You can grab the M87A1 shotgun right away in Battlefield 6 since it's a starting weapon—no unlocking required. Just add it to your class when you start playing. It's basically the Mossberg 590A1 with a new name, referencing the year the original came out. From what players are saying in the Battlefield 6 beta, it's a beast for clearing rooms and dominating pubs with its crazy one-shot kills.

Battlefield M87a1

Best M87A1 Loadout

The M87A1 stands out as the top close-range gun in Battlefield 6, nailing one-shot body kills from farther than you'd think—up to about 17 meters based on beta tests. Here's a solid loadout to rule in tight spots, pulled from what the community's recommending for the best Battlefield 6 shotgun build:

  • Top Accessory: 5 MW Green (this laser boosts hip-fire accuracy, but honestly, the base is pretty good so some skip it)
  • Optic Accessory: Iron Sights (keeps things light and simple; try a 1.25x SU-123 scope if you're using slugs for mid-range)
  • Barrel: 20″ Factory (stretches your range a bit for better two-shot kills at closer mid-distances; lots of folks suggest the Long Barrel for even more reliability in Battlefield 6 meta attachments)
  • Underbarrel: Ribbed Stubby (helps with quick follow-ups)
  • Muzzle: CQB Suppressor (stays off the radar and keeps pellets tight; Modified Choke is another favorite for tighter spreads without hiding your shots)
  • Magazine: 7 Shell Tube (good balance of shells without slow reloads)
  • Ammunition: Buckshot (for that raw power; but Flechette is what many recommend for consistent hits and multi-kills in BF6 close-quarters combat, and slugs make it a semi-DMR with a scope)

This build amps up the M87A1's killing power in close fights, with a quick fire rate and good movement for holding points on urban maps. The suppressor keeps you sneaky, and the grip makes aiming fast. For straight-up power, it's hard to beat—plenty of sources call it the best shotgun and even the top weapon in the Battlefield 6 beta. It's looking overpowered in the open beta, so jump on it before any nerfs hit, as people are already complaining.

Alternative Community Builds and Tips

If that doesn't click for you, check these popular setups from beta talks:

Build Focus Key Attachments Why It Works
Maximum Consistency Flechette Ammo, Modified Choke, Long Barrel, No Laser Tightens up the spread for dependable kills without pinpoint aim; perfect for hip-firing in CQB.
Slug Sniper Hybrid Slug Ammo, Scope (e.g., 2.5x–4x), Extended Barrel Turns it into a strong DMR for mid-range headshots; team it with an AR like AK-205 for all-around play.
Aggressive Rush Buckshot Ammo, Short Barrel, Vertical Grip Pumps up speed for flanks; shines in indoor scraps but loses some distance.

Some suggest frag rounds for blowing up areas, but they're not in the beta yet. In general, match the M87A1 with something versatile like the NVO-228E or AK-205 for balanced setups in Battlefield 6 best weapons guide, and steer clear of wide-open maps where range matters. Try stuff out in the beta, since attachments can feel different depending on your style.