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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Shotguns are slow to reload when compared to either semi-auto <br />handguns or carbines. Each round of ammunition must be <br />individually loaded into the magazine tube. <br /> <br />Shotguns are expensive to train with, particularly when using <br />slugs. Approximately five(5) times as much handgun/carbine <br />ammunition may be purchased for the same cost as shotgun <br />ammunition. <br /> <br />Carbine Pros: <br /> <br />Carbines are extremely accurate when compared to either handguns or <br />shotguns. The average officer can fire a handgun accurately out to <br />25 yards, a shotgun slug out to 50 yards, and a carbine out to 100 <br />yards. This makes the carbine much more flexible and the <br />likelihood of hitting only the intended target, regardless of the <br />distance, is enhanced. <br /> <br />Because of the increased velocity of the pistol ammunition used in <br />carbines, due to the longer barrel length, stopping power is <br />increased somewhat over handguns. <br /> <br />When used wi th appropriate ammuni tion carbines do not usually <br />present an over penetration problem. <br /> <br />Carbines are more compact than shotguns and are thus better suited <br />for use in confined areas such as building searches. The MP 5 is <br />approximately 27" long (compared to 42" long). It is equipped Tllith <br />a sling and will be equipped with an integral flashlight. This <br />will be advantageous in low light settings' and the sling will <br />enable officers to use both hands, unencumbered by a weapon, should <br />that become necessary. <br /> <br />Carbines recoil significantly less than a shotgun. Flinching and <br />jerking are usually not a problem and the sight picture between <br />shots is not normally adversely affected. <br /> <br />Officers are more comfortable with carbines and are therefore more <br />willing to train with them. If an officer is more comfortable and <br />familiar with a firearm, they are more likely to take it with when <br />needed. <br /> <br />Carbines are much easier and faster to reload than a shotgun <br />because each reload (30 rounds) is contained in a single detachable <br />magazine. <br /> <br />Carbine Cons: <br /> <br />Initial purchase and training costs may be considered a negative <br />factor, but I feel they are out weighed by the advantage of having <br />MP5's available. <br />