Would WWI buckshot be effective at 50–100 yards?

Published on February 15, 2026
Duration: 1:00

This guide details a method for testing the effectiveness of WWI-era buckshot, drawing on historical reports and empirical live-fire evaluation. It emphasizes safety and careful analysis of results, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The process involves understanding historical context, preparing vintage ammunition and firearms, conducting controlled tests at specific distances, and analyzing target impact patterns to assess performance.

Quick Summary

Original WWI buckshot fired from a 12 gauge shotgun at 25 yards demonstrated significant effectiveness, producing a tight cluster of approximately 9 hits on a cardboard target. This empirical test, conducted by Forgotten Weapons, provides a practical assessment of vintage ammunition performance, contrasting with some historical reports suggesting limited range.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Historical Context of WWI Buckshot
  2. 00:2725-Yard Live Fire Test
  3. 00:43Target Analysis and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective was WWI buckshot at 25 yards?

During testing by Forgotten Weapons, original WWI buckshot fired from a 12 gauge shotgun at 25 yards produced a tight cluster of approximately 9 hits on a cardboard target, demonstrating significant close-range effectiveness.

What did WWI field reports say about buckshot effectiveness?

WWI field reports cited by Ian McCollum suggested buckshot was largely ineffective at 100 yards and had an 8-foot spread at 50 yards. However, individual pellets were still considered powerful enough to disable a target.

What shotgun was likely used in the WWI buckshot test?

The video shows Matt loading a vintage pump-action shotgun, which is likely a Winchester Model 1897 or a similar variant often referred to as a trench gun from the WWI era.

What was the observed pellet spread of WWI buckshot?

In the 25-yard test, the observed pellet hits were in a relatively tight group, with approximately 9 pellets striking the target. This suggests a much tighter spread than the historical 8-foot claim at 50 yards.

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