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These days gun battles with multiple suspects, ambushes, barricaded subjects, and long ranges are much more common than they were when I started in police work.

The 12 gauge is a devastating weapon for close encounters and fully exposed single suspects and would be my first choice if I knew that was what I would be getting into. However, their limitations of low ammo capacity, spreading patterns of multiple projectiles, and unsuitability for precision engagement of suspects who are barricaded or behind partial cover at extended ranges make them IMHO not the best choice for what patrol officers have to deal with today. The AR15 handles all those situations either reasonably or very well so it's my first choice for routine patrol.