Remington Model 17 Police Special: The Shockwave a Century Ago

Published on May 11, 2026
Duration: 9:02

This video provides an in-depth look at the Remington Model 17 Police Special, a rare variant of the Model 17 shotgun produced from 1921 to 1933. Ian McCollum details its origins as a John Browning-patented design, its development by Remington engineers, and its unique configuration as a compact, pistol-gripped firearm intended for police and undercover use. The discussion covers its technical specifications, historical context, and its status under NFA regulations, drawing parallels to modern 'Shockwave' style firearms.

Quick Summary

The Remington Model 17 Police Special, produced from 1921-1933, is a rare, factory-made variant of the Model 17 shotgun featuring a pistol grip and shortened barrel. Designed for police use, it predates modern 'Shockwave' firearms and is classified as an NFA Any Other Weapon (AOW) due to its compact dimensions.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to Remington Model 17 Police Special
  2. 00:36Origins and Design of the Model 17
  3. 01:2820 Gauge Only and Market Strategy
  4. 02:20The Police Special Configuration
  5. 02:23Pre-NFA Short Shotguns and Police Desire
  6. 03:23Specific Features of the Police Special
  7. 04:09Sights and Intended Use
  8. 04:27Pistol Grip and Carry Features
  9. 05:26Ambidextrous Design and Bottom Ejection
  10. 06:10Early Grip Design Variations
  11. 06:34NFA Status: AOW Classification
  12. 06:54Barrel Length and Overall Length Comparison
  13. 07:48Police Department Adoption and Use
  14. 08:20Production Numbers and Dual Configuration
  15. 08:45Conclusion: A Century-Old Shockwave

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Remington Model 17 Police Special?

The Remington Model 17 Police Special is a factory-produced variant of the Model 17 shotgun, manufactured between 1921 and 1933. It features a shortened barrel and a pistol grip, designed for specialized police and undercover use, predating modern 'Shockwave' style firearms by decades.

What makes the Remington Model 17 Police Special unique?

Its uniqueness lies in its compact, pistol-gripped configuration and its status as a pre-NFA short-barreled shotgun intended for law enforcement. It also features bottom ejection and loading, making it highly ambidextrous, and a special lug on the fire control group screw for holster carry.

What is the NFA status of the Remington Model 17 Police Special?

The Remington Model 17 Police Special is classified as an Any Other Weapon (AOW) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This is due to its barrel length of 14.5 inches and an overall length of 25.5 inches, which falls below the 26-inch threshold for firearms like the Mossberg Shockwave.

Which police departments used the Remington Model 17 Police Special?

The New York Police Department was the first agency to purchase the Remington Model 17 Police Special. It was subsequently adopted by other departments, including those in St. Louis and Milwaukee, for specialized duties.

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