For the shotgun in Mass Effect, see Ariake Technologies.

The M-23 Katana Shotgun is a shotgun in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3.

Mass Effect 2 Edit

M-23 Katana
Type		Shotgun
Location		Freedom's Progress
Accuracy		Low
Recoil		Moderate
Fire Mode		Semi-Automatic
Fire Rate		48 RPM 58 RPM [1]
Reload Time		1.5 s
Damage Stats
Base Damage		27.5 (220)
Damage Multipliers	Armor	x1.0
	Shields	x1.5
	Barriers	x1.5
Ammunition Stats
Shots Per Clip		5
Maximum Spare Ammo Capacity	Default	10
	Armor Pack	11
	Upgraded	20
	Both	21
Ammo Pickup Amount		2 - 3

Description Edit

Common military shotgun. Deadly at short range, but ineffective at long range. Very effective versus shields and biotic barriers, but weak versus armor.

Manufactured by Ariake Technologies, the Katana is a common mercenary weapon and is also popular on colonies with Varren infestations.

Acquisition Edit

Automatically granted on Freedom's Progress if Shepard is of the Soldier or Vanguard class, or if Shepard has Shotgun advanced training.

Squad Use Edit

This weapon can be used by Grunt, Jack, Jacob and Tali.

Player Notes Edit

• With the availability of the M-22, the M-23 Katana is essentially obsolete from the beginning of the game.
• That being said, the Katana may still be preferred by Vanguards and Soldiers with shotgun-oriented playstyles due to its larger clip size (which is a major drawback for the Eviscerator) and its traditional, superior performance against shields and biotic barriers.

Mass Effect 3 Edit

Trivia Edit

• The appearance is somewhat similar to the alternate shotgun in Mass Effect.
• The Katana is likely named after a type of sword.
• The Katana shotgun has a unique draw and holster sound-effect. Instead of hearing the weapon "assembling" itself - as heard when drawing and holstering all other weapons in Mass Effect 3 - the Katana shotgun will sound like a katana blade being (un-)sheathed.

See Also Edit

• Shotguns