Editing M45 shotgun

{{Status|Canon}}

|length = M45D: 112.9 cm (44.4 in){{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

|height = M45D: 24.4 cm (9.6 in){{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

|ammotype = [[M296 Magnum|M296 8 gauge magnum]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/inteldetail/ccc09c2e-f632-4e4a-91a5-6e6e1bd9075d/shotgun- '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Shotgun'']</ref>

|feed = 5/6 shells (M45 & M45D);{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|bulle}} 12 shells (M45E)<ref name="Anniversary">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'''</ref>

The '''M45 Tactical Shotgun''' (formally '''Tactical Shotgun, 8 Gauge, Pump Action, M45''') is a [[shotgun]] manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref name="Library">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''': ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]''</ref> The M45 is commonly used by the [[United Nations Space Command]] alongside the [[M90 shotgun|M90 Close Assault Weapon System]], a functionally identical copy designed by [[Weapon System Technology]].{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}<ref name="stats">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance '''Bungie.net''' - ''Halo: Reach - Intel - Ordnance'']</ref>

The M45 is used during most close-combat scenarios (particularly in urban areas with heavy enemy occupation), as well as in boarding actions.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}} It was used in numerous military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) situations during the [[Insurrection]] and was met with widespread acclaim by its users.{{Ref/Reuse|Library}} The M45 later saw widespread use during the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}

The M45 shotgun features a dual tubular, non-detachable magazine and is chambered for 8 gauge ammunition.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|stats}} The base model and the M45D may be fed up to six shells whereas the ''E'' variant accepts twelve. It is a special-purpose weapon used in any situation where the range of engagement is limited and when over-penetration is not desirable, but maximum stopping power is required. Some variants of the M45 shotgun feature a [[smart-linking|smart-linked]] controllable choke.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

The differences between the M45 and the M45D are mostly cosmetic, as the M45D retains the standard six-round internal magazine and firing mechanism. The M45D is unexpectedly comfortable to fire and simple to control, despite the shotgun's powerful 8 gauge cartridge and light weight. This is due to the M45D's [[Wikipedia:Magnetorheological damper|magnetorheological recoil dampening system]], which is considered very under-appreciated. The M45D shotgun does not feature a [[smart-linking|smart-linked]] controllable choke, unlike some M45 variants.{{Ref/Reuse|bulle}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

The M45E boasts greater stopping power than the standard M45 and has a twelve-round internal magazine rather than the standard model's six-round magazine. It features blue iron sights instead of the red sights common to the original model, though it is otherwise superficially identical.{{Ref/Reuse|Anniversary}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}<ref name="DD6">'''[[Data Drop|Data Drop 6]]'''</ref>

Unlike past iterations of the M45, the smart-scope capable model is a dual-mode shotgun, capable of semi-automatic or pump-action operation.<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Id=Dual|While the in-game description of the M45 claims the shotgun is semi-automatic the firearm is always pump-action. However, [[Edward Buck]] appears to use the semi-automatic mode in the opening cutscene of the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' level "[[Osiris (level)|Osiris]]".}} It also features a [[Projection sight]].

* '''[[Blaze of Glory]]:''' This variant has the [[Kinetic bolts]] attachment equipped in order to fire hard-light projectiles with more range and added anti-materiél effect than the ''Lawgiver''. Its entire magazine can also be reloaded with one shell. In addition, its sound effect is the same as that of a [[Spartan abilities#Smart Scope/Hover|smart-scoped]] [[Z-250 lightrifle|LightRifle]] when fired in first person, and that of a hipfired LightRifle when fired in third person. The Blaze of Glory can also be found as a [[Special weapons (Halo 5: Guardians)|hidden weapon]] in the mission [[Blue Team (level)|Blue Team]].<ref name="H5G-BlueTeam">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Blue Team (level)|Blue Team)]]''</ref>

Due to the M45's popularity among UNSC service members during the Insurrection, [[Weapon System Technology]] opted to design a more affordable and more practical copy of the M45.{{Ref/Reuse|Library}} The resulting M90 Close Assault Weapon System is part of the DTM series, which is marketed to the military, [[WST DTM/Law Enforcement|law enforcement]], and civilians. The standard model of the M90 Close Assault Weapon System is functionally identical to the M45E,{{Ref/Reuse|DD6}} possessing a twelve-shell internal magazine, as well as matching the original in range, shot spread, and stopping power.{{Ref/Reuse|Anniversary}} The M90A is based on the original M45 Tactical Shotgun and performs almost identically, despite its longer barrel; it too features a six-round internal magazine.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Although the M90 has since dominated both the military and private sector,{{Ref/Reuse|Library}} it is common for UNSC personnel (particularly [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]]) to use both weapons concurrently.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}{{Ref/Reuse|DD6}}

The shotgun is very powerful in small confined maps. It should be used as a "corridor sweeper" because of its extreme damage at close range. The ''Halo: Reach'' version of this shotgun also has more recoil than its ''Halo 3'' counterpart.

In ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the M45E is used in lieu of the M90 CAWS featured in the original game.{{Ref/Reuse|Anniversary}} As the changes between the original weapon and its replacement are superficial, the weapon performs identically to the M90 in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. The weapon model uses the M45 Tactical Shotgun seen in the ''[[Halo: Reach Beta]]''.

The M45D Shotgun, according to 343 Industries employee Chris King, has ''"a lot longer range now, less damage falloff, and is quite a bit more powerful than say the Reach version overall."'' In terms of relative firepower, the shotgun is a one-shot kill weapon and should be used for close encounters. It is notable for penetrating enemy shields, particularly [[Sangheili|Elites]], and it takes only two shots to kill a [[Promethean Knight]].{{Ref/Reuse|bulle}}

File:H4_ShotgunSplaser_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the M45D Tactical Shotgun and the [[M6/X Spartan Laser]] in ''[[Halo 4]]''.

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