The fiscal year 2025 has represented a watershed moment in the acquisition strategies of United States law enforcement agencies (LEAs) regarding the 12-gauge shotgun. For the better part of three decades, the sector was defined by a monolithic adherence to pump-action legacy systems—specifically the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500/590 families. However, 2025 sales data, solicitation awards, and agency trade-in patterns reveal a distinct bifurcation in the market. While pump-action platforms continue to dominate overall volume due to massive installed bases and logistical inertia, the vector of new capabilities is unmistakably pointing toward gas-operated semi-automatic systems.

This shift is driven by a convergence of operational realities: the demographic diversification of the police force necessitating more manageable recoil systems, the universal adoption of red dot optical sights which demand compliant mounting surfaces, and the tactical requirement for rapid follow-up shots in active shooter interdiction scenarios. The data indicates that while the Remington 870 Police Magnum retains the volume crown through aggressive “fleet refresh” programs, the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol has emerged as the most disruptive platform of the year, effectively breaking the price-to-performance barrier that previously hindered widespread semi-automatic adoption.

The market landscape in 2025 is organized into three distinct tiers. The Legacy Tier, dominated by Remington and Mossberg pump actions, services the replacement market and the high-volume/low-cost requirements of patrol fleets. The Premium Tier, led by the Beretta 1301 and Benelli M4, caters to specialized units (SWAT/SRT) and federal agencies where budget is secondary to performance metrics. The newly emerging Value-Performance Tier, typified by the A300 Patrol, is capturing the middle market of municipal departments transitioning from pump to auto.

Below is the consolidated performance matrix for the top 10 law enforcement shotguns of 2025, ranked by sales volume.

Table 1: FY2025 Top 10 Law Enforcement Shotgun Sales Volume & Performance Matrix

Rank	Platform	Type	Caliber	Est. Sentiment (+/-)	Pricing (Min/Max/Avg)	Primary Market Role
1	Remington 870 Police Magnum	Pump	12 GA	85% / 15%	$550 / $850 / $675	Legacy Fleet Replacement
2	Mossberg 590A1	Pump	12 GA	92% / 8%	$770 / $1,200 / $910	Heavy Duty / Mil-Spec Patrol
3	Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol	Semi	12 GA	94% / 6%	$950 / $1,150 / $1,050	Patrol Semi-Auto Transition
4	Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2	Semi	12 GA	98% / 2%	$1,500 / $1,900 / $1,650	SWAT / Federal Task Force
5	Benelli M4 (M1014)	Semi	12 GA	96% / 4%	$2,000 / $2,500 / $2,200	Specialized / Military Prestige
6	Mossberg Maverick 88 Security	Pump	12 GA	78% / 22%	$230 / $300 / $260	Corrections / Less-Lethal
7	Benelli Supernova Tactical	Pump	12 GA	88% / 12%	$500 / $700 / $600	Marine / Environmental
8	Kel-Tec KSG	Pump	12 GA	70% / 30%	$600 / $850 / $725	C-SOG / Confined Space
9	Remington V3 Tactical	Semi	12 GA	82% / 18%	$1,100 / $1,250 / $1,180	Domestic Semi-Auto Option
10	Stoeger M3000 Defense	Semi	12 GA	75% / 25%	$600 / $750 / $675	Budget Rural / Sheriff

The analysis suggests that while volume favors the legacy pump actions, the sentiment and growth metrics heavily favor the modern semi-automatics. The Remington 870’s dominance is largely a function of installed infrastructure—racks, parts bins, and armorer certifications—rather than purely performance-driven selection. Conversely, the Beretta platforms are winning “shoot-off” evaluations where performance is the sole metric.

1. The Strategic Landscape of 2025: Macro-Trends in Small Arms

To understand the specific rankings of 2025, one must first contextualize the operational environment of American law enforcement. The role of the shotgun has undergone a radical doctrinal revision over the last five years. In the early 2010s, the “Patrol Rifle” movement—the saturation of AR-15 platforms in cruisers—threatened to render the shotgun obsolete. Agencies appreciated the rifle’s precision, armor-defeating capability, and capacity. However, by 2025, a counter-movement has solidified. The rifle, while excellent for distance, lacks the versatility required for the full spectrum of police work.

1.1 The “Power Tool” Doctrine

In 2025, the shotgun is no longer viewed merely as a secondary weapon but as a specialized “power tool.” It is the only platform in the police arsenal capable of delivering kinetic energy transfer (buckshot/slugs), structural breaching (frangible rounds), and chemical/impact munitions (less-lethal) from a single manual of arms. This versatility has saved the shotgun from obsolescence, but it has also raised the bar for what agencies expect from the hardware. The “wood-stocked pump gun” is being retired in favor of “tactical systems” that mirror the ergonomics of the AR-15.¹

1.2 The Optics-Ready Mandate

Perhaps the single most influential technical specification in 2025 procurement is the requirement for optical sight compatibility. The days of the “brass bead” are effectively over for frontline patrol. Agencies are mandating receivers that are drilled and tapped (D&T) for rails or, increasingly, milled for direct optic mounting. This shift mirrors the pistol market’s move toward Red Dot Sights (RDS). Officers trained to “target focus” with their duty pistols and rifles struggle to revert to “front sight focus” with a bead-sighted shotgun under stress. Consequently, legacy models that lack easy optic integration are seeing a sharp decline in new contracts, while platforms like the Mossberg 940 Pro and Beretta 1301, designed around the optic, are gaining ground.²

1.3 Fleet Economics and Trade-Ins

The economic reality of 2025 involves tight municipal budgets battling inflationary pressures. This has bifurcated the market. Wealthy agencies and federal entities (FBI, CBP, DHS) are purchasing premium semi-autos. Meanwhile, smaller agencies are heavily utilizing Police Trade-In programs. Distributors like Kiesler Police Supply and LC Action facilitate massive “cycling” of inventory, where agencies trade in old 870s for credit toward new ones. This circular economy keeps the volume of Remington 870s artificially high; an agency might trade in 50 worn 870s to buy 40 new 870s, keeping the platform at the top of the sales charts simply due to the momentum of the installed base.⁴

2. Comprehensive Platform Analysis: The Top 10

The following sections provide an exhaustive analysis of the top 10 selling shotguns, incorporating technical specifications, market sentiment, and the specific procurement dynamics driving their volume.

Rank 1: Remington 870 Police Magnum

• Action: Pump-Action
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $550 (Trade-in/Base) – $850 (Enhanced)
• Sentiment: 85% Positive / 15% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Remington 870 Police Magnum remains the undisputed king of volume in 2025, a position secured not by technological innovation but by institutional inertia. Following the bankruptcy of Remington Outdoor Company and the subsequent acquisition by the Roundhill Group (operating as RemArms), the brand has spent the last three years rebuilding its law enforcement supply chain. By 2025, production at the Ilion, New York facility has stabilized, and confidence in the supply of “Police” SKUs has returned.⁷

The “Police Magnum” differs structurally from the civilian “Express” or “Fieldmaster” lines. It undergoes a rigorous 23-station inspection process and features a steel trigger guard (vs. polymer), a heavier sear spring for a reliable duty trigger pull (5-8 lbs), and a parkerized finish designed for corrosion resistance. Crucially, it utilizes a milled steel extractor rather than the Metal Injection Molded (MIM) part found in civilian models, addressing a common failure point.⁸

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. The “Fleet Refresh” Cycle: The primary driver of 870 sales in 2025 is the replacement of existing fleets. Agencies with hundreds of 870s in service face a massive logistical cost to switch platforms. A switch to Mossberg or Benelli would require replacing every vehicle rack, retraining every armorer, and scrapping thousands of dollars in spare parts. Buying new 870s allows agencies to maintain their ecosystem.⁹
2. Armorer Familiarity: The 870 design has remained largely unchanged since 1950. Nearly every department armorer in the United States is certified to work on it. This ubiquity acts as a defensive moat against competitors.⁹
3. Configurability: The 870 platform supports an infinite combination of stocks (Speedfeed, Magpul), lights (Surefire forends), and less-lethal furniture, allowing agencies to tailor the gun to specific roles without changing the core action.¹⁰

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (85%): “Unstoppable simplicity” is the recurring theme. Officers trust the steel-on-steel lockup. The “shuck-shuck” sound is still culturally revered as a de-escalation tool, however debatable that tactical theory may be.¹¹
• Negative (15%): Negative sentiment in 2025 stems from lingering “Rustington” reputation issues from the pre-bankruptcy era, although RemArms has improved finishes. Operationally, the primary complaint is the location of the safety (behind the trigger guard) and the slide release (forward of the trigger guard), which requires a shift in grip to actuate—a distinct ergonomic disadvantage compared to the Mossberg 590.¹²

Rank 2: Mossberg 590A1

• Action: Pump-Action
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $770 (Standard) – $1,200 (Magpul/Mariner)
• Sentiment: 92% Positive / 8% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Mossberg 590A1 is the preferred choice for agencies establishing new pump-action fleets or those prioritizing Mil-Spec durability. It is the only shotgun to pass the U.S. Military’s Mil-Spec 3443E qualification, which involves a 3,000-round endurance test, drop tests, and salt fog corrosion resistance.¹³

Unlike the 870’s steel receiver, the 590A1 uses an aluminum receiver, which saves weight, but compensates with a heavy-walled barrel that is significantly thicker than standard sporting barrels. This heavy barrel is designed to withstand the rigors of shipboard use and accidental impacts in armored vehicles. The 590A1 also features a metal trigger group and safety button, upgrades over the plastic components of the standard 500 series.¹⁴

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. Ambidextrous Ergonomics: The top-mounted tang safety is the 590A1’s “killer app.” It is visible to the shooter without looking down and can be operated by the thumb without breaking the firing grip. For modern tactical doctrine, which emphasizes maintaining a master grip, this is superior to the 870’s cross-bolt design.¹⁴
2. High Capacity: The standard 20-inch barrel LE model holds 8+1 rounds (often cited as “9-shot”), offering a significant firepower advantage over the 6+1 capacity of the standard 18-inch 870.¹⁵
3. Magpul Integration: In 2025, Mossberg’s factory partnership with Magpul—shipping guns pre-installed with the SGA Stock and MOE forend—has streamlined procurement. Agencies no longer need to buy a gun and then buy a separate stock; the “Magpul Series” arrives duty-ready with M-LOK slots for lights.¹⁶

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (92%): Officers praise the intuitive safety and the “tank-like” feel of the heavy barrel. The dual extractors are also cited as a reliability enhancement, ensuring successful ejection even with swelled hulls.¹⁷
• Negative (8%): The primary complaint is the “Mossberg Rattle.” The forend is designed with loose tolerances to function in sand and debris, but this results in a noisy carry that some officers find disconcerting compared to the tight lockup of an 870. Additionally, the length of pull on the standard synthetic stock is often too long for officers with body armor, though the Magpul SGA stock fixes this.¹⁸

Rank 3: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

• Action: Semi-Automatic (Gas)
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $950 – $1,150
• Sentiment: 94% Positive / 6% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol is the market disruptor of 2025. It ranks third in volume but first in growth. Historically, agencies desiring semi-automatic capability faced a steep financial barrier: reliable systems like the Benelli M4 or Beretta 1301 cost upwards of $1,500. The A300 Patrol broke this paradigm by offering a reliable, duty-grade semi-auto for approximately $1,000.¹⁹

Technically, the A300 uses a standard gas piston system (as opposed to the 1301’s BLINK system) and a falling locking block (as opposed to a rotating bolt). While slightly slower cycling than the 1301, it is still faster than any human operator. It is manufactured in Gallatin, Tennessee, which is a crucial procurement advantage for U.S. agencies.²¹

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. Price-to-Performance Ratio: The A300 delivers 90% of the capability of the 1301 for 60% of the price. This fits perfectly into the budgets of mid-sized departments that want to upgrade from pumps but cannot afford the “Benelli Tax”.²¹
2. Out-of-the-Box Readiness: The A300 Patrol ships with an oversized charging handle, oversized bolt release, aggressively textured grip, and a forend clamp with integral M-LOK and QD (Quick Detach) sling points. Agencies do not need to spend extra money “upfitting” the weapon; it is ready for patrol immediately.¹⁹
3. Domestic Production: Being made in the USA simplifies compliance with the Berry Amendment (for federal funds) and avoids the 922(r) import restrictions that complicate the supply chain for Italian-made guns.²²

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (94%): “Finally, an affordable semi-auto that works.” Officers rave about the aggressive texture (comparable to skateboard tape) which provides a secure grip in wet/bloody conditions. The shorter 13″ Length of Pull (LOP) is also perfect for use with plate carriers.²³
• Negative (6%): Some purists criticize the use of polymer for the trigger housing and the non-rotating bolt, viewing them as cost-cutting measures, though failure rates in the field have been negligible.²⁴

Rank 4: Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2

• Action: Semi-Automatic (BLINK Gas System)
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $1,500 – $1,900
• Sentiment: 98% Positive / 2% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Beretta 1301 Tactical is the current “gold standard” for performance. In 2025, it is the primary choice for Federal agencies, SWAT teams, and well-funded departments. The introduction of the Mod 2 variant addressed previous criticisms regarding the furniture and controls, solidifying its dominance over the Benelli M4 in the premium sector.²⁵

The core technology is the BLINK gas system, which utilizes a cross-tube gas piston that cycles 36% faster than any other system on the market. This speed allows for split times that rival patrol rifles. The 1301 is also notably lightweight (approx. 6.4 lbs), making it extremely agile in close quarters.²

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. Reliability with Light Loads: The BLINK system is anotorious “omnivore,” cycling everything from light birdshot (for training) to heavy breaching slugs without adjustment. This reduces training friction, as agencies can use cheaper ammo for practice.²⁶
2. The “Mod 2” Upgrades: The Mod 2 update brought a flat-faced trigger for better tactile control and, crucially, a “Pro-Lifter” carrier. Older models were notorious for “thumb bite” during reloading; the Pro-Lifter stays in the up position, creating a smooth loading ramp. This quality-of-life improvement removed a major barrier to adoption.²⁷
3. Federal Contracts: The 1301 has seen adoption by various specialized federal teams, creating a trickle-down effect where local SWAT teams emulate federal procurement choices.²

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (98%): The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. It is described as the “Ferrari of shotguns.” Users cite the light weight and the “impossible speed” of the action. The recoil impulse is sharp but manageable due to the gas system.²⁷
• Negative (2%): The only real negative is price and the 922(r) complexity. Because it is imported, the 7-round tube version is sometimes hard to find or requires specific US-made parts for compliance, leading to confusion among procurement officers.²²

Rank 5: Benelli M4 (M1014)

• Action: Semi-Automatic (ARGO Gas System)
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $2,000 – $2,500
• Sentiment: 96% Positive / 4% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Benelli M4 is a legend. Adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1999 as the M1014, it has been the benchmark for combat shotguns for 25 years. While it has lost volume share to the lighter and cheaper Beretta 1301, it remains a top seller due to its “Battle Proven” status.²⁸

The M4 uses the ARGO (Auto-Regulating Gas Operated) system. Unlike the 1301’s single piston, the M4 uses dual stainless steel short-stroke pistons positioned just forward of the receiver. This system is self-cleaning and exceptionally robust, designed to function even if the gun is fouled with mud or sand.²⁹

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. USMC Provenance: For many police chiefs and procurement officers—many of whom are veterans—the M1014 designation carries immense weight. It is a “safe buy” politically; no one can question the purchase of the “Marine Corps shotgun”.³⁰
2. Durability: The M4 is built like a tank. It is heavier than the 1301 (approx. 7.8 lbs), but this weight helps soak up recoil. The phosphate finish and chrome-lined bore are virtually impervious to the elements.²⁸
3. Collapsible Stock (C-Stock): While restricted, the iconic 3-position collapsible stock is highly desired by tactical teams for vehicle operations, and Benelli LE sales facilitate this configuration for agencies.³¹

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (96%): Users revere its reliability and the smoothness of the ARGO system. It is seen as a “heirloom” piece of kit that will outlast the officer’s career.
• Negative (4%): The “Benelli Tax.” The gun is expensive ($2,200+), and parts are exorbitantly priced. It is also heavy and front-heavy compared to the Beretta 1301. Some users also report cycling issues with very light birdshot loads, requiring full-power loads for reliable function.³²

Rank 6: Mossberg Maverick 88 Security

• Action: Pump-Action
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $230 – $300
• Sentiment: 78% Positive / 22% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Mossberg Maverick 88 is the definitive “budget” shotgun. It is essentially a Mossberg 500 with a few cost-cutting changes: the safety is moved from the top tang to the trigger guard (cross-bolt), and the forend is pinned to the action bars rather than using a slide tube. Despite these changes, it retains the core reliability of the Mossberg design.³³

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. Corrections & Security: The primary volume driver for the Maverick 88 is the Department of Corrections. Prisons need vast quantities of shotguns for tower guards and transport, but operate on shoestring budgets. The Maverick 88 allows a facility to arm four towers for the price of one Beretta A300.³⁴
2. Less Lethal Fleets: When an agency needs to deploy dedicated Less Lethal shotguns (painted orange or yellow), they often choose the cheapest reliable pump action available. Since these guns will only ever fire beanbags or rubber batons, the refinement of a Police Magnum or 590A1 is unnecessary. The Maverick 88 is the standard “orange buttstock” gun.³⁵
3. Disposable Asset: In harsh environments (e.g., animal control, boat patrol), the low cost makes it a “disposable” asset that can be abused without financial heartbreak.

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (78%): “Best bang for the buck.” It works. It feeds, fires, and ejects with the same reliability as a Model 500.³⁶
• Negative (22%): The cross-bolt safety is disliked by those trained on the 500/590 tang safety. The pinned forend makes upgrading to a light-bearing forend (like the Surefire DSF) difficult or impossible without replacing the entire slide assembly. The finish is also less durable than the 590A1’s heavy parkerization.³⁷

Rank 7: Benelli Supernova Tactical

• Action: Pump-Action
• Caliber: 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber)
• Pricing: $500 – $700
• Sentiment: 88% Positive / 12% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Benelli Supernova is a unique entry: a steel skeleton encased in a high-tech polymer shell. This construction makes it virtually impervious to saltwater corrosion, making it a top choice for “Game Warden” agencies, Harbor Patrols, and the Coast Guard (though federal numbers are often classified).³⁸

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. Marine Environment Suitability: The polymer over-molded receiver cannot rust. For agencies operating on the coast or in high-humidity environments (like Florida or Louisiana), this reduces maintenance hours significantly.³⁸
2. Chamber Versatility: It is one of the few tactical shotguns with a 3.5-inch chamber. While LE rarely uses 3.5″ shells, this over-engineering means the action is incredibly strong and can handle any specialized munition an agency might acquire.
3. Magazine Stop Button: A unique feature on the forend allows the user to stop the feed from the magazine, allowing them to eject a chambered round and manually load a different one (e.g., switching from buck to slug) without emptying the tube. This is a tactical capability most pumps lack.³⁸

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (88%): Users love the ComforTech stock, which uses chevron-shaped gel inserts to absorb recoil. It is widely considered the softest shooting pump shotgun.
• Negative (12%): The aesthetic is polarizing; it looks “Sci-Fi.” It is also bulky. The trigger guard is massive (good for gloves, bad for aesthetics). Some officers find the long reach to the forend uncomfortable.³⁹

Rank 8: Kel-Tec KSG

• Action: Pump-Action Bullpup
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $600 – $850
• Sentiment: 70% Positive / 30% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Kel-Tec KSG is the outlier on this list. It is a bullpup design with dual magazine tubes, holding a staggering 12+1 rounds of 3-inch shells (or 14+1 of 2.75-inch) in a package that is only 26.1 inches long. While often dismissed as a “civilian toy,” it has found a hard niche in Corrections Special Operations Groups (C-SOG) and fugitive recovery teams.³⁴

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. Confined Space Operations: In the narrow corridors of a prison or during a warrant service in a trailer home, a 26-inch shotgun is infinitely more maneuverable than a 40-inch Remington 870.
2. Capacity Dominance: 13 to 15 rounds on tap without a reload is a massive force multiplier. For teams that do not carry extensive reload carriage (belt loops, etc.), having the ammo in the gun is a strategic advantage.
3. Downward Ejection: The KSG ejects shells downward, making it fully ambidextrous and preventing hot brass from hitting team members in a stack.⁴⁰

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (70%): Operators in niche roles value the size-to-firepower ratio above all else.
• Negative (30%): Reliability concerns persist from early generations (short-stroking the pump is common under stress). The manual of arms (switch to toggle tubes) is complex and requires intensive training. It is not a gun for the casual user.⁴¹

Rank 9: Remington V3 Tactical

• Action: Semi-Automatic (Versaport Gas)
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $1,100 – $1,250
• Sentiment: 82% Positive / 18% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Remington V3 Tactical is RemArms’ attempt to modernize their semi-auto offering. It uses the Versaport gas system, which regulates gas pressure based on the length of the shell (ports are covered or uncovered by the shell casing itself). It is designed to compete with the Beretta A300.⁴²

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. Brand Loyalty: Agencies that are “Remington Shops” but want to move to semi-auto often look to the V3 to maintain vendor consistency.
2. Recoil Management: The Versaport system is exceptionally soft-shooting. The gas ports are located directly in front of the chamber, which changes the recoil impulse dynamics favorably.⁴³
3. Control Familiarity: The safety and slide release location mimic the 870, aiding in transition training for officers used to the pump gun.⁴²

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (82%): Praised for low recoil and 870-like ergonomics.
• Negative (18%): Concerns about long-term parts support given Remington’s volatile corporate history. It hasn’t achieved the “proven” status of the Italian guns yet.⁹

Rank 10: Stoeger M3000 Defense

• Action: Semi-Automatic (Inertia)
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Pricing: $600 – $750
• Sentiment: 75% Positive / 25% Negative

Market Position and Synopsis

The Stoeger M3000 Defense is the “working man’s Benelli.” Stoeger is owned by Benelli (under Beretta Holding), and the M3000 utilizes the same Inertia Driven system found in the Benelli M2, but manufactures it in Turkey to slash costs. It serves the bottom end of the semi-auto market, primarily for rural Sheriff’s departments and individual officer purchases.⁴⁴

Factors Contributing to Sales Volume

1. Cost: It is the cheapest viable semi-auto for duty use. For agencies that cannot afford the A300 ($1,000) but refuse to use pumps, the $650 M3000 is the only option.
2. Inertia System Reliability: While fit and finish are rough, the core operating system is sound and runs reliably once broken in.

Sentiment Analysis

• Positive (75%): “It runs like a Benelli for 1/3 the price.”
• Negative (25%): Fit and finish are rough. The extractor and springs are lower quality than Benelli counterparts and often need upgrading for true duty confidence. It requires a “break-in” period to cycle light loads reliably.²⁹

3. Market Drivers: The Mechanics of Procurement

Understanding why these guns sell requires analyzing the mechanism of government procurement.

3.1 The Role of Distributors

Agencies rarely buy directly from manufacturers. They purchase through major distributors like Kiesler Police Supply (Jeffersonville, IN) and LC Action (San Jose, CA). These distributors hold GSA Schedules (e.g., Schedule 84) and state contracts (e.g., NASPO ValuePoint), which pre-negotiate prices. For example, a Remington 870P might list for $850 but sell on a state contract for $620. This channel power influences what guns are available; if Kiesler pushes the Glock/Benelli package, agencies listen.⁶

3.2 The Trade-In Economy

As mentioned, the trade-in market is massive. Distributors offer agencies credit for their old weapons. Snippet ⁴ and ⁵ show the robust market for “Police Trade-In” shotguns. This incentivizes staying within a brand. Trading in 100 old 870s to buy 100 new 870s yields a higher credit value and lower transition cost than switching to Benelli.

3.3 The “Less Lethal” Divergence

The market is effectively splitting into two fleets.

1. Lethal Fleet: Moving toward Semi-Auto (Beretta A300/1301) with Red Dots.
2. Less Lethal Fleet: Staying Pump Action (Orange Stock Maverick 88/Remington 870).
   This bifurcation ensures that pump actions will never truly disappear from the top 10, as every patrol car needs a less-lethal option, and the pump action’s manual cycle is preferred for low-energy beanbag rounds that might not cycle a semi-auto gas system.35

4. Conclusion: The End of the “Trench Broom”

The data from 2025 paints a clear picture: the era of the shotgun as a crude “trench broom” is over. It has evolved into a precision instrument. The ascendancy of the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol signals that agencies are ready to embrace semi-automatic technology if the price is right. Meanwhile, the endurance of the Remington 870 proves that logistical momentum is a powerful market force.

For the small arms analyst, the key metric to watch in 2026 is the Attach Rate of Optics. As more agencies mandate red dots on shotguns, the market share of legacy receivers that require gunsmithing to accept a rail will plummet, further accelerating the shift toward modern, optics-ready platforms like the Mossberg 940 and Beretta 1301. The shotgun is back, but it is smarter, faster, and more expensive than ever before.

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