Shotgun Blast

Cpl. Adeoluwa Sopade, a meteorology and oceanography analyst with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 12.2, and native of East Windsor, N.J., fires non-lethal rounds from a Mossberg 590 shotgun with other Marines during an exercise designed to familiarize them with the weapon system. The service members participated in non-lethal weapons and familiarization exercises June 8 and 9, 2012. The training, which included firing multiple weapon systems and different fire maneuvers, is to prepare the Marines to provide limited support in the event of a crisis in the U.S. Africom area of responsibility.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Adwin Esters)

Interesting turn of events when it comes to shotguns in the Marine Corps. The M1014 is suppose to be the successor to the Mossberg but is only seeing limited service in the Corps.  Meanwhile the Mossberg continues to serve but obviously without the modifications that were once part of its upgrade package.  Ghost ring sights, extended magazine tube and a rail system.

Small arms appears to be another part of the Marine Corps procurement system that needs refinement...or at the very least rationalization.