Duckbill Done Right? Testing the A&W Diverter Shotgun Barrel (w/ Matt Haught)

Published on February 20, 2021
Duration: 17:35

This video provides an empirical test of the A&W Diverter, a commercial muzzle device designed to create an oval shot pattern. Expert analysis from Matt Haught and Ian McCollum details its historical context for riot control and airbase defense. Testing with various birdshot and buckshot loads at 10 yards demonstrates the diverter's ability to produce significant horizontal spread, particularly with smaller shot sizes, though larger buckshot can exhibit pellet deformation and a 'donut of death' effect.

Quick Summary

The A&W Diverter is a shotgun muzzle device designed to create a horizontal oval shot pattern, historically intended for airbase defense and riot control. Testing shows it dramatically widens patterns with birdshot and #4 buckshot, though larger 00 buckshot can lead to pellet deformation and an empty pattern center.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Control Gun
  2. 00:51A&W Diverter Overview & History
  3. 01:35Riot Control Theory Discussion
  4. 03:54Testing: #8 Birdshot Pattern
  5. 05:46Testing: #4 Buckshot Pattern
  6. 08:27Testing: #1 Buckshot Pattern
  7. 10:04Testing: 00 Buckshot Pattern & 'Donut of Death'
  8. 13:21Technical Conclusion & Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the A&W Diverter and what was its intended purpose?

The A&W Diverter is a commercial muzzle device designed to create an oval shot pattern. It was originally developed for the US Air Force for airbase defense and riot control applications in the 1960s, aiming to increase hit probability.

How does the A&W Diverter affect shotgun patterns?

The A&W Diverter significantly widens the shot pattern horizontally. Testing showed a 36-inch wide oval with #8 birdshot and a concentrated horizontal spread with #4 buckshot, though 00 buckshot can cause pellet deformation.

What ammunition types were tested with the A&W Diverter?

The A&W Diverter was tested with Winchester AA #8 birdshot, Sellier & Bellot #4 buckshot, #1 buckshot, and Winchester 00 buckshot to observe its effect on different pellet sizes and types.

What is the 'donut of death' phenomenon observed with the A&W Diverter?

The 'donut of death' refers to an empty center in the shot pattern, observed when using 00 buckshot with the A&W Diverter. This is attributed to pellet deformation and friction against the barrel walls.

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