Skip to main content Skip to footer site map Love Sac is the ultimate alternative furniture store, featuring revolutionary bean bags, sectional couches and home theater furniture. See full property > Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PMSun: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM See All Hours > Click here to Chat or Text with the Chandler Fashion Center concierge at . Puggles - 2 and 3 yr. olds Sparks - Grades K to 2 T&T - Grades 3 to 6 Awana Game Cube and Guidebook Awana Clubs Game Kit Awana Sport Stacking Lite Kit Awana Sport Stacking Kit Game Pins & Plugs Welcome to the Awana Online Store We are logging you in under your new account! Capt. Larkin Fourkiller deploys a bean bag shotgun as Officer Wilbur Lewis provides lethal cover.Whether it's special operations, riot control, or a first-responder mission, less-lethal force options have played a vital role in securing a safer environment for conducting high-risk police operations. Less-lethal weapons, including chemical agents, diversionary devices, tasers, and bean bag rounds, have all proven successful in de-escalating life-threatening situations, controlling violent offenders, and reducing the use of lethal force by police.
Less-lethal munitions bridge a dangerous gap that has long existed within the police use-of-force matrix. And by exploiting the capabilities of less-lethal weapons and implementing them within a solid tactical framework, police officers can better manage situations that can lead to accusations of "officer-created" jeopardy; for example, a knife-wielding subject. They can also respond appropriately to special circumstances, including perimeter security; and dangerous, defiant conduct. Currently, the most popular less-lethal impact projectile in use on the streets of America is the 12-gauge bean bag round. The popularity of shotgun-launched bean bags can be attributed to a variety of characteristics that makes them extremely attractive as a police alternative to deadly force. Chief among these is the popularity of the shotgun as a police weapon. It's no secret that the shotgun is a mainstay of the police arsenal and is commonplace in the majority of America's police cars. Also, shotgun proficiency is part of an officer's academy and in-service training.
Another benefit to shotgun-launched bean bags is the cost. In general, 12-gauge bean bags shells are significantly less expensive than other types of specialty impact projectiles. They can even be stored in existing shotgun ammunition holders. However, it's important to note that even though 12-gauge bean bag rounds are the same size as conventional 12-gauge rounds, they will not cycle in a semi-auto shotgun and are usually fired from a slightly modified pump-action model. However, some departments fire bean bags from semi-autos and cycle them manually. The familiarity of the shotgun and the less lethal nature of bean bag rounds may lead you to believe that establishing such a weapon system in your department won't require much planning. That's a false assumption. Before implementing a 12-gauge bean bag weapon system at your agency, you need to consider a number of issues, including equipment, who to train, weapon protocol, policy and procedures, and training requirements.
The answers to these questions vary between agencies and trainers, but the following information represents basic concepts agreed upon by the less lethal training community. For easy identification, the shell case of a bean bag round should be translucent and adequately marked. There are a number of manufacturers and products that you can choose from for both the bean bag munitions and shotgun. But an off-the-shelf shotgun is not your best choice for a launcher. For optimal shot delivery, your 12-gauge launcher should be equipped with an improved cylinder barrel. Depending on your needs, it can also be augmented with illumination, carrying, and after-market sighting systems. Once you have the launcher, it's time to consider the ammunition. The shotgun bean bag is a target-specific, flexible, single projectile that is intended as a "point-of-aim, point-of-impact" munition. The bag itself, usually configured square or oblong, is often constructed of a cotton or nylon blend material filled with approximately 26 to 56 grams of lead shot.
Velocity and energy transfer can range anywhere between 230 to 300 feet per second and 71 to 120 foot-pounds, respectively. Some bags have an effective range out to 60 feet. Although the square bags have proven successful for many years, the newer (oblong) style offers a number of distinct advantages. The more aerodynamic design significantly enhances the projectile's accuracy, effective range, intended impact form, and energy transfer, all of which translate to a safer and more effective munition. Manufacturers of 12-gauge bean bag munitions are numerous, with new companies bringing their own versions to market each year. So prior to purchasing a sizable quantity of a particular bean bag shell, make a comprehensive evaluation of what's available. Your evaluation process should include a review of product specifications, product research (if any), case histories, peer assessments, and self testing. It may not be necessary for every officer in your agency to be trained in the use of bean bag launchers.
Also, not just any officer should be entrusted with bean bag duty. Street experience, good judgment, and proper training are essential in the effective and safe deployment of less-lethal weapons. Remember, the most important thing to know about bean bag rounds is when and where to shoot them. It's not particularly difficult to teach officers when deadly force is appropriate. For instance, an officer may fire upon an individual who points a gun at him, without much consideration of such issues as the suspect's clothing, size, or distance from the officer. In contrast, successful bean bag deployments hinge on these kinds of considerations. For example, a very large man may not be incapacitated by a shotgun bean bag, while a smaller man or woman could be seriously injured. Also, if a suspect is wearing heavy clothing, such as a winter coat, at least some of the impact of the bean bag will be absorbed by the fabric, diminishing the effect of the projectile. In addition to physical stature and attire of the target, several other subject factors must be carefully assessed prior to a deployment.