What does operability of a shotgun rely on, regarding physical components?

The operability of a shotgun primarily relies on the action and cycling mechanism because these components are responsible for loading, firing, and ejecting rounds. The action defines how the shotgun functions—whether it is pump-action, semi-automatic, or break-action—and influences its reliability and efficiency in cycling ammunition. If the action and cycling mechanism are not functioning properly, the shotgun may fail to fire, misfeed rounds, or have issues with ejection, all of which would compromise its operability.

While weight and balance can affect handling, and barrel length can influence accuracy and range, these factors do not directly determine whether a shotgun can operate as intended. Similarly, the sighting system is important for aiming but does not contribute to the mechanical operation of the shotgun. Thus, focusing on the action and cycling mechanism provides the essential understanding of what makes a shotgun operational.