XM26 LSS
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The XM26 Lightweight Shotgun System (LSS) is a developmental under-barrel shotgun attachment for the M16/M4 family of U.S. service firearms. It can also be fitted with a pistol grip and collapsible buttstock to act as a stand-alone weapon.
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[edit] Background
The XM26 LSS was developed by C-More Systems to meet the requirements of U.S. troops in Afghanistan for a lightweight door-breaching and less-lethal delivery system which could remove the need to carry an additional weapon such as a pump-action shotgun.
The XM-26 Lightweight Shotgun System has been in development at the US Army's Soldier Battle Lab since late 1990s. These shotguns are manufactured by the C-More Systems company. The idea was to provide soldiers with lightweight accessory weapon, which could be mounted under the standard issue infantry rifle (M16A2 or M4A1 carbine), and provide soldiers with additional capabilities, such as: door breaching using special slugs; very short-range increased lethality, using 00 buckshot; less-lethal capabilities using tear gas shells, rubber slugs and buckshot, and other less-lethal rounds.
The original idea has been based on the Masterkey system, dated back to 1980s, which originally included the shortened Remington 870 shotgun mounted under the M16 rifle or carbine. The XM-26 improved the original Masterkey concept with the detachable magazine option and more comfortable handling, thanks to bolt-operated system. Detachable magazine offers quicker reloading and more rapid ammunition type change; the relatively large bolt handle is located closer to the rear, than the slide on the pump-action shotgun in the Masterkey configuration, and thus is more comfortable to cycle in combat. The bolt handle could be mounted on either side of the weapon. At the present time small numbers of XM26 LSS shotguns are issued to US troops in Afghanistan, and, according to available sources, these weapons are well received by troops who used them.
[edit] Specifications
- Caliber: 12 gauge
- Operation: Straight pull bolt-action.
- Capacity: 5 round detachable magazine.
- Ammunition: 2.75 and 3 in lethal, less-lethal and breaching rounds.
- Barrel length: 7.75 in (197 mm) with integral breaching stand-off adapter.
- Under-barrel version:
- Overall length: 16.5 in (419 mm)
- Weight: 2 lb 11 oz (1.22 kg)
- Stand-alone version:
- Overall length: 24 in (610 mm) (stock collapsed)
- Weight: 4 lb 3 oz (3.80 kg)
[edit] Other weapons
XM26 is also the designation for a helicopter Armament Subsystem.
[edit] See also
