When entering a 12 gauge shotgun in NCIC, how should it be labeled?

The proper way to label a 12 gauge shotgun in NCIC is by specifying the term "12" because NCIC guidelines recommend using the gauge designation in its numeric form for consistency and clarity. This standardization helps ensure that individuals processing the information can easily recognize and categorize the weapon appropriately within the database.

Using just "12" eliminates any ambiguity surrounding the gauge while conforming to NCIC protocols for firearm classification. The classification system is designed to prioritize simplicity and uniformity, making it critical to adhere to these standards when entering firearm data.

Other options may include additional descriptors or be phrased in a manner that does not align with the NCIC's preferred practices, thus potentially leading to confusion or misclassification in the system.