HARRISBURG, Fla. — The Pennsylvania State Police announced they are transitioning away from using shotguns as part of their standard equipment, shifting instead to exclusive use of .223-caliber rifles, WHP reported.
A state police spokesperson said the decision is part of the agency’s ongoing evaluation of its equipment needs, noting that the .223-caliber rifle provides operational advantages such as a longer effective range.
In a statement, PSP emphasized the department’s commitment to regularly assessing and updating its equipment based on current needs. The agency had previously transitioned from the .45-caliber Sig-Sauer P227 sidearm to the 9mm Walther PDP in 2023, according to the report.
“Similarly, the Department recently determined it appropriate to transition from shotguns and rifles exclusively to the .223-caliber rifle, which offers advantages including a longer effective range,” the statement said.
No timeline for the transition has been provided.
