What defines a shotgun?

A shotgun is specifically defined as a smooth bore firearm that is primarily designed for firing shot pellets, which are effective for close-range shooting. This design allows shotguns to deliver multiple projectiles simultaneously, making them particularly useful for hunting birds and shooting sports such as clay pigeon shooting where precision at shorter distances is key.

The focus on short-distance firing emphasizes the typical use of shotguns in hunting scenarios and home defense, where targets are often encountered at relatively close ranges. Shotguns can also be loaded with slugs for single projectile use, but their core identity lies in their capability to shoot at short distances efficiently.

Other definitions do not align with the characteristics of shotguns: a smooth bore gun designed for long distances would not suit the shotgun's intended purpose, a rifled gun is indicative of rifles which are built for accuracy over longer ranges, and an automatic weapon designed for rapid fire relates to firearms like machine guns, which operate on a completely different mechanism and purpose. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the shotgun's design focuses on short-distance effectiveness rather than long-range precision or rapid fire.