Which type of less lethal munition is fired from a standard 12 gauge shotgun?

The correct answer is the bean bag round, which is a type of less lethal munition specifically designed to be fired from a standard 12 gauge shotgun. Bean bag rounds consist of a fabric pouch filled with lead shot or similar material. When fired, they are intended to strike a target with sufficient force to incapacitate or control an individual while minimizing the risk of serious injury or death.

Less lethal options are valuable in law enforcement scenarios to provide alternatives to more lethal force, and bean bag rounds are particularly valued for their ability to deliver a non-penetrating impact that can deter aggressive behavior without causing significant bodily harm. They are especially effective at close to moderate ranges, making them suitable for various operational situations.

While CS spray is a chemical irritant used for crowd control and personal defense, it does not involve the use of a firearm. SIM rounds, which stands for "Simunition," are also designed for training and are not typically fired from standard shotguns; they are more commonly used in marked firearm training scenarios. Foam rubber rounds, like bean bag rounds, are intended for less lethal scenarios but are often delivered from specially designed launchers, not standard shotguns. Therefore, the bean bag round's compatibility with a standard 12 gauge shotgun sets