Choosing the Right Patrol Rifle
Patrol rifles as everyday gear might seem like a trend that sprouted fully formed around the start of the 21st century. But as retired Lt. Frank Borelli, OFFICER's editorial director, points out, the rifle's role in law enforcement has slowly evolved—from Old West lawmen carrying Winchester Model 1873s to addressing modern policing concerns, such as school shootings:
… (As law enforcement) developed active shooter response, patrol rifles became more necessary. Why? Because we wanted to be better armed than the people committing the attacks, and some school hallways are longer than 100 yards. Making that long of a shot with a handgun isn’t something we train for … Enter the patrol rifle.
Examining these origins provides an excellent window into what officers and agencies need to consider when choosing a patrol rifle, and Frank takes a closer look at those factors.
This month's newsletter also features:
—Joe Vince
News Editor