What Shotgun Does Law Enforcement Use?
Law enforcement agencies utilize a variety of shotguns to address their unique needs and requirements. This article delves into the common shotguns used by law enforcement and the reasons behind their selection.
Popular Models and Their Capabilities
Two of the most popular shotguns used by law enforcement are the Remington 870 in 12-gauge and the Mossberg 12-gauge. Both are versatile, reliable, and capable of handling 2 3/4" or 3" rounds. These shotguns offer a balance between accuracy and power, making them suitable for a wide range of scenarios.
The 12-Gauge Shotgun in Law Enforcement
The 12-gauge shotgun is a favorite among law enforcement agencies due to its wide compatibility with different types of ammunition, ranging from buckshot to slugs and less lethal rounds. The typical police 12-gauge shotgun has a barrel length between 18 to 24 inches. Popular models include the Remington 870 pump-action, known for its reliability and affordability. The Benelli M1, although more expensive, is also a common choice due to its semi-automatic nature and superior capacity and range.
Historical Context and Evolution
The adoption of the 12-gauge shotgun by law enforcement began to increase after the 1997 North Hollywood shootout. In this incident, two robbers continued to fight despite being hit with multiple buckshot rounds due to their custom body armor. This event led many police departments to shift towards using AR-15 long guns in 5.56 mm, which are more effective against modern body armor.
Specific Models and Their Usage
Various shotguns are used by different departments. For instance, Remington Model 870 and Mossberg 500/590 are commonly utilized by numerous agencies. In some instances, Ithaca shotguns were used, especially by emergency service units. However, the Ithaca 10-gauge Roadblocker was less adopted due to spike strips proving more effective and safer for stopping vehicles.
Special Considerations and Agency Variability
The choice of shotgun varies greatly among different law enforcement agencies. Even within the same department, there can be differing preferences or models in use. For example, my father, a NYPD patrol officer in the late 1950s, saw lever-action rifles in radio cars and only the Emergency Services Unit using shotguns. Agencies like the NYPD initially issued Ithaca shotguns, while others might opt for Mossberg, Winchester, or BENELLI models.
Modern Approaches and Arsenal Diversity
While shotguns are still used by law enforcement, they are often supplemented by other firearms, such as the AR15 carbine. The AR15 offers a higher capacity, longer range, and reduced recoil, making it more suitable for modern urban environments. However, shotguns remain valuable for their versatility in launching various projectiles, including buckshot, slugs, and less lethal rounds.
Case Study: My Experience
My personal experience includes using the Remington 870 Wingmaster and the Benelli M1. The M1 was praised for its semi-automatic nature, extended magazine capacity, and effectiveness with slugs and less lethal munitions. Additionally, we converted older Remington 870s into less lethal weapons by adding orange stocks to shoot Super Sock bean bag rounds. Moving to a Mossberg 930SPS Blackwater edition semi-auto shotgun underscored my preference for semi-automatic models, as they are easier to manipulate from cover without exposing the shooter to threat.
In conclusion, despite the shift towards AR15 carbines and other firearms, the shotgun remains a crucial part of a law enforcement officer's arsenal. Its adaptability and effectiveness make it an invaluable tool for specific scenarios, especially in less lethal operations.