Brief Overview of the Evolution of Police Weaponry

The tools carried by law enforcement have evolved dramatically over the past century, reflecting shifts in criminal threats, societal expectations, and advancements in firearms technology.

In the early 20th century, police officers commonly carried revolvers—most notably the .38 Special—paired with wooden batons. These sidearms were simple, reliable, and suited to the types of confrontations officers typically faced at the time.

By the mid-20th century, rising urban crime rates and the influence of organized crime led to increased firepower among criminals. In response, police began to adopt shotguns, particularly pump-action 12-gauge models, offering greater stopping power and versatility during vehicle stops and building entries.

The 1980s and 1990s marked a turning point. The proliferation of semi-automatic handguns and high-capacity firearms among criminals outpaced the capabilities of standard-issue revolvers. This led to a wide transition to semi-automatic pistols—such as the Glock 17 and SIG Sauer P226—offering higher capacity and quicker reloads.

Around the same time, high-profile incidents like the 1997 North Hollywood shootout—in which police were outgunned by suspects wielding fully automatic rifles—highlighted the limitations of traditional police firearms. This catalyzed the adoption of patrol rifles, most commonly AR-15 style carbines, which combined precision, power, and adaptability.

Today, police officers are often equipped with a combination of sidearms, less-lethal tools (like Tasers or pepper spray), and long guns—including rifles and shotguns—depending on their role and department policy. The modern duty rifle, in particular, represents a shift toward greater tactical readiness and is often viewed as essential in responding to active shooter events or other high-threat situations.

let’s break those down one by one, starting with the North Hollywood shootout, which really was a game-changer.

The North Hollywood Shootout (1997): A Turning Point

On February 28, 1997, two heavily armed bank robbers engaged in a prolonged shootout with Los Angeles police officers outside a Bank of America branch in North Hollywood. The suspects wore full body armor and carried illegally modified automatic rifles, including AK-47 variants with drum magazines—vastly outgunning officers who were mostly armed with .38 Special revolvers, 9mm pistols, and a few 12-gauge shotguns.

Over 2,000 rounds were exchanged during the nearly 45-minute standoff. LAPD officers had to borrow AR-15s from a local gun store to fight back effectively. Though both suspects were ultimately killed, the incident exposed a critical gap in police firepower and spurred departments across the country to reevaluate their armories.

As a result, many agencies began formally equipping officers with patrol rifles and developing active shooter response training, shifting from reactive containment to proactive engagement strategies in high-threat situations.

The Shotgun Era: 1950s–1990s

Before rifles became common, the 12-gauge shotgun was the dominant long gun in American policing. Pump-action models like the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 were favored for their reliability, close-quarters power, and intimidating presence.

Shotguns were typically stored in the trunk or mounted inside patrol vehicles and used in scenarios like:

• Building clearing

• Riot control (with beanbag rounds)

• Barricaded suspects or armed confrontations

Despite their effectiveness, shotguns had limitations—spread patterns, recoil, limited range, and the risk of over-penetration in urban environments. As threats evolved, shotguns were increasingly replaced or supplemented by rifles.

The Glock Revolution: Semi-Automatics Take Over

Starting in the 1980s, law enforcement began shifting from revolvers to semi-automatic pistols, and Glock played a major role in that transition.

The Glock 17, introduced in the early ‘80s, offered a combination of high capacity (17+1 rounds), low weight (polymer frame), and simple mechanics (safe-action trigger system). It became widely adopted thanks to:

• Greater ammo capacity than the typical 6-shot revolver

• Faster reload times with detachable magazines

• Fewer parts and easy maintenance

Other major brands followed—SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Beretta—but Glock’s popularity skyrocketed and helped define the modern standard for duty sidearms.