Shotgun

Shotgun is a type of firearm that is typically designed to be fired from the shoulder, which uses the energy of a fixed shell to fire a number of small spherical pellets called shot, or a solid projectile called a slug. Shotguns come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 5.5 mm (.22 inch) bore up to 5 cm (2.0 in) bore, and in a range of firearm operating mechanisms, including breech loading, single-barreled, double or combination gun, pump-action, bolt-, and lever-action, semi-automatic, and even fully automatic variants.

History

The shotgun has been used in hunting and warfare for hundreds of years. The earliest examples were hand cannons, small portable guns that were loaded with shot and fired by igniting a small amount of gunpowder. Over time, these evolved into the flintlock and percussion cap shotguns of the 18th and 19th centuries. The invention of smokeless powder in the late 19th century led to the development of the modern shotgun.

Design and Features

A shotgun shell is loaded with multiple pellets, or shot, which spread out after leaving the barrel. This makes shotguns useful for hunting birds and other small, fast-moving game, as it increases the chances of a hit. Some shotguns are also designed to fire a single slug, or solid projectile, for hunting larger game.

Shotguns are typically designed to be fired from the shoulder. They have a stock that is placed against the shooter's shoulder, and a barrel that is pointed at the target. The trigger is pulled to fire the gun.

Types of Shotguns

There are several types of shotguns, each with its own specific features and uses. These include:

• Pump-action shotguns: These are manually operated by the shooter. After each shot, the shooter must pump the forend (the part of the gun under the barrel) back and forth to eject the spent shell and load a new one.

• Semi-automatic shotguns: These use the energy of the fired shell to eject the spent shell and load a new one. This allows for faster firing than a pump-action shotgun.

• Double-barreled shotguns: These have two barrels, allowing the shooter to fire two shots in quick succession before reloading.

• Bolt-action shotguns: These are similar to bolt-action rifles. The shooter must manually operate a bolt to eject the spent shell and load a new one.

• Single-shot shotguns: These can only hold one shell at a time. After each shot, the shooter must manually reload the gun.

Uses

Shotguns are used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. They are also used by law enforcement and military personnel.

See Also

• Firearm
• Rifle
• Pistol
• Revolver

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