The video focuses on the Dickinson XX3BM2 Marine Commando pump shotgun, a simpler variant of the tactical Marine Commando previously shown. Unlike the tactical model with a breacher muzzle device and pistol grip stock, this version uses a more traditional configuration without those features. It is presented as a straightforward, standard 12 gauge shotgun for users who prefer to avoid extra tactical accessories and want something more affordable and uncomplicated. The gun is chambered for 3-inch shells and is intended to function reliably with each trigger pull. The host sets up on the range with the shotgun and a steel target figure nicknamed “Mr. Hanson” to demonstrate how the gun performs with different loads.
Initial live-fire demonstrations use birdshot on the painted steel target to show patterning and general function. The birdshot visibly peppers the target, marking numerous small impacts across the surface. The host then switches to a single slug and aims at the target’s midsection to illustrate the difference in impact. After firing, the slug leaves a distinct, larger strike on the steel, and the wad from the shell ends up stuck in the target, which is noted as an amusing result. The segment emphasizes that the shotgun cycles and fires reliably with both birdshot and slug ammunition while providing clear visual feedback on how each load affects the steel silhouette.
The Dickinson Marine Commando is described as comfortable to shoot despite weighing around six pounds, which could otherwise increase felt recoil with slugs. A thick, spongy recoil pad on the stock helps mitigate recoil and makes extended shooting more manageable. The pump-action release is a large paddle located just forward of the trigger guard, used primarily for the initial loading of the shotgun. The gun features a corrosion-resistant coating, which supports its “Marine Commando” designation and suitability for poor weather conditions. The synthetic stock and handguard are ergonomic, extend nearly the full length of the magazine tube, and are not susceptible to rot. The shotgun holds five rounds in the tube, and its materials and finish are intended to handle exposure to rain or damp environments without significant degradation.
To illustrate terminal differences, the host fires a 1-ounce rifled 12 gauge slug from the Dickinson Marine Commando at the steel target’s chest area, then compares that impact to a .50 BMG round fired from a Desert Tech HTI bolt-action rifle. The .50 BMG is shown with Hornady ammunition and a five-round box magazine, and the rifle is configured as a bullpup with a slim magazine profile. On inspection, the slug appears to cause more visible tearing and surface damage to the steel than the .50 BMG strike. The explanation given is that the slug’s larger frontal area transfers energy over a wider surface, ripping and shredding more material, while the pointed .50 BMG projectile passes through with a narrower, high-velocity impact. The comparison is framed as a simple, informal demonstration of how projectile shape and surface area affect the appearance of damage on steel.
Returning to the Dickinson XX3BM2 Marine Commando, the video notes that it is a standard pump-action shotgun with a 5+1 capacity, allowing six rounds of 12 gauge when fully loaded. It is compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells, including slugs and various shot types, giving the user flexibility for different roles. The front sight is a blade-style post rather than a bead, which is highlighted as easier to pick up visually and more similar to a rifle sight. The safety is positioned just behind the trigger guard, reachable with either the firing or support hand, and sling attachment points are provided at the front and rear. The host briefly discusses shotguns as a viable home defense option and references a separate video covering home defense choices, including AR-style rifles, pistol-caliber carbines, handguns, and shotguns, while noting that shotguns still require proper aiming despite their spread.
In closing, the Dickinson Marine Commando is characterized as an all-around, straightforward shotgun for users who want a conventional pump-action platform without breacher devices or pistol grips. The tactical versions of the Dickinson line are mentioned as alternatives for those who prefer more specialized features. The Desert Tech HTI .50 BMG rifle reappears briefly as the current giveaway firearm, described as a magazine-fed bullpup with a fluted 29-inch barrel and a Zeiss 4-16x50 optic, weighing roughly 23 pounds. The host references another video where the HTI is used to shoot soda bottles to observe how many are needed to affect a .50 BMG’s path. Viewers are encouraged to watch related videos, share thoughts in the comments, and suggest creative ways to eventually retire the steel target figure used throughout the demonstrations.
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