Introduction:

The combat shotgun has evolved from its original role as a short range combat weapon into a wider role in modern times. With proper configuration, ammunition and training, the modern combat shotgun plays three roles: offensive weapon, breaching system and less lethal crowd control.

To accompany the release of several different versions of M1014 Benelli M4 “Super 90” 12-gauge shotgun in 1/35 scale, Live Resin produced shotgun shells in the same scale: 12 caliber shells and spent shells (LRE-35220).

Review:

The set is packed in a typical Live Resin fashion: a zip-lock bag with the resin pieces is safely secured between hard cardboard backings. The box art on the front shows the contents of this kit, while the one on the back displays the shells with M1014 Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun. The first thing I noticed is that this set is incorrectly named, as caliber is very different from gauge. Here’s a quote from Wikipedia to clarify the difference:

Rifles and handguns are almost always measured in "caliber", which is simply a measurement of the internal diameter of the barrel measured in millimeters or inches and, consequently, is approximately equal to the diameter of the projectile that is fired. By contrast, shotguns are usually measured by "gauge", which is the weight, in fractions of a pound, of a pure lead round ball that is the same diameter as the internal diameter of the barrel.

So, this set in fact delivers 12-gauge instead of 12 caliber shells and spent shells.

The kit consists of four resin casting blocks, each carrying 20 12-gauge shells (10 full & 10 empty shells), which totals to 80 shells per pack. The resin molding is very nice for such tiny pieces with the shells easy to remove from their casting blocks due to the thin carrier stubs.

The M1014 Benelli M4 Super 90 self-regulates for 12-gauge cartridges of varying lengths and power levels, firing 2.75 in. (70mm) and 3 in. (76mm) shells of differing power levels without any operator adjustments, and in any combination. This set includes 12-gauge shells which are 2mm long in 1/35 scale, which corresponds well to dimensions of the real shell. Full shells feature a brass base with a plastic cylinder crimped shut at the end, while the fired ones have their crimps extended. The details on these tiny shells are very impressive and visible only under high magnification.

Conclusion:

12 caliber shells and spent shells (LRE-35220) set consists of 80 12-gauge shells (40 full shells and 40 spent shells) in 1/35 scale. The shells are tiny, but nicely cast in resin and feature microscopic details which are bound to pop after a thin wash.

If you are looking for some extra ammo for all the 12-gauge shotguns in your grey army, this could be a perfect set for you.