I find WWII combat shotguns particularly interesting. The most common such weapons--and the most photographed and discussed--were the Winchester M1897 and Winchester M1912. These certainly seem to have been the guns preferred for front line service, but the armed forces used a number of others. The Stevens M520 was a John Browning design, transitional between the M1897 and M1912. Quite a few of these were purchased during WWII, but the only photo I have ever seen of one in actual use dates from the Vietnam War. A 1942 US Army shotgun manual describes the 520 as a solid-frame gun, but I have seen hints elsewhere that some had a take-down feature and I am trying to find out the truth of the matter. The armed forces also purchased some automatic shotguns, namely the Remington M11 and Savage M720 in riot gun configuration. I do not know if these were ever used in combat or not, but I am quite interested in the Savage. I have never seen photographs of it in wartime service and looking for some. If anyone could help with information or images of these guns in the hands of troops I would be grateful. Thanks.
Yes, I have done a lot of looking there already and not found what I was seeking. That's why I decided to ask here.
Do you have a copy of Bruce Canfield's book "Combat Shotguns"? If you haven't look in it, I can pull out my copy later tonight and see what it contains.
Alas I don't have Canfield, it's on my 'to get' list with quite a few others. I really appreciate your offer, any information you can give from the book would be a tremendous help.