Canon

M90A shotgun

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

This article is about the shotgun featured in Halo 3 and ODST. For the shotgun featured in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, see M90 shotgun.
M90A Close Assault Weapon System
Promotional image for Halo 3: Mythic featuring an ODST-clad Spartan and an EVA-clad Spartan on the multiplayer map Longshore.
H3-M90-Shotgun-Side.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Weapon System Technology[1][2]

Model series:

DTM series[1]

Type:

Pump-action shotgun[1][2]

Cost:

cR 2200[1]

Specifications

Length:

  • (o/a): 123.9 centimetres (48.8 in)[1][Note 1]
  • (Barrel): 61 centimetres (24 in)[1]

Weight:

  • Empty: 5.4 kilograms (12 lb)[1]
  • Loaded: 5.7 kilograms (13 lb)[1]

Ammunition type:

8-Gauge Magnum[1]

Feed system:

6-shell dual-tubular non-detachable magazine[1]

Operation:

Pump-action[1]

Muzzle velocity:

300-400 m/s (980-1300 f/s)[1]

Effective range:

40 metres (130 ft)[1]

Service history

In service:

 

"The kick is milder with the [M90A]—not that it was that bad to begin with—sometimes progress just seems like change, if you catch my meaning."
— An anonymous E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman comparing the M90A to the M90 shotgun.[1]

The M90A Close Assault Weapon System, or M90A CAWS,[3][2] is a powerful pump-action shotgun in the service of the United Nations Space Command and law enforcement authorities as a standard close-quarters assault weapon.[4] The M90A is a variant of the M90 shotgun prioritised for urban tactical warfare, and is the preferred close-quarters weapon for use by civil defence authorities.[2] It is a variant of the widespread DTM series produced by Weapon System Technology.[1]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

"The adjustable stock on the M90 works just fine, but I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for the DTM/LE model—old habits die hard I guess."
— Robert Grove[1]

A variant of the M90 shotgun, the M90A fires the tremendously powerful 8-gauge magnum cartridge, generally the 0000-variant, feeding from a 6-shell dual-tubular non-detachable. The weapon has an overall length of 123.9 cm and a barrel length of 61 cm.[Note 1] It weighs 5.4 kg empty and 5.7 when fully loaded.[1] It has a characteristic shape, with the most prominent feature of it being its tubular magazine and loading gate being positioned above the barrel, atop which are positioned a set of blue-glowing illuminated iron sights. Below the barrel, the forend (or "pump") follows a protruding rod. Into the forend is inserted a reddish button. On the weapon's left side, mounted along the barrel, is a flashlight. The adjustable stock, pistol grip and forend of the weapon have a matte black finish, with the rest of the weapon being a dark, metallic gray. The receiver port of the weapon is located on top of its body, roughly in-line with the trigger on the underside. It features a chrome finish, distinguishing it from the rest of the weapon's body.[5][6]

Functionality[edit]

"I believe that the sound of racking the pump of a shotgun is universally recognized as "kiss your ass goodbye"."
— Anonymous E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman[1]
An M90A being discharged, firing standard 8-gauge magnum ammunition.

When using standard 0000 8-Gauge Magnum ammunition, the weapon does not fire a single projectile but a spray of small pellets known as "buckshot", each of which leaves the weapon's barrel travelling at 300–400 m/s in a plume of fiery gasses.[1] After the weapon is discharged via the depression of a trigger positioned at the top of the pistol grip, the forend of the weapon (which acts as a foregrip for the user's non-dominant hand) must be retracted towards the stock by the user, ejecting the spent shell of the round just fired. When the forend is fully retracted, the way will have been cleared for an elevator to position a new shell from the magazine so that it can be loaded as the forend is once again pushed forward in the d