Did WW1 British Tommies ever carry Pump Shotguns

[Von Bock]

Hello all I have a WW1 Tommy he is a Lewis gunner but I would like to reweapon him if that's a word :lol: I was wondering if Tommies ever carried Pump Shotguns in their trench raids? I found a company that makes a few in 120mm and was thinking of ordering them. Thanks for the info, also this figure is around 1918. Thanks Brock

 

[nagashino]

Hi Brock

The pump shotgun was not issued in the British Army and I don't know of any pictorial evidence to confirm the use of pump scatterguns by the British, although all sorts of wierd, sometimes medieval weapons were in use for raiding. I think it unlikely that they would have managed to get their hands on them, even though they would have proved useful. A lot of non-regulation weapons were in use, chiefly by officers who would have provided their own via private purchase, and no doubt a few double 12-gauge sporting shotguns got out to France and into the trenches, but likely not into the hands of the PBI

Just trying to think what you might replace the Lewis with..... how about the standard SMLE with a cup discharger for Mills grenades ... a bit different.

Let us see the results when you have decided what to do with him

Cheers

Phil

 

[Von Bock]

Phil,
Many thanks for the info. Well I guess I'll start looking for a WW1 British rifle in 120mm that should be a hoot. Any ideas? Thanks again. Brock

 

[nagashino]

Hi Brock

Give me a day or so to look through my spares box - I'm 99% sure I've got one which, if I can find it, you are welcome to.

I'll PM you with the result

Cheers


Phil

 

[PHIL WALDEN]

Morning Brock, dont know about Brits. and shotguns. but ANZAC troops may have been more likely to take on board this style of weapon... In a film produced here in Australia some yrs back,an aussie trench raider late in the war is depicted as being armed with,a German machine pistol with a wooden stock, also he is wearing a wooly beany hat... just a thought mate.... Realy looking forward to seeing pics of the wee man, bit of a WW1 man myself..
cheers cobber Phil

 

[Dan Morton]

On the subject of

non-regulation weapons

...

At the risk of telling you something you probably already know, USMC issued and used pump shotguns successfully.

all the best,
Dan

 

[Von Bock]

My utmost thanks to all who replied. This is what makes a hobby so interesting the fact that people from far and near enjoy the same hobby and are kind enough to add their ideas and thoughts to a subject. Thanks. It seems the search is on for a WW1 British rifle. Regards Brock

 

[renarts]

If you don't want to do the trench clubs as suggested, there is always something like the Stokes Mortar. That would be extremely easy to scratchbuild and would certainly be different than the Lewis Machine gun or enfield rifle.

 

[Dan Morton]

Strange how these things happen. Check out the M97 shotgun thread on the 1914 - 1918 forum. Remember that when the USMC first used it, the Germans protested the shotgun as an "illegal" weapon under the pre-war agreements banning certain weapons. Like for example - gas!

all the best
Dan

 

[microsculpt]

Brock:

You may have already seen this but...

http://www.redlancers.com/displaypic.asp?item=19672&hot=

New Order Model Design also makes an entire line of weapons in 120mm.

Cheers!

Tom

 

[Von Bock]

Thanks guys great input. Tom yes i did as a matter of fact that was my reason for asking if tommies used pumpshot guns. Thanks all. Brock

 

[nagashino]

Hi Brock

SMLE's on it's way, airmailed out today.

Cheers

Phil

 

[Von Bock]

A Million thanks Phil. I owe you one or two. Thanks again. Brock

 

[Jimbo]

Hi Brock
I'm sure it was only American Troops that used Shotguns during trench fighting in WW1 I've never found any evidence of British or any other Troops apart from Yanks carrying shotguns, but I'm sure Tommies may well have come across a few "on loan" Shotguns? hope this helps to answer the question.
Cheers
Jim Evans U.K.