sight post

A Marine demonstrates a standing firing position with a Remington 870 M-870, Mark 1 12-gauge shotgun, 5.3.1989. Note the kevlar, woodland BDUs, and Bianchi M84 holster with the M9 Beretta. DM-SN-93-00537 et.al via NARA.

As for Kitty Hawk, one of the Navy’s last conventional supercarriers, she was decommissioned in 2009 and is awaiting disposal. The Navy recently said she will undergo a drydocking in early 2021 at Puget Sound NSY’s Dry Dock 6 to remove sea life in anticipation of being moved to the breakers. She long outlived shotgun-wielding Marine Dets, which were pulled from flattops and disestablished in 1998.

That sweet, sweet ONG scattergun action

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Saw these out Sportsman’s Outdoors Superstore and picked up one before they went almost immediately out of stock.

They are classic 1970s/80s-era Remington 870 Wingmaster 12 gauge Police models complete with a really groovy Ohio National Guard “ONG” stamp and state overlay.

I am hoping they will get more in as they are (what I think) is a great deal. Regardless, the pics are interesting and are here for posterity.

Some even still have brass rack tags

That bayonet lug/sling swivel bracket…

Some even had Remington-stamped, likely factory-installed, overfolding stocks installed.

They were selling for $229 to 239, depending on set-up.

The folder reminds me of this shot of 1985 USMC riot gear

Marine Corps riot control gear arrayed for inspection. Among the equipment displayed are a gas mask, protective vest, M870-1 riot shotgun, .38-caliber M10 S&W M&P revolver, DETEX watchclock, and nightstick. (NARA DM-ST-86-01722)

Which of course is a lead-in for this series of NARA shots from 1989 showing the by-the-book manual of arms with an 870, USMC-style. You gotta love the clunky old 1st-Gen kevlar, M9 Beretta/UM84 Bianchi flap holster, and crisp woodland BDUs.

A Marine demonstrates a ready position with an M-870, Mark 1 12-gauge shotgun.

A Marine demonstrates a low ready position with an M-870, Mark 1 12-gauge shotgun.

A Marine demonstrates sling arms with an M-870, Mark 1 12-gauge shotgun.

A Marine demonstrates a standing firing position with an M-870, Mark 1 12-gauge shotgun.

The US M1014 Shotgun

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The US military has long had a love affair with shotguns. Going as far back as the US Civil War (1861-1865), American service members have often had to hump a scattergun. For close quarters combat, especially in urban environments, trenches, tunnels, and jungles, you are hard pressed to find another more devastating firearm for up close and personal actions.

By 1998, the US Army was searching for a replacement for their armories full of Mossberg 500, Winchester 1200, and Remington 870 and Ithaca 37 pump action shotguns. While reliable, some dated back as far as the Vietnam conflict and had ‘been rode hard and put up wet.’

The Army was placed in charge of development of what would be known as the Joint-Service Combat Shotgun….today’s M1014.

The rest in my column at Firearms Talk.com