Trench Gun

[Gruce the Bruce]

How good of a weapon is the Winchester m1897 Trench Gun and how do I use it effectively?

[Bishop]

It's great if you can get in to the trench. At range it stuggles. I quite like it on maps like Artois and Champagne.

[Axman]

Realistically this shotgun is effective to about 75 yards and spreads about 1 inch per yard.

In game it spreads too much and the damage falls off too fast.

You still have to aim shotguns. Keep the magazine topped off, those are the keys to using shotguns effectively (in real life as well as in game).

[PoshBrother]

If you're in close range the game becomes a "point and click to win" situation. Very good if your team is getting destroyed and need to recover or you're doing terrible and need to uphold your battle spirit and not ♥♥♥.
Just try to not rely on the shotgun to much, or you're going to find yourself screwed when non is available.

[Mhuur]

1) ADS isn't very important with this weapon, hipfiring is just as effective.
2) Git gud at cqb movement/movement under fire, as the shotgun can be prone to needing 2 shots to finish off an enemy, due to its damage drop off.
3) keep it topped off, and reload when you don't hear enemy nearby
4) take advantage of its shock value, players balk at the shotgun and the wex, when you breach a trench, go on the offensive. You are the tip of the spear, you will need to be assertive in your offense to lead by example.
5) be aware of your NCO's attack order marker. Smoke squads get a suppression bonus when firing at enemies near the attack order. Use this to your advantage
6) As this is a cqb weapon you really shouldn't need the bayo, I strongly recommend the shotty+nade loadout.