Norway has ordered a number of Barrett M82A1NG "special purpose rifles" (sniper or anti-materiel rifles firing 12.7mm ammunition). The rifles will be specially refitted for cold weather operations with padded stocks and cheek pieces. --Stephen V Cole

December 9; The Pentagon has selected the Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun as the new Joint Service Combat Shotgun. The first contract with Heckler & Koch covered 20 weapons for advanced testing, but up to 18,000 weapons may ultimately be purchased. The services now use several different 12-gauge shotguns for police, security, and combat duties. The Marines use the Remington-870, the Mossberg-590, and some Winchesters. The Army uses Winchester-1100 and -1200 weapons and some Mossbergs. The Navy uses Mossberg-590s; the Air Force relies on the Remington-870. --Stephen V Cole