Over the last several years, the concept of the patrol rifle has caught on in a very big way with U.S. law enforcement agencies. While rifles have always been part of the mix, until fairly recently shotguns were the patrol shoulder weapon of choice and the use of rifles was pretty much limited to SWAT operators. Today, that paradigm has shifted 180 degrees and patrol rifles have displaced shotguns in many departments.
So why the big switch to the rifle? Shotguns are indeed very capable and versatile tools, but many individuals find them intimidating. There is simply no getting around the fact a 12 gauge shotgun delivers a fair amount of felt recoil, which can quickly engrain a negative attitude relative to training. On the other hand, a 5.56mm rifle generates little rearward thrust and is very shoulder-friendly. A shotgun loaded with buckshot is a short-to-intermediate-range tool and, beyond 25 yards, the spread of pellets missing the target despite careful aim can be high. With a rifle, an officer of average skill has a very effective tool for close-range encounters, and also has the ability to reach out far beyond practical pistol distances.
One of the stumbling blocks in outfitting the troops with rifles has long been cost. Compared to the pump shotguns of old, a good rifle will minimally cost two to three times more, a huge stumbling block when buying a bunch of guns for the department. A remedy my agency took advantage of was obtaining surplus M-14 and M-16A2 rifles from the military, which served us well for many years until we were able to buy our own. Like many other departments, officers were also allowed to purchase their own rifles, which they could utilize in their official capacity.
For individual officers, purchasing a quality rifle for duty use represents a major investment one has to balance between mortgage payments, the kids and other household essentials. Brownells, the world’s leading supplier of the gunsmith accessories, tools and parts has eased that burden with the launch of the Brownells Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Program. By creating a verified LE account, officers will be able to buy a purpose-built rifle as well as support gear at a significant discount.
About Brownells
Brownells has been a trusted name in the firearms industry for over 85 years. The company’s story began in Montezuma, Iowa, with founder Bob Brownell, a part-time gunsmith who often struggled to find the tools and parts he needed. When Bob was able to source the right supplies, he frequently purchased extras to help out other gunsmiths, and quickly realized there was a real need for a dedicated supplier.
In 1947, Brownells published its very first catalog with the motto:
“The First and Only Complete Gunsmith’s Supply House in the World.”
Bob soon shifted his focus from gunsmithing to supplying parts and tools, laying the foundation for the business we know today.
Over the decades, Brownells has grown dramatically, expanding beyond gunsmithing tools and parts to include ammunition, firearms and accessories. While the company’s roots remain in Montezuma, in 2015 a modern headquarters and distribution center were built in nearby Grinnell, Iowa, to better serve customers worldwide.
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Brownells has always been a family business. Frank Brownell, Bob’s son, carried forward the company’s legacy and in later years, served as Chairman of the Board for many years. Today, Bob’s grandson Pete Brownell continues that tradition as CEO, ensuring the values of craftsmanship, service and trust remain at the company’s core. With more than 90,000 guns, gun parts, tools, and accessories in stock, Brownells is known as the ultimate one-stop source for gun owners, builders, and gunsmiths.
The Springfield Armory Connection
Tools that may be used to protect your life or that of others is not an area where you can afford to cut corners. When it comes to patrol rifles, “hobby grade” just won’t do. Brownells, in cooperation with Springfield Amory, is making a impressive selection of the highly regarded SAINT rifles available to individual officers at a notable discount.
In particular, the SAINT Victor series of AR rifles incorporate a number of in-demand features including forged lower and upper receivers, a CMV continuous taper barrel with a 1:7 twist, enhanced M16 bolt carrier group, nickel boron coated trigger, and flip up sights. These rifles are M-Lok compatible for fitting lights and other accessories. In short, these rifles come complete with everything you need and nothing you don’t.
In addition to the Springfield SAINT series, Brownells is also offering the highly regarded Hellion rifle. The Hellion is a bullpup platform where the action and magazine are moved to the rear of the trigger creating a very compact firearm, ideal for working in confined spaces. The end result is an ultra-compact 5.56mm caliber firearm. Controls are ambidextrous with reversible case ejection.
Accessories and Tools, Too!
In addition to the top-quality Springfield Armory rifles, Brownells also offers other items to complete the package including products from Surefire, Magpul, BCM, and others. Next to a sling, I consider a weapon mounted light as an essential accessory for a patrol rifle. Without a light, your rifle is only useful during daylight hours, and clearly the bad guys don’t quit when the sun goes down. Surefire’s top-tier Scout lights can be had for a considerable savings, and they come highly recommended.
Need extra magazines? Of course you do! Brownells catalogs 224 different rifle magazines, including Magpul P-Mags as well their own brand. Magazine parts such as springs and followers are also available.,
On my job, we have used some unique tools from Brownells for some time. A couple of favorites include the Armorer’s Wrench which combines six tools in a single unit for use on castle nuts, receiver extensions and flash hiders. I have also come to favor the Upper & Lower Receiver Block set, which fully supports the receiver when locked into a bench vise, giving you an extra set of hands. No matter what your personal or department needs are for performing routine maintenance of your patrol rifle, Brownells has you covered.
Create an Account
To take advantage of the program, go to www.brownells.com/le-gov/. Click, sign in, and create an account and you will be on your way. You will have to upload documentation as to your employment and customer service will update your account to reflect special pricing. Depending on how the cards fall it might take a day or two before the discount rate is reflected in your account.
I applaud Brownells for developing this program. Their effort making quality products available at a special price will go a long way in helping officers and the communities they serve safe.
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