NCJ Number
132229
Journal
Crime Laboratory Digest Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1991) Pages: 36-43
Date Published
1991
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article first reviews the history and technology of shotgun rifled slugs and then discusses the police use of shotguns.
Abstract
The shotgun rifled slugs described are the Brenneke slug and the Foster slug. The Brenneke slug was first produced in Leipzig, Germany and patented in 1898. The lead portion of the slug is made in full bore diameter so that it does not need to be initially expanded at ignition. The slug has 12 slightly angled swaged ribs, and the nose has a small conical point and a square shoulder. The Foster slug is a hollow lead cup heavier at the point and with 14 small angled ribs swaged into the side of the slug. The generally recommended maximum range for rifled slugs is from 75 to 150 yards. The shotgun remains popular in police weaponry because of its versatility. It can fire rifled slugs, buckshot, birdshot, rubber bullets, and penetrating tear gas rounds or tear gas canisters. In tactical situations, it can replace a handgun, rifle, and tear gas launcher. The repeating shotgun, loaded with rifled slugs, is a suitable weapon for police officers. At common combat ranges it is dependable, predictable, accurate, potent, and adaptable to a variety of tactical purposes. 19 references