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.
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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.
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Specifications: Benelli M4
OA Length: 40 inches
Weight: 7.8 pounds (empty)
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Capacity: 5+1
MSRP: $2,399
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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.
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Specifications: Benelli Nova Tactical
OA Length: 39.75 inches
Weight: 7.2 pounds (empty)
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Capacity: 4+1
MSRP: $649
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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.
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Specifications: Beretta 1301 Tactical
OA Length: 37.8 inches
Weight: 6.3 pounds (empty)
Capacity: 5+1
MSRP: $1,720
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
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: $826
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
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: $649
This post was updated on Jan. 27, 2026.
