The M43A Heavy Duty Shotgun was designed for the SPARTAN program though the first prototype was not created until after the battle of Jericho, on Reach. It was passed upon SPARTANS combat experience of finding the shotgun slightly underpowered against zealot and ultra ranked elites. The M43A resembled a cross between a Gatling gun and a double barreled shotgun, having 5 gun tubes, each one flips open near the gun body and 5 shells can be inserted, usually by a quick loader. It wasn't designed to be accurate, being wielded underarm though it was equipped with a HUD link. It had fully adjustable and removable day/night iron sights.