The Marines have issued a $3.9 million contract to buy 3,977 new M1014 combat shotguns from H&K and Benelli. The new 12-gauge Joint Service Combat Shotgun will replace the various shotguns now in Marine service; other services will follow. It can hold seven rounds of 3" or 2.75" ammunition. By replacing worn out shotguns of various types with a single make, the Marines assume that they will be able to better maintain the new weapons. The JSCS is semi-automatic, a key feature which allows it to be fired one-handed or from the prone position.--Stephen V Cole