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M26 (MASS)

2003 MODERN IRAN-IRAQ WAR

History of the M26 (MASS)

The M26-MASS (Modular Accessory Shotgun System) is a lightweight underbarrel shotgun that can be attached to the M16/M4 rifles used by the United States military. It was developed by C-More Systems and manufactured by Vertu Corporation. The goal was to provide soldiers with a versatile and lightweight weapon system that eliminates the need to carry additional firearms.

The M26-MASS offers various capabilities, including door breaching, short-range lethality with buckshot, and less-lethal options like teargas shells and rubber rounds. It improved upon the Knight's Armament Company Masterkey system with features like a detachable magazine and a more ergonomic bolt-operated system for reloading.

The U.S. Military chose the M26-MASS as its breaching tool, and a limited number of shotguns were issued to troops in Afghanistan. A contract was established for the delivery of 9,000 shotguns, with the first fully equipped unit deployed in February 2012. The M26-MASS is gradually replacing the M500 shotguns in service.

In 2008, the Army announced its plan to procure 35,000 units of the M26-MASS, and initial fielding began in 2011. However, some units in Iraq and Afghanistan had already received small quantities of the shotgun as early as 2003.