It would be easy to think about the U.S. Navy’s “firepower” in terms of only its guided-missile launchers and the 5-inch/62 Mk 45 lightweight gun that is fitted to Arleigh Burke–class guided-missile destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers. However, the U.S. Navy – like the other branches of the U.S. military – still employs a range of small arms.
This includes the M870 pump-action, 12-gauge shotgun – the military version of the Remington 870. It is used by the U.S. Navy SEAL boarding teams and Division Recon Marines.
With that in mind, it isn’t surprising that the U.S. Navy has selected Remington Ammunition as a contract awardee for 12-gauge slug duty shotgun loads.
“Remington is striving to expand its presence in military requirements, and this is truly a historic win for our brand,” said David Kline, Remington’s technical director for Military & Law Enforcement Ammunition. “Remington is dedicated to innovation, and quality, all while staying true to the company’s legendary heritage and stature as an American icon.”
The AO23 12-gauge, 2-3/4-inch, 1-ounce Rifled Lead Slug, which will be produced by Remington at the Lonoke, Arkansas facility, was selected as part of a five-year contract term. The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which engineers, builds, buys, and maintains the U.S. Navy’s fleet of ships and its combat systems, calls for the A023 12-gauge slugs to feature an all-weather plastic case and metal head, while muzzle velocity for the 1-ounce slug must fall between 1,590 and 1,770 fps.
“We continue to find ways to improve rifled slug accuracy and performance for law enforcement and military,” continued Kline. “This large government contract awarded to Remington speaks volumes to the trust the United States military has in our American workforce assembling the best products for our servicemen and servicewomen.”
