I never did hear why they replaced all of the shotguns in the entire state. Once again they failed to consult me!!! Some shotguns get shot more than others, but none a whole bunch. Officers shoot the shotgun quarterly, and I always just pulled a few out of any handy vehicle and used those. Might get the same one two times in a row, might never get another. Therer was once a plan to buy all S&W shotguns, and we were going to be able to purchase the old 870's if we wanted to, then S&W went out of the shotgun business. Ended up with more 870's, this time with black "plastic" stocks and forarms and a phosphate type finish. No rifle sights, which I thought was a mistake, 'specially since they are finally looking at issuing slugs. No sling swivels, altho that can be easily changed. I have no idea why they have never liked extended mags or sidesaddles. I personally don't like extended mags, throws the balance off too much, but I really like sidesaddles.