Cookie Consent by Privacy Policies Generator

M26 MASS


Modular Accessory Shotgun System


Overview

M26 MASS

M26 MASS in standalone configuration
Source: US Army - © Public domain

Origin
United States
Type
Shotgun
Entered service
2003 (limited use)
2011 (large scale use)
Status
In service
Development
Late 1990's - 2002
Developer
United States - US Army Soldier Battle Lab
United States - C-More Competition
Production
2003 - present
Producer
United States - Vertu Corporation
Number produced
Over 9.000
Designations
MASS / Modular Accessory Shotgun System
Notable users
United States

Description

Introduction

The M26 MASS is an underbarrel shotgun of United States origin. It was developed in the early late 1990's for special forces use, but was eventually adopted in large numbers by the US Army.

Design

The M26 uses a manually operated straight pull action. The bolt handle can be mounted on either side. The M26 is magazine fed, making it easier to reload but also more bulky than a tubular magazine. The large muzzle device doubles as a breaching stand-off adapter. Mounting on the M4 carbine is done by an adapter system similar to the M203 grenade launcher. For standalone use an M4-type pistol grip and M4-type tubular stock can be fitted.

Firepower

The M26 fires 12 gauge shotgun shells with a case length of either 2.75 or 3 inch. The manual action allows for both full power and low power shells to be cycled. The detachable magazine comes in 3 and 5 round sizes.

Uses

The M26 MASS was developed for use by the US Army. Various types of unit have been issued the M26. Most of these are intended for door breaching, but it is also replacing the Mossberg M500 in service.

Details

Facts M26 MASS (underbarrel) M26 MASS (standalone)
General
Origin
United States
Type
Underbarrel shotgun
Caliber
Caliber
12 ga 2.75 and 3 inch
Feed system
3 or 5 round detachable box
Barrel length
197 mm, including breaching adapter
Rifling
Smoothbore
Operation
Action
Manually operated, straight-pull bolt
Rate of fire
Manual cycling
Dimensions
Stock type
None
Length
419 mm
Weight
1.36 kg
Sights
Mechanical
Flip-up iron sights (cannot be used when mounted under a rifle)
Optics
Picatinny rail section (cannot be used when mounted under a rifle)
Accessories
Operating modes
Underbarrel using M203-style lug system
Optional pistol grip and stock for standalone use

Media

Related articles

KAC Masterkey

The M26 MASS is a modern under barrel shotgun, which is a design concept that started with the Masterkey.

Read more about KAC Masterkey

Colt M4

The M26 MASS was developed for use on the M4 carbine.

Read more about Colt M4