Factory 870 20ga Police Riot Parkerized

[Hakata]

Several years ago I bought a 870 20ga that had wood furniture. 18” bbl cylinder bore, Factory tube extension. Parkerized. Was told it was a Police issue for women or small men officers. It was standard receiver but it was short and handy. I let it get away. It was a factory made 20ga Riot Gun. Never seen another. It was not marked Law Enforcement. What was it ?

[Scorpion8]

I would be surprised if that was really a weapon meant for "small men or women police officers". Why? Because in a pinch, they all grab what's closest, not "the small, me-sized weapon". Likewise the police are pretty standard on 12-ga, as having to carry this ammo in this car and that ammo in that car defeats the emergency ability. Others may know better. Police cars are usually standard loadouts I believe. Without pics or serialized data, my initial guess is that you got a bubba'ed weapon, cut down by somebody to fit them and then a good story was added to give it some color.

[Hakata]

I was in Law Enforcement. We carried 12ga 870’s in the Patrol Car. I was also a FFL licensed gunsmith. It was something I had never seen before or since. But I have seen shotguns, rifles, pistols, and revolvers made especially for Law Enforcement that civilians don’t see unless they are outdated or worn out and either scrapped or sold at auction. It might have been a Bubba Gun but it looked right and not made up. ?????

[Scorpion8]

Well perhaps someone else may chime in. But I've seen some very well-done bubba-guns made by enthusiasts or "wanna be's". It's just one possibility. And yes, you're right, it could have been a special purpose weapon, perhaps to fire non-lethal devices or crowd-control devices and the dept didn't want it mistaken for an active response weapon. There are many possibilities. A shame no pics exist as we have some very knowledgeable members here.

[Hakata]

Thanks for you input

[Scorpion8]

Sure. Why not build your own? The Remington black Express finish is close to a Parkerization, but not quite or you could have one done. The police versions just use some upgraded springs, and youth stocks are plentiful as take-offs from people who bought youth models cheap and then wanted full-sized stocks. Barrels options are mind-boggling so am sure you could find something. Folks re-create old Winchester or Ithaca "trench guns" from military use all the time.