Saratoga Police Updates Supply of Old Rifles

MAY 8, 2025 |

Photo – The M4E1 .300 Blackout rifle the SPD will order – Courtesy Aero Precision USA web site

The Saratoga Police Department is spending $13,000 to update their 60-year-old rifle arsenal.

During Tuesday’s Saratoga Town Council meeting, Police Chief John Moore reported an increase in emergency calls since the last Town Council meeting. Chief Moore attributed the rise in call volume to the warming weather.

Chief Moore then requested approval from the governing body to purchase modern rifles chambered in .300 Blackout. The police chief explained that his stock of Vietnam War-era M16’s are inadequate for taking down large wildlife.

Developed by the Advanced Armament Corporation, .300 Blackout is a relatively new cartridge, going into full production in 2010. Compared to the older 5.56 round, the .300 Blackout delivers superior stopping power in shorter-barreled firearms.

Chief Moore said six M4-style rifles, each with an 8.3-inch barrel, suppressor, and sling, will cost $10,026. Including aftermarket sights, the total cost comes to $13,393.16

Chief Moore said his department’s equipment budget contains enough money to cover the purchase cost of the rifles.

Councilman Bub Barkhurst asked if the .300 Blackout rounds were commonly used by other law enforcement agencies. Chief Moore responded most agencies rely on the older .223 Remington and .308 rounds. However, those municipalities do not encounter the same types of wildlife as the Saratoga Police Department. Additionally, the .308 cartridge is prone to overpenetration.

Chief Moore added the .300 Blackout is even less likely to penetrate walls than his standard-issue 9mm handgun round. The police chief said subsonic rounds will further decrease the likelihood of overpenetration.

A Saratoga resident questioned why the town’s police force required more firepower than their standard-issue Glock pistols. Councilman Mike Cooley said the rifles will allow police officers to deal with threats at a longer range.

The same resident asked if the Saratoga Police Department already had a stockpile of AR-15 rifles. Mayor Chuck Davis explained the town owns 60-year-old M16s chambered for overpowered rounds.

Chief Moore added his department also maintains a 9mm Ruger carbine, which is ineffective against mountain lions and bears.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously approved Chief Moore’s request to use $13,393.16 from his department’s equipment budget to purchase six rifles and related accessories.