Is it a war crime to use a shotgun?

Yes, shotguns are totally legal. They're useful for close-quarters combat, especially breaching in urban warfare. Interestingly, during the Great War, after Americans began using them in the trenches, Germany did try to have shotguns banned, though not because shotguns caused exorbitant suffering.

Why is the shotgun a war crime?

Stateside, the shotgun had been the firearm of choice for game hunting. On the battlefields of World War I, it earned the nickname “trench sweeper.” Germans considered the weapon so lethal they filed a diplomatic protest, charging it caused “unnecessary suffering,” that its use violated the Hague Convention.

What weapons are not allowed in war?

Mines, booby traps, and other devices: This includes anti-personnel mines, which are mines specially designed to target humans rather than tanks. Incendiary weapons: Weapons that cause fires aren't permitted for use on on civilian populations or in forested areas.

Are shotguns weapons of war?

One of the most popular civilian firearms, the shotgun, also has a role as a military weapon. Originally designed as hunting weapons, many armies turn to shotguns for a variety of roles, including close combat and obstacle breaching.

Did Germany ask America to stop shotguns?

"On 19 September 1918, the German government issued a diplomatic protest against the American use of shotguns, alleging that the shotgun was prohibited by the law of war."

American Marines Carried Shotguns into WW1 and Germany Protested. Here's Why:

How effective were shotguns in Vietnam?

Most jungle engagements were at fairly close distances, and shotguns proved to be extremely useful in close-quarters conflicts. Winchester Model 12 and Stevens M520-30 pump action trench guns were refurbished as necessary and sent to Vietnam, along with a quantity of Winchester Model 97 shotguns.

Do we still use shotguns in war?

Shotguns are still used in the military but their role has been limited because they have such short range uses. In WW1 shotguns primarily could only be used at very close range to clear out trenches of enemy soldiers.

Did soldiers use shotguns in Vietnam?

In the Vietnam War, the shotgun was used as an individual weapon in the American army during jungle patrol and urban warfare like the Tet Offensive.

Do shotguns violate the Geneva Convention?

The Geneva Convention bans unnecessary suffering but does not list any specific weapons. Also, shotguns are not banned by any international treaty. Germany tried to have shotguns banned during WWII because of their effectiveness in the hands of US soldiers in trench warfare.

Are shotguns stronger than pistols?

Of the three types of firearms, shotguns have the most power. One unique feature of the shotgun is its ability to shoot in a spread pattern. Instead of a single bullet, shotguns fire a shell that contains small pellets that spread out to cover more area when the gun is fired.

What is illegal in a war?

No unnecessary or excessive loss and suffering

The use of weapons that are "by nature indiscriminate," according to the Geneva Conventions, is prohibited. For example, the use of land mines, while not banned, is limited because they can indiscriminately kill and maim both combatants and civilians.

What are the 5 laws of war?

Principles of the laws of war

Military necessity, along with distinction, proportionality, humanity (sometimes called unnecessary suffering), and honor (sometimes called chivalry) are the five most commonly cited principles of international humanitarian law governing the legal use of force in an armed conflict.

Is it a war crime to shoot someone with a 50 cal?

Nothing in the Geneva Convention or any other law of warfare document bans the use of . 50 caliber rounds. These myths are downright silly considering we drop Massive Ordnance Air Bombs (MOABs) and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) on people.

What shotgun was used in Vietnam?

Remington Model 10 – pump-action shotgun used by the United States. Remington Model 11-48 – semi-automatic shotgun used by US Army. Remington Model 31 – pump-action shotgun used by the US Army, the SEALs and the ARVN. Remington Model 870 – pump-action shotgun, main shotgun used by Marines, Army, and Navy after 1966.

Why doesn't the military use shotguns?

Shotguns are not commonly used in the US military for the following reasons: Heavy ammunition - Shotgun shells are far heavier than standard ammunition, meaning that far more limited amounts can be carried. Rate of fire - Shotguns have a much lower rate of fire than standard battlefield rifles.

Why did Germany complain about shotguns?

The German Government protests against the use of shotguns by the American Army and calls attention to the fact that according to the law of war (Kriegsrecht) every prisoner found to have in his possession such guns or ammunition belonging thereto forfeits his life.

Are flamethrowers illegal in war?

Despite some assertions, they are not generally banned, but as incendiary weapons they are subject to the usage prohibitions described under Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. USA army flamethrowers developed up to the M9 model.

What weapons are banned by Geneva Convention?

Specific types of weapons are banned entirely, such as anti-personnel landmines, and biological and chemical weapons. Other weapons are subject to limits – such as the restrictions on the use of booby-traps.

Are flamethrowers still used in war?

Ever since the 1980s, flamethrowers, and flame weapons in general, have been banned as a weapon of war. The United States military still utilizes flamethrowers as a tool and not a weapon. They can be used to clear brush and have been used to clear fields of fire and refuse concealment to the enemy.

Are shotguns legal in Vietnam?

Vietnam Gun Laws: Civilians are prohibited from possessing firearms. France Gun Laws: In general only sport shooters or hunters may possess firearms, such as shotguns and rifles, with a license. Citizens and foreigners with a residence visa are eligible.

Did 15 year olds fight in Vietnam?

Dan Bullock (December 21, 1953 – June 7, 1969) was a United States Marine and the youngest U.S. serviceman killed in action during the Vietnam War, dying at the age of 15. Goldsboro, North Carolina, U.S. Elmwood Cemetery, Goldsboro, Wayne County, North Carolina, U.S.

Who used AK 47 in Vietnam War?

While the AK-47 was shipped to Vietnam in great numbers to equip the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong insurgency, it also armed the Soviet Red Army and its Cold War allies of the Warsaw Pact.

What shotgun does the FBI use?

FBI SWAT is known to use the M4 carbine, Heckler & Koch MP5/10, Remington 870, Remington 700, various Glock models (17 Gen4, 19M, 20), SIG Sauer P226, and Springfield Armory 1911 Professional Custom.

What shotgun does John Wick use?

The Kel-Tec KSG is a truly unique pump-action shotgun. In the second movie, Wick uses a Benelli M4 Super 90 with TTI upgrades in the catacombs. Some of the features include an extended magazine tube, fixed stock with pistol grip, and a spare shell holder.

Does the Russian military use shotguns?

The KS-23 is a Soviet shotgun, although because it uses a rifled barrel it is officially designated by the Russian military as a carbine. KS stands for Karabin Spetsialniy, "Special Carbine".