M45D Tactical Shotgun

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The M45D Tactical Shotgun is the UNSC shotgun that is featured in Halo 4 and Halo: Spartan Assault.

Design details

The M45D is a model of UNSC shotgun first seen in Halo 4, and was the standard-issue shotgun to UNSC forces stationed aboard the UNSC Infinity during the Battles of Requiem. Its appearance in Halo: Spartan Assault suggests that it may have first entered service (or at least entered mainstream use) during the immediate aftermath of the Human-Covenant War. It appears to have a higher rate of fire than its previous variants, along with greater damage, but the range seems to have decreased. The design is consistent with 343 Industries' mandate that all Halo 4 weapons have a sci-fi look about them. The M45D utilizes a 6 round magazine, much like the M45 Tactical Shotgun from Halo: Reach. It is likely a newer model of shotgun that is currently phasing out the M90. The M45D is the primary weapon of the survivors in Halo 4's "Flood" mode, and it's also a possible ordnance drop from the UNSC Infinity in Halo 4's War Games.

Advantages (Multiplayer)

It is capable of taking down an enemy Spartan in one shot, which makes this a suitable gun for ambushing enemies.
If it does not kill the target instantly you can finish your enemy with a melee because of how close you already are.

Disadvantages

The M45D is useless beyond it's close range role due to the minimal range and spread of the shots, which makes the wielder very vulnerable to ranged weapons.
It suffers from a slow reload speed, so if a Spartan happens to bottom his mag in the middle of combat, it could be severely punishing to him/her.

Trivia

The M45D represents the greatest distinction in its appearance from previous models of UNSC shotgun.
It appears to have a higher rate of fire than previous variants of the shotgun.
The shotgun sounds far more realistic than previous iterations, using recorded audio from actual firearms. When it is being pumped after firing, one can hear an echo of the shot reverberate back to the player.
The M45D seems to have a barrel length as long or even longer iterations, yet it's range is far lower than it's brethren.