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 unique shotgun muzzle device designed to create an oval shot pattern. Experts Ian McCollum and Matt Haught demonstrate its performance with various loads, comparing it to a standard barrel. The diverter shows significant pattern widening, particularly with smaller shot sizes, and exhibits interesting effects with larger buckshot, offering insights into its historical applications for riot control and airbase defense.

Quick Summary

The A&W Diverter is a shotgun muzzle device designed to create a wide, horizontal oval shot pattern, increasing hit probability for applications like airbase defense and riot control. Testing reveals it dramatically widens patterns with birdshot and concentrates buckshot horizontally, though larger buckshot can cause pellet deformation.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the A&W Diverter shotgun barrel designed to do?

The A&W Diverter is a commercial muzzle device designed to modify a shotgun's barrel to produce a significantly wider, horizontal oval shot pattern, rather than the standard round pattern, increasing hit probability at close ranges.

How does the A&W Diverter affect different types of shotgun ammunition?

Testing shows the A&W Diverter dramatically widens patterns with birdshot (#8) and creates concentrated horizontal patterns with buckshot (#4, #1). With 00 buckshot, it can cause pellet deformation and a 'donut of death' pattern.

What historical applications were considered for shotgun diverter devices like the A&W?

Shotgun diverter devices like the A&W were developed based on theories from the 1960s for applications like US Air Force airbase defense and riot control, aiming to increase hit probability while theoretically reducing lethality.

What are the key technical features of the A&W Diverter Model 4?

The A&W Diverter Model 4 is constructed from investment cast steel and features gas relief vents. It is designed with a 4-to-1 compression ratio to manage gas pressure and turbulence, facilitating the creation of its distinctive horizontal oval pattern.

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