MPS AA-12 (Sledgehammer)

History

Shotguns have been in common service since the first pump-action models were developed. "Trench Guns," these World War I shotguns designed to eliminate the inhabitants of trenches, proved the value of shotguns in combat, as their ability to deliver a lot of firepower in confined spaces proved to be very effective. While shotguns are usually inherently limited in their attack range, the multiple projectiles fired from these weapons provide an increased chance of hit unmatched by other small arms.

Shotguns have gradually evolved from their original melee weapon role to a modern, broader role. In 1972, the first selective-fire shotgun was developed by designer Maxwell Atchisson and was intended for use in combat environments such as urban streets or jungle environments, providing operators with short to medium range firepower in response to building clearance and ambush situations. The range and power of any shotgun are the two main issues and can be adjusted to some extent based on the specific stock design, recoil and shell selection.

During operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, shotguns were the preferred method of opening doors by infantry units.

A relatively new assault combat rifle, the AA-12, was designed to serve the same role on the battlefield. It features a pistol grip and full shoulder rest, as well as a simple aiming system for quick response. Warhead rounds can extend the weapon's maximum range to 100 meters. Rubber bullets (for taking captives or fighting riots) can be used up to 75 yards. The AA-12 is capable of firing from a 10-round detachable magazine or a 20- or 32-round drum and has a rate of fire of up to 300 rounds per minute with virtually no muzzle lift and recoil dampening effects.

Due to its near-zero recoil, even 100-pound infantrymen can reportedly fire.

The AA-12 is a durable, reliable, well-built, well-crafted shotgun designed to withstand the rigors of modern combat. Quality focuses on working atmosphere, weather, water and handling general dirt. It's essentially a point-and-shoot weapon that fires even upside down.

Operation is via a simple backflush mechanism and advanced primer ignition. To reduce maximum recoil - and maintain the listed cyclic rate of fire - the firing pin is built into the bolt itself, which allows the firing pin to extend and ignite the cartridge before the bolt closes. The long recoil system allows the bolt to travel farther back than most weapons, thus suppressing the recoil effect.

The trigger group is similar to that of the M1918 BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) of World War I (1914-1918), allowing semi-automatic or fully automatic fire. It is designed to fire three different types of 3" or 2.75" 12-gauge shells - Buckshot, Standard Slug and FRAG-12 cartridges.

Since the metal parts are stainless steel, MPS claims the gun does not require cleaning or lubrication a major benefit for field use.

When used in an urban environment, ie. H. In a house-to-house situation, a device for breaking doors is necessary (as demonstrated in operations in Iraq).

Therefore, the AA-12 is equipped with a muzzle extension to keep the barrel firmly pressed against the surface of the door, while protecting the operator when firing. The least dangerous door-breaking grenade to all occupants in the room is also part of the AA-12 ammo pack, helping to reduce the risk of collateral damage.

The AA-12 was briefly reviewed for acquisition by the USMC (2004). Despite its unique qualities, the system does not appear to be adopted by any major service.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

PERFORMANCE

VARIANTS