One thing I notice about these clips is that in each, your opponent is shooting at you.  Could this result in enough of a flinch to throw your aim off just slightly.  This could result in half the pellets missing the target, and a legit hitmarker.

I've felt with other guns that flinch will effect the accuracy of the shot before the animation "catches up".

i think a big way to improve shotguns would be to greatly decrease the spread when in ADS, this would allow for more damage at longer ranges (more pellets would hit at range if the spread was less) and more OHK at close range due to a direct hit missing no pellets whatsoever.

Doesn't explain these.

                                                                                                                                                Even the W1200 in CoD4 had a 2-pellets kill with stopping power and no one complained about it. In World at War there was the double barreled shotgun that also had a 2-pellet kill. When you had a good connection you got 1 shot kill in the maximum damage range 99,99% of the time (enemies with juggernaut excluded). With a buff to a 3 pellet kill in mw3 steady aim, range would be less needed. With damage you get a 2-pellet kill (stopping power at close range- non stopping power at long range, almost every other weapon go after this formula). Trialstartragon testifies does not make any sense, he is a terrible shotgunner. I have a 2.71 kd, about 10.000 kills with the USAS12+damage+extended mags (also got many MOABs with it, and a double MOAB last month) and with skills you have the most dominant weapon within 15m. The striker is a great weapon weapon and can be lethal with skilled hands. All the other shotguns are worthless.

I randomly see a commentary of you about the review of the AA12 with raging amish. He did always great reviews, but at this time he does believe that the AA12 is a good weapon. I have one question to you: Do you know the damage and range of the trench gun in cod3. I could not find stats.