What Shotgun Does the Police Use?
The choice of shotguns used by law enforcement agencies can vary significantly based on various factors such as agency policies, budget, and tactical requirements. Popular choices include the Remington 870 and Mossberg 12 gauge shotguns, both versatile and widely available.
Popular Police Shotguns
The Remington 870 and Mossberg 12 gauge are two of the most commonly used shotguns by various police agencies. Both models come in 12 gauge and can handle shotshells in different sizes, typically 2 3/4" or 3" rounds. These shotguns are often semi-auto pump-operated or pump-operated, providing ease of use and reliability in various law enforcement scenarios.
While the Remington 870 and Mossberg 12 gauge are versatile and reliable, other options like the Ithaca 10-gauge are also available. The Ithaca Gun Company marketed its 10-gauge "Roadblocker" shotgun with barrels ranging from 20 inches to 22 inches, aiming to provide a tool for stopping speeding vehicles at roadblocks. However, spike strips are found to be more effective and safer alternatives.
Performance and Tactics
In light of the 1997 North Hollywood shootout, where two robbers with custom body armor survived multiple buckshot hits, law enforcement agencies began to shift towards using AR-15 long guns in 223 caliber. Soft body armor can stop buckshot but is not effective against higher velocity .223 rifle rounds. This led to a greater reliance on longer-barreled firearms with higher muzzle velocities, such as the AR-15.
When it comes to police shotguns, the standard configuration is a 12 gauge model with a barrel length of 18 to 24 inches. Commonly used models include the Remington 870 pump shotgun, which is not only reliable but also affordable. Shotguns with longer barrels are less common because officers do not typically engage targets at great distances, such as in duck hunting. Longer barrels can reduce the agility of the officer, making quick, precise movements more challenging.
Historical Context
Even within the same city or agency, there can be significant variations in the shotguns used. For example, in my father's time as an NYPD patrol officer in the late 1950s, the radio car was equipped with lever-action rifles, and only the Emergency Services Unit carried shotguns. NYPD issued Ithaca shotguns, which had unique features such as firing without releasing the trigger when held down and pumped.
Other common shotguns used by various agencies include the Mossberg 500/590, Remington 870 tactical, and Benelli models. My agency used the Remington 870 Wingmaster, while Benelli M1 shotguns are notable for their reliability, fast cycling, and extended magazine capacity. These semi-auto shotguns are preferred by many officers as they are easier to manipulate from cover without exposing themselves to the threat.
Modern Considerations
While the AR-15 carbine has largely replaced the shotguns in many police cruisers due to its higher capacity, longer range, and reduced recoil, shotguns still have their place. They are effective for launching a wide range of projectiles, including buckshot, slugs, and less lethal munitions like bean bag rounds. Shotguns excel in close-range situations and are particularly useful for crowd control and less lethal deterrents.
For agencies in search of a semi-auto shotgun, options like the Benelli M1 are highly regarded. This shotgun offers an extended magazine, fast cycling, and works well with a variety of ammunition. Converting older Remington 870s to less lethal weapons for scenarios such as bean bag deployments can be a cost-effective solution.
Today, police agencies must balance traditional shotgun use with the efficiency and versatility of modern firearms to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement environments.