Federal authorities report that shotguns are now one of the favorite weapons of criminals operating in New York City. It's the first time in seven years that shotguns have been so prevalent in Big Apple crime circles.
Some 394 shotguns were seized from New York thugs last year. That makes the scattergun the fourth most popular type of gun among the city's criminals.
Michael Sullivan, acting director of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, told the New York Daily News that handguns are still the most-favored weapon among New York criminals. Semi-auto pistols are number one, revolvers are second, and rifles, including AK and AK copies, are third.
Authorities say they believe shotguns are popular with area crooks because they are readily available. Shotguns can be purchased legally in surrounding counties without a permit or an extensive background check.