Halo UNSC Shotguns

# **Shotguns**

## **DTM Series**

### **M90**

The M90 Close Assault Weapon System (M90 CAWS) is the UNSC's primary shotgun and is one of the most effective close range infantry weapons used by front line forces.

### **M90 Mk. 2**

The M90 Mk. 2 differed significantly from its predecessor. The only aesthetic difference is that the iron sights are green instead of blue. Its performance is also drastically different as it can not kill targets at more than a few feet away.

Unlike the previous version, it has almost no stopping power when used against vehicles, and like before, with the range decrease, its effectiveness against the Flood was reduced slightly.

### **M90A**

There are a variety of changes from the previous models. The blue iron-sights have been reintroduced, it has a longer barrel and the flashlight is now mounted on the side. Unlike the older models which had a 12 shell magazine, the M90A only has a 6-shell magazine. To make up for this, its effective range is far greater than that of the previous incarnation, as it can kill targets at two or even three times the range, depending on their health.

### **DTM/LE**

The DTM/Law Enforcement is a version of the DTM Shotgun Series used by Law Enforcement agencies. It features a solid stock and no pistol grip. The Shotgun would appear very similar to the 20th and 21st century Remington Model 870 and Benelli M3 Shotgun.

The lack of a pistol grip might be a downside in military combat, but this allows the user to hold the shotgun with one hand comfortably.

## **M45 Series**

### **M45**

The M45 Tactical Shotgun, formally known as the Tactical Shotgun, 8 Gauge, Pump Action, M45, is a shotgun used by the United Nations Space Command Army.

The M45 was able to fire a variety of projectiles in early space faring conflicts. In the early 2400s, the UNSC Marine Corps abandoned the Shotgun as their main-stay poster boy weapon. Instead it was given to less important or, depending on the situation, less visible tasks within boarding parties and police forces. The M45 never truly vanished or has been completely replaced. Eventually it found its way into the hands of the UNSC Army.

The M45 Tactical Shotgun is a special-purpose weapon used in any situation where the range of engagement is close and limited and when over-penetration is not desirable, but maximum stopping power is required. Like the M90 Close Assault Weapon System, the M45 is a pump-action, magazine-fed (dual tubular, non-detachable type) weapon that uses 8 gauge magnum (3.75”) ammunition. It features an adjustable stock, however this is purely cosmetic.

### **M45D**

The M45D Tactical Shotgun is a UNSC shotgun.

An upgrade from the previous M45 and M90 models, the M45D fires M296 SC 8-gauge magnum shells with a magnetorheological dampening system to reduce recoil, making it more comfortable to use in the battlefield. Although significantly more technologically improved than its predecessors, the M45D lacks a smart-link controllable choke.

### **M45E**

The M45E Tactical Shotgun is a UNSC shotgun that was the predecessor and contemporary of the M90 CAWS.

The M45E is a pump-action, magazine-fed, dual tubular, 8-gauge shotgun that was designed as a variant of the M45 Tactical Shotgun. Its design heavily influenced that of the M90 variants, which were designed as more economical replacements. The M45E was in use by the UNSC Marine Corps until at least September, 2552.

The design of the M45E is extremely similar to that of the M90 CAWS Mk. I. Weapon System Technologies took Misriah Armory's M45E design and streamlined it, making it more efficient and easier to mass-produce. As such, it uses Soellkraft 8 Gauge Shells with a 12 shell magazine.

## **Source**

* Halo Wiki: M90 Close Assault Weapon System
* Halo Wiki: M90 Mk. 2
* Halo Wiki: M90A
* Halo Wiki: DTM/Law Enforcement
* Halo Wiki: M45 Tactical Shotgun
* Halo Wiki: M45D Tactical Shotgun
* Halo Wiki: M45E Tactical Shotgun
* thedemonapostle