I think the shotgun isn't necessarily a dying platform, but it's in serious condition and family is worried.
A big part of the problem is the "if it 'aint broke... don't fix it" mentality combined with institutional resistance to change and the dogma of the shotgun as a "legendary" tool. Now... One of my favorite patrol moments involved the appropriately threatened use of an Ithaca 37 and the suspect's clear deference to the "legend" of the street howitzer. That's not always the case, and times are a changin'.
So for the ain't broke don't fix crowd... the fact is the shotgun never was the primary tool for LE... It's always been the hangun, so the odds were in the favor of not having a big liability issue with the shotgun. Today that is compounded by the fact many (if not most depending on department culture) cops find the shotgun too heavy, complicated, and for those savvy enough to care, liability riddled and restricted by distance, capacity, recoil, and simplicity compared to more modern long guns (cough..cough.. AR-15), and that means the shotgun is deployed less and less... odds are not a problem if not used.
For the resistance to change crowd, the AR is "scary" and the shotgun is "classic". It's got a reputation of working, and since it isn't broke, any change is something scary, bringing with it the possibility of unknown consequences. That's a thing in LE, and those questions need to be answered, but I believe change is necessary because we (LE) are... in many cases, but not all... clinging to the idea that the shotgun is, as it is now, an easy known answer compared to other options.
Then there's the hardest position to address... and that's the dogmatic belief in the shotgun regardless of current information or evidence. The legend of the shotgun is a thing. I've seen it myself in that suspect I referenced. The history of the shotgun in American culture, military use, and law enforcement use is fascinating. Unfortunately it's lead some to believe that the shotgun has to be the answer rather than asking what the question is.
All three of these positions have pushed the shotgun close to critical condition in law enforcement because the shotgun hasn't had the focus that other platforms have, and that means, as Lon said, there is a bit of a dirth in forward thinking innovation in shotgun technology, and shotgun training is at a bit of a low point.
That's not to speak ill of the great instructors still doing good work... there's just too few of them compared to things like carbines and handguns and there isn't enough industry support right now. Hopefully that can change soon... if we in LE can change.
So to my position in opposition to the above...
- The shotgun should no longer be the primary long gun for law enforcement use
- The shotgun should NOT go away
- It is a niche tool to be used by the informed, motivated, and skilled
- In its lane nothing can match it
- Outside its lane it can be used to great effect if one understands the limitations
The shotgun is king for big animals (among common LE guns) and big animals are a thing for LE. If you haven't heard of or researched the Zanesville incident, you should. Big animals are in lots of places you wouldn't think big animals are.
The shotgun has been considered great for moving targets since there's a "spread", but the idea that you "might" get one magic pellet is conversely that you "might" get one or more misses that you can't account for, so I don't buy that argument. Same goes for the idea that you "don't have to aim"... ha.. no.
For interior use, the shotgun isn't as deafening loud as a rifle caliber and it's pretty damn effective. Add to that the potential for seriously simple use of a break open action and it's a legitimate choice for the lesser trained home defender. For the trained user who doesn't have the luxury of hearing protection, a good shotgun indoors can be a great tool. I'd further argue that indoors in an LE situation the odds of a high-capacity gun battle, while not 0%, is markedly lower with a trained user with a good shotgun at close range.
So with that, what do we need with shotguns to keep them from "turning for the worst"...
I think this thread is part of the right track. We need a consistent and tight pattern so we can be accountable at reasonable distances. 8 pellet loads such as the Hornady TAP (with which I'm familiar) or Federal, with which I'd like to be, are a potential answer.
Better shotguns (like the Beretta 1301) push technological development and inspire competitive spirit in other manufacturers which is great.
Slug and buck development for accuracy, specificity, and recoil management should continue.
Optics and lights for shotguns need to meet carbine technology. I have an 870 with a WML and it's cool, but I'm building a Mossberg 590A1 with an optic and trying to set up a good light setup that matches what I have on some of my carbines. I haven't found any easy solutions like I can with the carbines, but I'm not giving up... If I can't then why choose it over a better option?
Most significantly for my specific experience is that the shotgun should absolutely not be a pool weapon. That's a huge liability risk. The shotgun should either be issued or personally purchased and zeroed/patterned with the specific load(s) used so the user understands where those rounds will hit at distances they will be responsible for being accountable. They need to train to be skilled enough to maximize the effectiveness of the shotgun at those distances and to understand the trifecta of gun/load/shooter.
At least in the departments with which I'm familiar this isn't common... and it pains me.
Originally Posted by LHS
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