'''12 gauge CAWS''' is a type of [[ammunition]] for firearms. It is classified as a <span style="color:#00AA00">'''(S)'''</span>hotgun caliber, and was originally designed for the [[Heckler & Koch CAWS]].
12 gauge CAWS is a unique shotgun shell type. Though of identical diameter compared to a regular [[12 gauge]] shell, 12 gauge CAWS shells are made entirely out of brass, and are belted to prevent chambering them in regular 12 gauge firearms (and vice versa). They are essentially brass-cased, 3 inch 12 gauge (76mm) long shotgun shells, capable of using the same projectiles as regular 12 gauge, but with a much stronger powder load; essentially making these shells far more powerful.
This caliber may also be referred to as simply '''CAWS shell''', which is sometimes shortened to '''CS'''.