What Gun Does NYPD Use?
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is one of the largest and most well-equipped police forces in the world. As a result, the department relies on a wide range of firearms to meet the varying needs of its officers. In this article, we’ll explore the types of guns used by the NYPD and the different calibers and models employed.
Handguns
NYPD officers are primarily equipped with Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0 semiautomatic pistols, which are issued as duty weapons. The M&P Shield 2.0 is a popular choice among law enforcement agencies due to its reliability, accuracy, and durability.
• Caliber:.40 S&W
• Capacity: 12 rounds
• Sight: TruGlo Low-Profile Tritium night sight
• Weight: 27 ounces (762 grams)
However, not all NYPD officers carry the same gun. Some officers, such as SWAT team members and K9 handlers, may be equipped with different firearms depending on their specific roles.
Rifles
In addition to handguns, the NYPD also employs various types of rifles, including Remington 700 PSSM and Colt LE6920.
• Remington 700 PSSM:
- Caliber:.223 Remington
- Capacity: 10 rounds
- Sight: Leupold scope with illuminated reticle
- Weight: 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg)
• Colt LE6920: - Caliber: 5.56x45mm
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Sight: Aimpoint Comp M4 red dot sight
- Weight: 7.2 pounds (3.3 kg)
These rifles are typically issued to specialized units, such as the NYPD Emergency Services Unit (ESU), which responds to high-risk situations like hostage situations, barricaded suspects, and active shooter scenarios.
Shotguns
The NYPD also uses shotguns as a tactical tool in specific situations. Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are the primary shotgun models used by the department.
• Remington 870:
- Gauge: 12
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Sight: Cylinder and pin sight
- Weight: 7.25 pounds (3.3 kg)
• Mossberg 500: - Gauge: 12
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Sight: C-More Systems tactical folding sight
- Weight: 6.6 pounds (3 kg)
Shotguns are often used in situations where precision and accuracy are less critical, such as clearing rooms, breaching doors, and engaging targets at close range.
Specialized Weapons
In addition to their standard-issue firearms, NYPD officers may have access to specialized weapons, such as .45-caliber Glock 21SF, which is used by undercover officers, or SIG Sauer MPX submachine guns, which are used by some ESU members.
•.45-caliber Glock 21SF:
- Caliber:.45 ACP
- Capacity: 13 rounds
- Sight: Standard Glock adjustable sight
- Weight: 27.1 ounces (765 grams)
• SIG Sauer MPX: - Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Sight: SIG Sauer red dot sight
- Weight: 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)
These specialized weapons are designed for specific tasks and are typically used in situations where standard-issue firearms are not suitable.
Conclusion
The New York City Police Department’s firearms selection is designed to meet the unique needs of its officers and the challenging environment they operate in. From the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0 handguns to the Remington 870 shotguns, each firearm plays a critical role in helping NYPD officers keep the streets of New York City safe.
