Shotgun

:This article is about the firearm. For alternative meanings of shotgun, see: Shotgun (disambiguation).

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A shotgun is a firearm typically used to fire a number of small spherical pellets, the shot, from a smoothbore barrel of relatively large diameter. Compared to many bullets, the energy of any one ball of shot is fairly low, making shotguns useful primarily for hunting birds and other small game, or as close-combat weapons or defensive weapons where the short range ensures that many of the balls of shot will hit the target (see riot shotgun and combat shotgun). Ammunition for shotguns is referred to as shotgun shells, or just shells (when it is not likely to be confused with artillery shells).

Related Topics:
Firearm - Smoothbore - Weapons - Defensive weapon - Riot shotgun - Combat shotgun - Ammunition - Shotgun shell - Artillery shell

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The shotgun has several advantages over a normal gun. It has enormous stopping power at short range. The wide spread of shot produced by the gun makes it easy to aim and to be used by inexperienced marksmen. Also, shot is less likely to penetrate walls and hit bystanders. It is favored by law enforcement for its low penetration and high stopping power, while many American households use it as a home defense weapon for its ease of use and wide spray.

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