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{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|UP|HGN}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon
{{Disambig header|the shotgun featured in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''|the shotgun featured in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST|ODST]]''|M90A shotgun}}
| image=[[Image:M90 Shotgun (Torch Side).jpg|300px]]
{{Weapon infobox
| name=M90A Close Assault Weapon System
|image=[[File:H2A M90Shotgun.png|300px]]
| manufacturer= [[Weapon System Technologies]]
|name=M90 Close Assault Weapon System
| model=[[DTM Series]]-M90
|manufacturer=[[Weapon System Technology]]{{Ref/Reuse|BnetShotgun}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=173}}
*Halo 1: M90 Mk I
|series=[[DTM series]]{{Ref/Reuse|BnetShotgun}}
*Halo 2: M90 Mk II
|type=Pump-action shotgun{{Ref/Reuse|CEM}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2M}}
*Halo 3: M90A CAWS
|cost=
| type=Shotgun
|variant=[[M90A shotgun]]
| cost=cR. 2200
|service=*[[Insurrection]]
| size=Handheld, Two-Handed
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*length: 123.9 centimeters
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
| damage per hit=*Very high, instant kill (close ranges)
|length={{Convert|46.5|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*Low-medium (medium ranges)
|width=
| magazine=*Halo 1/Halo 2: 12 rounds
|height=
*Halo 3: 6 rounds
|weight=
| maxammo=
|ammotype=[[8-Gauge Magnum|M296 8-Gauge Magnum]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*Halo 1: 72 Cartridges or 6 Magazines
|capacity=
*Halo 2: 48 Cartridges or 4 Magazines
|feed=12-shell dual-tubular non-detachable magazine{{Ref/Reuse|CEM}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*Halo 3: 54 Cartridges or 9 Magazines
|operation=[[wikipedia:pump-action|Pump-action]]{{Ref/Reuse|CEM}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2M}}
| fire=pump action
|rate=
| ammotype=8-Gauge Magnum Buckshot
|velocity=
| operation=Manual Pump-Action
|optics=
| rate of fire=
|range=
*Halo 1: Low-Medium
*Halo 2/Halo 3: Semi Automatic Firing
| accuracy=Low to Medium
| range=Short Range
| era=
| counterpart=[[Energy Sword]], [[Mauler]]
| counterwep=*@ Medium Range: [[M6D]], [[Covenant Carbine]], [[BR55 Battle Rifle]]
*@ Long Range: [[Sniper Rifle]]s,
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
{{HaloWikiLink|Shotgun}}
The '''M90 Close Assault Weapon System''' (CAWS),{{Ref/Book|Id=ENC324|Enc11|Page=324}} also known as the '''M90 Close Assault Shotgun''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=FS6|HFS|Chapter=6}} '''M90 assault shotgun''', or simply the '''M90''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=SS25|HSS|Chapter=25}} is a pump-action shotgun in service with [[UNSC]].{{Ref/Reuse|ENC324}} It is a military variant of the prolific [[DTM series]] of shotguns from [[Weapon System Technology]].{{Ref/Site|Id=BnetShotgun|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3shotgun|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The M90A Shotgun|D=08|M=6|Y=2020|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M90A}}


The '''M90A CAWS Shotgun''' is a [[United Nations Space Command]] firearm. It is a model in the [[DTM Series]] of shotguns made by [[Weapon System Technologies]].  
The M90 is most prominently used by the [[UNSC Marine Corps]], with the [[UNSC Army]] instead preferring the [[M45E shotgun]]. However, the [[M45D shotgun]] has largely replaced both in general UNSC service as of the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-Covenant War era]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


[[UNSC]] [[Civilian Security Forces|Law Enforcement]] units are equipped with a similar weapon, the [[M90A Law Enforcement]], which has a fixed stock and no pistol grip.  
It has numerous nicknames, including '''The Hammer''', '''Deck Clearer''', '''Mop''', '''Broom''', '''Universal Translator''', '''Boomstick''', '''Hick Stick''', '''Thunderer''', '''Betsy''', '''Equalizer''', '''Waster''', and the '''Okay-47'''.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC324}}


==Background==
==Overview==
The M90 Shotgun is the resident UNSC close combat [[weapon]], and packs extreme stopping power at close ranges, and will kill almost any enemy in 1 hit at close ranges, it can also kill up to 3 Covenant [[Grunt]]s with only 1 blast at close ranges. It is often wielded in urban conditions, where the close ranges are conducive to the shotgun's mode of operation. The shotgun also makes a perfect defensive weapon to fend off [[Covenant]] boarding parties inside starships.
===Design details===
The M90 is a pump-action shotgun, chambered in the extremely powerful 8-gauge magnum shell, and feeding from a 12-round, dual-tubular, non-detachable magazine.{{Ref/Book|Id=CEM|Halo: Combat Evolved manual|Page=18}} The extended magazine is included to aid the weapon's effectiveness in [[Naval boarding|boarding]] actions.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} It is generally utilized alongside MAG 15P-00B rounds,{{Ref/Reuse|HCEG}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2G}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2AG}} and is designed as a more practical and cost-effective recreation of [[Misriah Armory]]’s [[M45E Tactical Shotgun]],{{Ref/Game|Id=HCEAL|HCEA|Library (feature)#Shotgun|Library|Detail=Shotgun}} though in UNSC service it is considered to be functionally identical.{{Ref/Generic|Id=HWDD6|[[Data drops]]|Data Drop #6}}


The weapon's power lies in the great stopping power of a cloud of buckshot, which, while extremely powerful in close-quarter combat, is useless at long ranges. However, it should be noted that the shotgun user can engage enemies at medium ranges also.
The magazine of the weapon is prominently positioned above the barrel, with the weapon’s glowing iron sights mounted atop it and the receiver located just behind, facing upwards, roughly in-line with the trigger. The magazine possesses a dull grey or glossy black finish with ribbed indents along its length. A flashlight is integrated into the weapon’s forend, which also features a prominent reddish button.{{Ref/Game|Id=HCEG|HCE|Shotgun in-game model}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H2G|H2|Shotgun in-game model}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H2AG|H2A|Shotgun in-game model}}


==Advantages==
===Functionality===
[[Image:01mc.jpg|thumb|left|180px|[[John-117]] with M90 Shotgun]]
[[File:H2A Multiplayer M90 Firing.jpg|250px|thumb|A [[Spartan]] firing an M90.]]
Since the shotgun fires 15 spreading pellets per shot, the combined force of each relatively weak pellet does a significant amount of damage. Its high damage potential (as much as a rocket in Halo 1 at close range) makes it effective against almost any [[Covenant]] unit (even the [[Hunters (Lekgolo)|Hunter]], if shot in its exposed back), but only if the player can get close enough to render the gun effective. The shotgun can also be used, though not necessarily effectively, against all manner of vehicles, and many players consider it the ideal weapon with which to destroy [[Banshees]] which happen to be within the shotgun's effective range. In addition, this weapon is extremely effective against all forms of [[Flood]] at short and medium ranges, and is capable of eleminating Combat forms in 1 shot, and an army of infection forms with 1 shot also. The shotgun also reloads in a different manner than the rest of the weapons in ''Halo''. Each round is put into the shotgun, one-by-one, so reloading all twelve shells at one time may take a while. However, the player may interrupt the reloading process at any time and fire with however many rounds are currently loaded into the weapon. Another popular way of firing the shotgun involves inserting a shell, firing, and then inserting another shell, etc. While this takes slightly longer, it has the advantage of always having eleven shells chambered. Apart from that it is devastating in close combat, stronger than an [[Energy Sword]] swipe, but slightly weaker than the Energy Sword lunge. In Halo:CE, the shotgun was a much more effective weapon, as it could hit a target at much farther range. However, Halo 2's shotgun was not very effective farther than 15 feet, about half of that in Halo:CE.
The M90 shotgun is hefted like a rifle, with the user's dominant hand holding the primary pistol grip, and their off-hand supporting the weapon by holding onto the forend (the portion of the weapon which is acted upon by the user to facilitate the pump action, which also acts as a forward grip for the off-hand). As is typical of human firearms, in order to discharge the weapon, the trigger positioned at the top of the pistol grip must be depressed. If the weapon is loaded with standard ammunition, the weapon's firing will take the form of a spray of pellets, referred to as "buckshot", which are quite powerful at close range but lose damage efficiency as the spray disperses and loses energy. The firing of the weapon produces a fiery muzzle flash as burning propellant gasses leave the barrel.{{Ref/Reuse|HCEG}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2G}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2AG}}


==Disadvantages==
Once the chambered round is fired, to repeat, the forend of the weapon is slid back across the weapon's underside in the direction of the stock, retracting the bolt and removing the spent shell from the firing chamber. When the forend is fully retracted, the spent shell will have been ejected, and the way will have been cleared for the elevator component to position a new round for the bolt to carry into the chamber when the slide is once again pushed forward in the direction of the muzzle. Once the weapon’s magazine is expended, new rounds must be inserted one at a time into the receiver to continue firing. It is possible at any time to top up the magazine with additional ammunition until it is full.{{Ref/Reuse|HCEG}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2G}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2AG}}


This weapon is only effective at close range, although many skilled players are able to hit a target at a medium distance using this weapon. Ammunition for this weapon is also sometimes difficult to come by in single-player.
===Performance===
The M90 is a devastating weapon in close, confined environments, with a loud report and strong recoil.{{Ref/Book|Id=H2M|Halo 2 manual|Page=11}} The spray of pellets from the weapon mean that at slightly longer ranges, it can be used to hit clusters of targets simultaneously,{{Ref/Reuse|CEM}} but also makes the weapon inefficient at extended ranges due to the low ratio of shot which hits the target to the amount of shot fired.{{Ref/Reuse|H2M}} The M90's powerful cartridge makes it capable of efficiently engaging and defeating enemies with [[energy shielding]] within effective range.{{Ref/Reuse|SS25}} The Covenant learned to be wary of this weapon in urban environments, noting its close-range lethality.{{Ref/Book|Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition Manual|Page=}}


==Influence==
==Operational history==
The M90 was a common close-range battle implement in the service of the UNSC throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]]. It saw service in the hands of [[John-117]] during [[Operation: SILENT STORM]],{{Ref/Reuse|SS25}} but its most prominent usage came in 2552. It played a notable part in the [[Battle of Installation 04]], being used by [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]] against the [[Covenant]] and [[Flood]].{{Ref/Reuse|HCEG}} An M90 was also present during the ensuing [[Skirmish over Threshold]].{{Ref/Reuse|FS6}} It went on to be widely utilized during the [[Battle of Earth]].{{Ref/Reuse|H2G}} Notably, the [[Unidentified Master Gunnery Sergeant|Master Gunnery Sergeant]] who oversaw John-117's issuing with his new [[MJOLNIR Mark VI armor]] was killed on [[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]] while using an M90 to defend his armory from a pair of [[Sangheili]].{{Ref/Level|H2|Cairo Station}} M90s were brought on the ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad]]'', and thus were employed throughout the [[Battle of Installation 05]].{{Ref/Reuse|H2G}} During the battle, many Marines wielded M90s during their [[Battle of the Quarantine Zone|incursion]] into the [[quarantine zone]]. Following the accidental release of the [[Flood]] by [[Thel 'Vadam|Thel 'Vadamee]], many of these Marines fell victim to the parasite, with their M90s remaining in the possession of the resultant [[Flood combat form|combat forms]].{{Ref/Level|H2|Sacred Icon}}{{Ref/Level|H2|Quarantine Zone}} Towards the end of the Battle of Installation 05, during the opening stages of the [[Great Schism]], many M90s were captured by [[Jiralhanae]] forces, who employed them against both [[Covenant separatists|separatist]] Sangheili on the ring's surface,{{Ref/Level|H2|Uprising}}{{Ref/Level|H2|The Great Journey}} and Flood during their [[Fall of High Charity|invasion]] of [[High Charity]].{{Ref/Level|H2|High Charity (level)|High Charity}}


The ''mechanical'' design of the M90 shotgun is loosely based on the South African Neostead shotgun which features dual six-round top-loaded magazines. The weapon features two integral tube magazines with a total capacity of twelve rounds (6+6+1) and ambidextrous bottom ejecting shells. It is chambered for standard 12-Gauge 2.75-inch cartridges. The ''aesthetic'' design is a composite of multiple pump-action designs, most notably the mossberg 500.
==In-game information==
===Visual depictions===
[[File:HCE-M90Shotgun.png|350px|thumb|The depiction of the M90 from ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]]
The original ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' depiction is different in three notable aspects from the later depictions in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. The first is that the weapon features a smooth magazine lacking a heatshield, with a distinctive chrome finish. The second is that the luminous iron sights glow blue instead of green. The final differentiation is that in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', but not successive depictions, when the weapon is reloaded after being completely emptied, the weapon’s action is worked to chamber the first round, which is considerably more realistic.{{Ref/Reuse|HCEG}} A similar shotgun design, the [[M90A shotgun]], is featured in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.


==Multiplayer Role==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the M90 shotgun shares its [[:File:Halo-SniperRifle-Reticule.png|reticule]] with the then-PC-exclusive [[M7057 flamethrower|flamethrower]].
*In the second issue of ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp]]'', the [[Unidentified captain (UNSC Dartmouth)|captain]] of the {{UNSCShip|Dartmouth}} retrieves several shotguns from a [[cryo chamber]]. In the first two panels, the shotguns appear to be [[M45 Tactical Shotgun|M45s]], though they resemble M90s in subsequent panels.
*In ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', if the player uses [[active camouflage]] while the M90 is equipped, the shells will be the only objects still visible. This could be because the shells are technically not attached to the shotgun (like the magazines in other weapons) but rather held inside the weapon until ignited and fired. This is best seen when playing as [[Thel 'Vadam|the Arbiter]].
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', the shotgun is the most effective weapon in the game against most [[Flood]] forms. A single shot is capable of killing [[Flood combat form]]s and [[Flood carrier form]]s and works best when paired with a weapon with a high-rate of fire such as an [[MA5B assault rifle]] to deal with [[Pod infector]]s. The shotgun is still effective in later games, but not to such a degree as, starting in ''[[Halo 2]]'', infection forms can revive deceased combat forms unless the body is destroyed. ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' lacked this resuscitation ability for the Flood.


The shotgun's effectiveness in multiplayer games varies depending on the terrain; indoors and in tight spaces, the shotgun is unbeatable (equal to the [[Energy Sword]]). Many players carry the shotgun and a weapon that is very effective at Medium and above ranges such as the [[sniper rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]],  [[M6D]], [[BR55 Battle Rifle]], thus making for a more flexible arsenal. Continuous firing by using the magazine and loading one shell then firing does not affect the rate of fire significantly, prompting a few players to employ a tactic dubbed "shotgun sniping" as suppressive fire across medium-sized maps. On the Internet, many games are shotguns only, with most of these battles being set in the map [[Battle Creek (Level)]].There is move combo players commonly use with the shotgun:since the enemy players commonly are on the move when being advanced on by a foe with a "special" weapon like the sword, rocket launcher, shotgun or a vehicle, players with the shotgun can finish enemies off safe and quickly by shooting them at a decent close range then melee them the second after that gaurenteeing an instant kill.
==Gallery==
[[Image:Spartan_with_Shotgun.jpg|thumb|175px|Spartan with Shotgun in Halo 3.]]
<gallery>
File:HCE_M90Shotgun_Icon.png|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' M90 icon.
File:M90 Shotgun.png|The M90 as it appears in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:Shotgun-render.png|The shotgun in the hands of [[John-117]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE 343 Guilty Spark Marine holding a M90.jpg|A Marine using an M90.
File:Floodambush.jpg|First-person view of the M90 in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Halo2-M90-Shotgun.png|Profile view of the M90 Shotgun in ''[[Halo 2]]''. As in the previous game, the weapon lacks a trigger.
File:Halo2-MasterChiefShotgun.png|John-117 holding an M90.
File:HaloWars-Forge-Shotgun.jpg|Sergeant John Forge wielding an M90 shotgun in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:Homecoming Shotgun Concept.png|The shotgun as it appears in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Homecoming]]''.
File:H2A M90 Concept.jpg|''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' concept art of the M90.
File:H2ACP-M90HUD.png|First-person view of the M90 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A Brute Minor.png|A [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]] holding an M90 shotgun in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.  
File:GamescomH2AShotguns.jpg|Two Spartans using M90 shotguns in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-M90HUD.png|First-person view of the M90 on Stonetown.
File:H2AMP-M90.png|The M90 being used by a Spartan on Stonetown.
</gallery>


===Multiplayer Medals (Halo 3)===
==List of appearances==
* [[Shotgun Spree Medal]] - Gun down 5 opponents in a row without dying.
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
* [[Open Season Medal]] - Gun down 10 opponents in a row without dying.
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''


==Appearances/Differences between models==
==Sources==
*The Shotgun appeared in [[Halo 1]]. The weapon's model was the Mk I, and had very pronounced blue front and back sights. It may have fired a different kind of ammunition than its' Halo 2 counterpart, as the range of this model was much longer, and the damage was slightly higher. The M90 Mk 1 also had an automatic, if slow, rate of fire, and the player could carry a larger amount of shotgun shells at one time.
{{Ref/Sources}}


*It also appeared in [[Halo 2]]. This model was the Mk II, and although it did more or less the same amount of damage, its range was greatly reduced. It also featured a descreased ammo capacity, with the player only able to carry 48 shells at a time.
{{UNSC support weapons}}
 
[[Category:Shotguns]]
*It is going to appear in [[Halo 3]]. The original blue sights will return, and it now  has a longer range, but decreased magazine capacity compared to the Halo 2 version.
 
*The DTM Series of the M90A shotgun is available in 20gauge, and 10gauge for the civilian market. The 8gauge is only sold to law enforcement (such as the WST DTM/LE model which has a solid stock and no pistol grip) and military agencies. The DTM series has not appeared ingame yet, but most likely won't be featured in Halo 3.
 
== Ammo ==
 
The M90 Shotgun uses 8-gauge Magnum Buckshot shells. This is an incredibly large round not used by most modern militaries, suggesting that recoil compensators or overall strength must be more advanced in the future. The shells also have a hippo on the side in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].
 
==Character Compatibility==
*[[Spartans]]
*[[Marines]]
*[[Elites]]
*[[Brutes]]
*[[Jackals]] (have animation but not used)
*[[Drones]] (have animation but not used)
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Human)]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Elite)]]
 
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Human Weapons]]
[[Category:UNSC]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
 
<br clear="all">
{{WepList}}

Latest revision as of 14:58, November 1, 2024

This article is about the shotgun featured in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. For the shotgun featured in Halo 3 and ODST, see M90A shotgun.
M90 Close Assault Weapon System
H2A M90Shotgun.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Weapon System Technology[1][2]

Model series:

DTM series[1]

Type:

Pump-action shotgun[3][4]

Variants:

M90A shotgun

Specifications

Length:

118 centimeters (46.5 in)[2]

Ammunition type:

M296 8-Gauge Magnum[2]

Feed system:

12-shell dual-tubular non-detachable magazine[3][2]

Operation:

Pump-action[3][4]

Service history

In service:

 

The M90 Close Assault Weapon System (CAWS),[5] also known as the M90 Close Assault Shotgun,[6] M90 assault shotgun, or simply the M90,[7] is a pump-action shotgun in service with UNSC.[5] It is a military variant of the prolific DTM series of shotguns from Weapon System Technology.[1]

The M90 is most prominently used by the UNSC Marine Corps, with the UNSC Army instead preferring the M45E shotgun. However, the M45D shotgun has largely replaced both in general UNSC service as of the post-Covenant War era.[2]

It has numerous nicknames, including The Hammer, Deck Clearer, Mop, Broom, Universal Translator, Boomstick, Hick Stick, Thunderer, Betsy, Equalizer, Waster, and the Okay-47.[5]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The M90 is a pump-action shotgun, chambered in the extremely powerful 8-gauge magnum shell, and feeding from a 12-round, dual-tubular, non-detachable magazine.[3] The extended magazine is included to aid the weapon's effectiveness in boarding actions.[2] It is generally utilized alongside MAG 15P-00B rounds,[8][9][10] and is designed as a more practical and cost-effective recreation of Misriah Armory’s M45E Tactical Shotgun,[11] though in UNSC service it is considered to be functionally identical.[12]

The magazine of the weapon is prominently positioned above the barrel, with the weapon’s glowing iron sights mounted atop it and the receiver located just behind, facing upwards, roughly in-line with the trigger. The magazine possesses a dull grey or glossy black finish with ribbed indents along its length. A flashlight is integrated into the weapon’s forend, which also features a prominent reddish button.[8][9][10]

Functionality[edit]

A Spartan firing an M90 shotgun in H2A multiplayer.
A Spartan firing an M90.

The M90 shotgun is hefted like a rifle, with the user's dominant hand holding the primary pistol grip, and their off-hand supporting the weapon by holding onto the forend (the portion of the weapon which is acted upon by the user to facilitate the pump action, which also acts as a forward grip for the off-hand). As is typical of human firearms, in order to discharge the weapon, the trigger positioned at the top of the pistol grip must be depressed. If the weapon is loaded with standard ammunition, the weapon's firing will take the form of a spray of pellets, referred to as "buckshot", which are quite powerful at close range but lose damage efficiency as the spray disperses and loses energy. The firing of the weapon produces a fiery muzzle flash as burning propellant gasses leave the barrel.[8][9][10]

Once the chambered round is fired, to repeat, the forend of the weapon is slid back across the weapon's underside in the direction of the stock, retracting the bolt and removing the spent shell from the firing chamber. When the forend is fully retracted, the spent shell will have been ejected, and the way will have been cleared for the elevator component to position a new round for the bolt to carry into the chamber when the slide is once again pushed forward in the direction of the muzzle. Once the weapon’s magazine is expended, new rounds must be inserted one at a time into the receiver to continue firing. It is possible at any time to top up the magazine with additional ammunition until it is full.[8][9][10]

Performance[edit]

The M90 is a devastating weapon in close, confined environments, with a loud report and strong recoil.[4] The spray of pellets from the weapon mean that at slightly longer ranges, it can be used to hit clusters of targets simultaneously,[3] but also makes the weapon inefficient at extended ranges due to the low ratio of shot which hits the target to the amount of shot fired.[4] The M90's powerful cartridge makes it capable of efficiently engaging and defeating enemies with energy shielding within effective range.[7] The Covenant learned to be wary of this weapon in urban environments, noting its close-range lethality.[13]

Operational history[edit]

The M90 was a common close-range battle implement in the service of the UNSC throughout the Human-Covenant War. It saw service in the hands of John-117 during Operation: SILENT STORM,[7] but its most prominent usage came in 2552. It played a notable part in the Battle of Installation 04, being used by UNSC Marines against the Covenant and Flood.[8] An M90 was also present during the ensuing Skirmish over Threshold.[6] It went on to be widely utilized during the Battle of Earth.[9] Notably, the Master Gunnery Sergeant who oversaw John-117's issuing with his new MJOLNIR Mark VI armor was killed on Cairo Station while using an M90 to defend his armory from a pair of Sangheili.[14] M90s were brought on the UNSC In Amber Clad, and thus were employed throughout the Battle of Installation 05.[9] During the battle, many Marines wielded M90s during their incursion into the quarantine zone. Following the accidental release of the Flood by Thel 'Vadamee, many of these Marines fell victim to the parasite, with their M90s remaining in the possession of the resultant combat forms.[15][16] Towards the end of the Battle of Installation 05, during the opening stages of the Great Schism, many M90s were captured by Jiralhanae forces, who employed them against both separatist Sangheili on the ring's surface,[17][18] and Flood during their invasion of High Charity.[19]

In-game information[edit]

Visual depictions[edit]

The depiction of the M90 from Halo: Combat Evolved.

The original Halo: Combat Evolved depiction is different in three notable aspects from the later depictions in Halo 2 and Halo 2: Anniversary. The first is that the weapon features a smooth magazine lacking a heatshield, with a distinctive chrome finish. The second is that the luminous iron sights glow blue instead of green. The final differentiation is that in Halo: Combat Evolved, but not successive depictions, when the weapon is reloaded after being completely emptied, the weapon’s action is worked to chamber the first round, which is considerably more realistic.[8] A similar shotgun design, the M90A shotgun, is featured in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to M90 shotgun on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, the M90 shotgun shares its reticule with the then-PC-exclusive flamethrower.
  • In the second issue of Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp, the captain of the UNSC Dartmouth retrieves several shotguns from a cryo chamber. In the first two panels, the shotguns appear to be M45s, though they resemble M90s in subsequent panels.
  • In Halo 2: Anniversary, if the player uses active camouflage while the M90 is equipped, the shells will be the only objects still visible. This could be because the shells are technically not attached to the shotgun (like the magazines in other weapons) but rather held inside the weapon until ignited and fired. This is best seen when playing as the Arbiter.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, the shotgun is the most effective weapon in the game against most Flood forms. A single shot is capable of killing Flood combat forms and Flood carrier forms and works best when paired with a weapon with a high-rate of fire such as an MA5B assault rifle to deal with Pod infectors. The shotgun is still effective in later games, but not to such a degree as, starting in Halo 2, infection forms can revive deceased combat forms unless the body is destroyed. Halo: Combat Evolved lacked this resuscitation ability for the Flood.

Gallery[edit]

  • Halo: Combat Evolved M90 icon.

    Halo: Combat Evolved M90 icon.

  • The M90 as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The M90 as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • The shotgun in the hands of John-117 in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The shotgun in the hands of John-117 in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • A Marine using an M90.

    A Marine using an M90.

  • First-person view of the M90 in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    First-person view of the M90 in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Profile view of the M90 Shotgun in Halo 2. As in the previous game, the weapon lacks a trigger.

    Profile view of the M90 Shotgun in Halo 2. As in the previous game, the weapon lacks a trigger.

  • John-117 holding an M90.

    John-117 holding an M90.

  • Sergeant John Forge wielding an M90 shotgun in Halo Wars.

    Sergeant John Forge wielding an M90 shotgun in Halo Wars.

  • The shotgun as it appears in Halo Legends: Homecoming.

    The shotgun as it appears in Halo Legends: Homecoming.

  • Halo 2: Anniversary concept art of the M90.

    Halo 2: Anniversary concept art of the M90.

  • First-person view of the M90 in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    First-person view of the M90 in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A Jiralhanae Minor holding an M90 shotgun in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A Jiralhanae Minor holding an M90 shotgun in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Two Spartans using M90 shotguns in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

    Two Spartans using M90 shotguns in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

  • First-person view of the M90 on Stonetown.

    First-person view of the M90 on Stonetown.

  • The M90 being used by a Spartan on Stonetown.

    The M90 being used by a Spartan on Stonetown.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Bungie.net, The M90A Shotgun (Retrieved on Jun 8, 2020) [local archive] [external archive]
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 173
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo: Combat Evolved manual, page 18
  4. ^ a b c d Halo 2 manual, page 11
  5. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 324
  6. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, chapter 6
  7. ^ a b c Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 25
  8. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Combat Evolved, Shotgun in-game model
  9. ^ a b c d e f Halo 2, Shotgun in-game model
  10. ^ a b c d Halo 2: Anniversary, Shotgun in-game model
  11. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library: Shotgun
  12. ^ Data drops, Data Drop #6
  13. ^ Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition Manual
  14. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Cairo Station
  15. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Sacred Icon
  16. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  17. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Uprising
  18. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
  19. ^ Halo 2, campaign level High Charity

v • d • e
 
List of infantry support weapons in UNSC service
Anti-vehicle weapons
Railguns ARC-920 railgun (Arclight • Whiplash)
M6 Spartan Lasers M6/E ( Endgame • Selene's Lance) • M6/R • M6/V • M6/X
Rocket launchers and recoilless rifles Hydra MLRS (MLRS-1 (Typhon • Echidna) • MLRS-2 (Pursuit)) • M149 Magellan • M19-B SAM • M41 SPNKR (M41B • M41D (Tracker) • SPNKr EM • SPNKr EX • SPNKr Prime) • M57 Pilum (Ad Victoriam • High Five) • STMPr • SGM-151 series (LAU-65D missile pod • LAU-1810 missile launcher)
Light machine guns M67 LAW • M328 LMG • M739 SAW (Appetite for Destruction • The Answer)
Medium machine guns M231 MMG
Heavy machine guns AIE-486H • HMG-38 HMG • M43 HMG • M199 HMG • M247 series (M247H (Etilka • M247 GPMG) • M247T) • M413 HMG
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