Stevens Model 77E

Stevens Model 77E
Type Shotgun[1]
Place of origin United States[1]
Service history
In service 1963-Present
Used by Army of the Republic of Vietnam[1]
United States Army[1]
United States Marine Corps[1]
Wars Vietnam War[1]
Production history
Manufacturer Stevens Arms[1]
Produced 1963[1]
No. built 69,700[2]
Specifications
Barrel length 20 in (51 cm)[1]
Caliber 12-gauge[1]
Action Pump-action[1]
Feed system internal tube magazine

The Stevens Model 77E was the most widely used shotgun of the Vietnam War. The Model 77E was a short-barreled pump-action shotgun known variously as the "trench" or "riot" shotgun. The Model 77E had noticeably shorter stocks than similar United State military shotguns built by Ithaca Gun Company, Remington Arms, and Winchester Repeating Arms Company. These short stocks were intended to accommodate South Vietnamese soldiers, and the Model 77E was the first United States combat shotgun equipped with a rubber recoil pad. Model 77E shotguns were Parkerized with sling swivels and wooden stocks. Receivers were marked "U.S." and "p" proofmarks appeared on both barrels and receivers.[1]

A few prototypes were fitted with bayonet adapters, but none are known to have been issued. A few Stevens Model 69R shotguns also saw service during the Vietnam War. The Model 77E gave satisfactory service, but proved less durable than the Ithaca Model 37. Breakage at the point of attachment of the buttstock to the receiver was the most common complaint.[1]

Users

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Canfield, Bruce N. "Combat Shotguns of the Vietnam War" American Rifleman March 2002 pp.44-47&92-95
  2. ↑ DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley) Gun Penguin (2012) ISBN 146540354X p.253
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