Is the Assault Shotgun ever used in a mission?

[LucidLocomotive]

The weapon seems to sneak into availability after the Blitz Play mission. Is it ever prominently used in a mission? Most missions will either force or imply which weapons are being used, such as Michael carrying the AK in the Wrap Up cutscene, and then he is forced the Combat MG afterward the cutscene with Trevor. 

 

Also wondering, when is the sawn off shotgun introduced? Also, why is the Combat MG unlocked before the regular MG, when the regular MG is a weaker version of the gun?

[Super Grunt 281]

The machine gun and all shotguns are available right from the start by finding them on the map, the sawn off can be found at least in one event where some dudes try to drive by the player with it.

 

I wouldn't think too hard about the combat machine gun thing (assuming it's about the ammunation unlock) since almost all weapons can be found at the beginning, the combat mg isn't one of them along the heavy sniper as far as I know (but nevermind being able to max out 2 of the 3 heavies without danger) .

[LucidLocomotive]

1 hour ago, Super Grunt 281 said:

The machine gun and all shotguns are available right from the start by finding them on the map, the sawn off can be found at least in one event where some dudes try to drive by the player with it.

 

I wouldn't think too hard about the combat machine gun thing (assuming it's about the ammunation unlock) since almost all weapons can be found at the beginning, the combat mg isn't one of them along the heavy sniper as far as I know (but nevermind being able to max out 2 of the 3 heavies without danger) .

That’s not what I’m asking about. I know they can be found on the map. I’m just talking about their availability and usage in the story and missions. I’m not asking how I can get them, or anything like that

[Super Grunt 281]

According to the wiki, the sawn off shotgun is unlocked after Mr. Philips, believable considering it's usually found in the hands of gangsters if it must appear.

 

The combat machine gun is apparently unlocked after Blitz Play (along the assault shotgun) , unlike the latter the combat mg is used in a mission or two (or three/four) if I remember well...

Spoiler

the stolen military cargobob was transporting a combat mg and the player is promptly tasked to take down Merryweather through the now open ramp

 

that mission with the train crash has a similar situation but on a dinghy instead

Those examples are locked to that weapon if I really remember but the third way has Trevor with the weapon in the foundry and it's not locked, under AI control he will use it.

 

Also the paleto bay score maybe, Michael should use one.

 

For all I know, the assault shotgun might be nowhere to be found in the story, not NPCs, not players.

[Wackyshrek]

The Assault Shotgun is used in Grass Roots Trevor and can be found at the Altriust Cult shootout.