Riot gun

Beanbag shotgun

Tropa de choque em São Paulo 1

Fiocchi rubber buckshot

Riot gun is a term used to describe a variety of firearms that are used by law enforcement and military personnel for crowd control and riot control purposes. These guns are designed to help control crowds without causing lethal injuries, aiming to minimize fatalities while maintaining public order. Riot guns typically fire non-lethal ammunition such as rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, tear gas canisters, and pepper spray projectiles.

Types of Riot Guns

Riot guns come in various forms, each designed for specific scenarios and purposes. The most common types include:

• Pump-Action Shotguns: These are versatile firearms that can be loaded with a variety of non-lethal ammunition. They are favored for their reliability and ease of use.
• Semi-Automatic Shotguns: Similar to pump-action shotguns but with a faster rate of fire, making them useful in situations where rapid response is necessary.
• Launchers: These are specifically designed to fire tear gas canisters and other types of non-lethal grenades over longer distances. They can be either single-shot or have the capability to fire multiple rounds without reloading.
• Specialized Non-Lethal Weapons: This category includes weapons designed exclusively for riot control, such as the Taser and other directed-energy devices that incapacitate targets without causing permanent harm.

Ammunition

The ammunition used in riot guns is designed to incapacitate or deter individuals with minimal risk of fatality. Common types include:

• Rubber Bullets: These are projectiles made of hard rubber or plastic designed to cause pain but not penetrate the skin.
• Bean Bag Rounds: These are fabric sacks filled with lead shot that impact with force but are less likely to cause penetrating injuries.
• Tear Gas Canisters: Used to disperse crowds through the release of irritant gases.
• Pepper Spray Projectiles: Similar to tear gas, these cause irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, and lungs, leading to incapacitation.

Usage

Riot guns are used by law enforcement agencies around the world for the purpose of crowd control, to disperse unlawful assemblies, and to protect property and lives during riots and protests. The use of these weapons is governed by strict rules of engagement and is subject to ethical and legal considerations. Misuse of riot guns and non-lethal ammunition can lead to serious injuries and has been a subject of controversy and public debate.

Controversy

The use of riot guns and non-lethal ammunition has been criticized for potential misuse and the risk of causing serious injuries. There have been instances where rubber bullets and bean bag rounds have resulted in permanent injuries, blindness, or death. The ethical use of these weapons, training standards, and engagement protocols are crucial to minimize the risk of serious harm.

See Also

• Crowd Control
• Non-lethal weapon
• Law enforcement
• Military

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