[RM]

Does anyone know what type of shotshells cops use in their shotguns? Is it 00 buckshot? Just curious.

[Dave McCracken]

Most agencies and depts use 00 with some exceptions. A few use 00, 1 or 4 buck.

Why?

[RM]

Well, I got curious after watching "COPS" one night. It was set in Las Vegas, and an officer was approaching 3 suspects at night, one or more of whom were supposedly armed. Rather than draw his handgun, he mounts his shotgun and orders everybody to get on the ground. I guess this was the first time I had seen a patrol officer actually use his shotgun. So it made me interested to know what the guns were actually loaded with. I suspected it was 00 buckshot, but didn't really know. Thanks for the reply.

[El Tejon]

Depends on the agency.

Around here many agencies use #6 bunny loads as an "animals dispatching" round. Most likely concerned about rics from pistol or buckshot.

[LeonCarr]

Out here in West Texas, a box of #8 for dispatching rattlesnakes, and the shotgun in the car is "cruiser-ready" with Winchester Ranger low recoil 00 buckshot, with Winchester Ranger low recoil slugs in one of those elastic butt cuff thingys. Shotguns are about 90% 870s, a few Benelli Super 90s, and one or two of the old High Standard pumps (damn good shotguns).

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[laynlow]

Tulsa Police issue Remington Reduced Recoil 00, and RR slugs.