Traditionally, a 12-gauge shotgun provides police officers with more firepower when entering a dangerous situation. Even with the popularity of patrol rifles, shotguns still have an important place in the hands of law enforcement professionals. With their ability to handle a broad range of loadings, as well as the not-insignificant intimidation factor of the gaping maw of a 12-gauge muzzle, they have an important role to play in the hands of LE officers.
Here are some great tactical shotgun choices from today’s offerings for the modern street cop.
Designed for the U.S. Marine Corps and proven in combat, the Benelli M4 is a very rugged semi-automatic shotgun ready for LEO duty. The gas-operated Benelli M4 shotgun can accept a broad range of optics and accessories and comes with a pistol-grip stock, ghost ring sights and a Picatinny rail.
Specifications: Benelli M4
OA Length: 40 inches
Weight: 7.8 pounds (empty)
Capacity: 5+1
MSRP: $1,899
The Benelli Nova proves that high quality doesn’t always mean a high price. This pump-action shotgun uses a steel skeleton with overmolded polymer to make for a very durable platform. Ghost ring and rifle sights are available. For more information, visit benelliusa.com or call 800-264-4962.
Specifications: Benelli Nova Tactical
OA Length: 39.75 inches
Weight: 7.2 pounds (empty)
Capacity: 4+1
MSRP: $459
Designed for the rigors of law enforcement, the Beretta 1301 Tactical is a semi-automatic shotgun that features an oversized charging handle, safety and bolt release. Ghost ring sights are standard, as is a Picatinny rail for adding additional optics. For more information, visit berettausa.com or call 800-929-2901.
Specifications: Beretta 1301 Tactical
OA Length: 37.8 inches
Weight: 6.3 pounds (empty)
Capacity: 5+1
MSRP: $1,059
FNH USA packed a lot of features into the P-12 pump shotgun. Combining the reliability of a manually operated action with FN’s renowned quality, the P-12 is ready for duty. The shotgun’s chrome-lined barrel is topped with a fiber-optic front sight and a fold-down rear sight. A Weaver-style rail allows for the easy addition of a red dot or optic.
Specifications: FN P-12
OA Length: 39 inches
Weight: 7.5 pounds (empty)
Capacity: 5+1
MSRP: $669
From the extended magazine tube to the addition of a tri-rail forend, the SLP MK I Tactical semi-automatic shotgun from FNH USA is ready for duty. Its fiber-optic front sight and pistol-grip stock will help an officer get on target fast. For more information, visit fnhusa.com or call 703-288-3500.
Specifications: FN SLP MK I Tactical
OA Length: 43 inches
Weight: 7.9 pounds (empty)
Capacity: 6+1
MSRP: $1,429
For officers working in a waterborne environment, the 12-gauge Mossberg 500 Mariner offers an all-weather Marinecote finish. Built on the tough and reliable 500 platform, the rugged and rock-solid gun has a bead front sight and a five-round magazine.
Specifications: Mossberg 500 Mariner
OA Length: 39.5 inches
Weight: 6.75 pounds (empty)
Capacity: 5+1
MSRP: $630
The Mossberg 590A1 is one of the most rugged pump-action shotguns on the market. This specific Compact Stock model has a slightly shortened length of pull to allow more officers to properly mount the gun on their shoulders. It features ghost ring sights, a Parkerized finish and a five-round magazine.
Specifications: Mossberg 590A1 Compact Stock
OA Length: 38.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds (empty)
Capacity: 5+1
MSRP: $690
The Mossberg 930 SPX semi-automatic shotgun is loaded with features, such as a seven-round magazine, a ghost ring rear sight and an M16-style front sight. It will handle 3-inch shells in addition to the more common 2¾-inch shells. For more information, visit mossberg.com or call 800-363-3555.
Specifications: Mossberg 930 SPX
OA Length: 39 inches
Weight: 6.75 pounds
Capacity: 7+1
MSRP: $811
Perhaps the most common of all police shotguns, the Remington 870 is a pump gun that comes with a wide range of options for any tactical role. With its steel receiver serving as the basis for the proven design, the Remington 870 Express Synthetic has an 18-inch barrel, a synthetic stock and a matte finish. Numerous factory and aftermarket accessories are available to upgrade it for any role.
Specifications: Remington 870 Express
OA Length: 38.5 inches
Weight: 7.25 pounds
Capacity: 4+1
MSRP: $420
Taking the Remington tactical scattergun to the next level is the R12 autoloading tactical shotgun. It features a self-adjusting, short-stroke, dual piston gas operating system for enhanced versatility and reliability with a broad range of loadings. Featuring a 6+1 capacity, the shotgun can be adapted for numerous roles. For more information, visit remington.com or call 800-243-9700.
Specifications: Remington R12
OA Length: 40 inches
Weight: 8.13 pounds
Capacity: 6+1
MSRP: N/A
Combining capable performance with a good price, Weatherby’s PA-08 TR is a pump-action shotgun that gets the job done without breaking the bank. It has a matte black finish and a durable synthetic stock. Dual action bars ensure reliable functioning. The front sight is a blade with a prominent white dot.
Specifications: Weatherby PA-08 TR
OA Length: 39 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Capacity: 4+1
MSRP: $399
Weatherby’s SA-459 TR is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun with a pistol grip and a Picatinny rail for mounting an optic. Its standard sights consist of a ghost ring rear and a fiber-optic front. An interchangeable choke system further enhances tactical flexibility. For more information, visit weatherby.com or call 805-227-2600.
Specifications: Weatherby SA-459 TR
OA Length: 39 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Capacity: 4+1
MSRP: $699
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