THE SHOTGUN

A Shotgun is also known as scattergun and peppergun, or historical as a fowling piece Shotgun
is a firearm that is usually designed to be fired from the shoulder, which use the energy of a
fixed shell to fire a number of small spherical pellets called shot or a solid projective called a
shotgun slug. Shotgun come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 5.5mm (.22 inch) bore up to
5 cm (2.0 inches) 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.

HITORY OF SHOTGUN
The history of shotgun, dating back several centuries. Shotguns are firearms designed to fire a
spread of small pellets (shot) rather than a single projectile (like a bullet). They have been used
for hunting, sport shooting, and military and law enforcement purposes. Here's a brief overview
of the history of shotguns:

1. Early Development: The earliest shotguns evolved from smoothbore muskets in the 17th
century. These early firearms featured smooth barrels and were loaded with lead balls or
shot. They were primarily used for hunting birds and small game.
2. Flintlock Era: By the 18th century, shotguns had evolved to include flintlock ignition
systems, which improved reliability and ease of use. Shotguns were commonly used for
hunting, especially waterfowl, during this period.
3. Percussion Cap Era: In the early 19th century, the percussion cap system replaced
flintlocks. This innovation improved ignition reliability further and made shotguns more
effective and user-friendly.
4. Development of Breechloading Shotguns: The mid-19th century saw the development of
breechloading shotguns, allowing shooters to load shells from the rear of the barrel
rather than the muzzle. This advancement significantly increased the rate of fire.
5. Industrialization and Mass Production: With the industrial revolution, shotguns began to
be mass-produced using standardized parts, making them more affordable and widely
available.
6. Military Use: Shotguns found military applications during the American Civil War, World
War I, and World War II. Trench guns, with their short barrels and large spreads of shot,
were used for close combat in trenches and other confined spaces.
7. Sporting and Hunting: Shotguns have a long history as sporting and hunting firearms,
with various designs developed for different types of game and shooting sports like trap,
skeet, and sporting clays.
 8. Advancements in Design: In the 20th century, there were significant advancements in
shotgun design, including the development of semi-automatic and pump-action
shotguns. These designs offered faster follow-up shots.
9. Modern Era: Today, shotguns are used for a wide range of purposes, including hunting,
sport shooting, home defense, and law enforcement. They come in various gauges,
barrel lengths, and configurations to suit different needs.
10. Firearm Regulations: The legal status and regulations surrounding shotguns vary by
country. In some places, they are subject to strict controls, while in others, they are more
readily accessible to civilians.

Shotguns have evolved significantly over the centuries, and their versatility has ensured their
continued popularity among shooters and hunters. They remain an essential tool for various
applications, from recreational shooting to providing food through hunting and offering security
through self-defense.
TYPES OF ASHOTGUN

Single barrel shotgun

A single barrel shotgun is a type of shotgun that has only one barrel for firing shells or
cartridges. It is a simple and straightforward design, with a single barrel that is typically
break-action or single-shot.
 Double barrel or combination gun

A double-barrel shotgun is a type of firearm that has two barrels mounted side by side or one
on top of the other. It is designed to fire two shots in succession without the need to manually
reload between shots. Double-barrel shotguns can be used for a variety of purposes, including
hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.
There are two main types of double-barrel shotguns:
1. Side-by-Side (SxS): In a side-by-side shotgun, the barrels are positioned horizontally next
to each other. These shotguns often have a classic and traditional appearance. They can
have either one or two triggers, and each trigger corresponds to one of the barrels. When
you pull a trigger, it fires the corresponding barrel.
2. Over-and-Under (O/U): In an over-and-under shotgun, the barrels are stacked one on top
of the other. This design is more streamlined and often considered more aesthetically
appealing by some shooters. Over-and-under shotguns typically have a single trigger, and
a selector switch allows the shooter to choose which barrel to fire first.
 Pump action shotgun

A pump-action shotgun is a type of firearm that operates on a manually

operated sliding mechanism to chamber a round, eject the spent shell
casing, and load a new shell from the magazine into the chamber. It is
called "pump-action" because the user typically moves a sliding forearm
(the pump) backward and then forward to perform these actions, which
can be repeated as needed. This manual operation distinguishes it from
other types of shotguns like semi-automatic shotguns, which automatically
cycle the action to chamber a new round after each shot.

Pump-action shotguns are commonly used for a variety of purposes,

including hunting, sport shooting, home defense, and law
enforcement. They are known for their reliability, versatility, and
relatively simple design. These shotguns can be used with a variety
of shotgun ammunition types, including bird shot, buckshot, and
slugs, making them suitable for various shooting applications
 Bolt action shotgun

A bolt-action shotgun is a type of shotgun that operates on a manually operated bolt

mechanism. Unlike semi-automatic shotguns that automatically cycle the next round into
the chamber after firing, or pump-action shotguns that require the user to manually
pump the fore-end to eject spent shells and load new ones, a bolt-action shotgun
requires the shooter to manually manipulate a bolt to perform these actions.
Bolt-action shotguns are known for their simplicity and reliability. They are commonly
used for hunting, especially in situations where quick follow-up shots are not necessary.
They are also used in some competitive shooting sports. While not as popular as pump-
action or semi-automatic shotguns, bolt-action shotguns are still valued for their
accuracy and ruggedness.
 Lever action shotgun

A lever-action shotgun is a type of firearm that uses a lever mechanism to cycle and chamber
rounds. It operates on a similar principle to lever-action rifles but is designed to fire shotgun
shells. The lever-action mechanism typically allows the shooter to manually operate the lever,
which in turn ejects the spent shell casing, chambers a new round from the tubular magazine
located under the barrel, and cocks the hammer or striker, preparing the firearm to be fired
again.
Lever-action shotguns have been around for quite some time and were popular during the
late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are known for their classic and distinctive
appearance, with the lever located near the trigger guard. These shotguns are often used for
hunting, sport shooting, and in some cases, home defense.
One of the most famous lever-action shotguns is the Winchester Model 1887, which was
designed by John Browning and was one of the first successful repeating shotguns. While
lever-action shotguns are less common today compared to pump-action or semi-automatic
shotguns, they still have a dedicated following among firearms enthusiasts who appreciate
their historical significance and unique design.
 Semiautomatic shotgun

A semi-automatic shotgun is a type of firearm that is designed to fire one round (shell) with each
pull of the trigger, automatically eject the spent shell casing, and chamber a new round from the
magazine for the next shot. It operates on a semi-automatic action, which means that it uses the
energy from the fired round to cycle the action and load the next round, without requiring the
shooter to manually operate a pump or bolt between shots.
Semi-automatic shotguns are popular for various purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, and
self-defense. They are known for their relatively rapid rate of fire compared to pump-action
shotguns, which require the shooter to manually cycle the action after each shot. Some semi-
automatic shotguns are designed for specific uses, such as waterfowl hunting, clay target
shooting, or tactical applications, and they may have different features and configurations to suit
those purposes.
 Fully automatic shotgun

A fully automatic shotgun, often referred to as an "auto shotgun" or "automatic shotgun," is

a firearm that is capable of firing multiple rounds in rapid succession with a single pull of the
trigger. Unlike semi-automatic shotguns, which require the trigger to be released and pulled
again for each shot, fully automatic shotguns continue to fire as long as the trigger is held
down and there is ammunition in the magazine.
These firearms are designed for rapid and sustained fire and are typically used in military and
law enforcement applications. They can deliver a high rate of fire, which can be
advantageous in certain combat scenarios. Fully automatic shotguns are often used for close-
quarters combat, breaching doors, and suppressing enemy positions.
 Double barrel pistol
shotgun

A double-barrel shotgun pistol, often referred to as a "sawn-off shotgun pistol" or simply a

"double-barrel pistol," is a firearm that combines the features of a double-barrel shotgun
with a shorter barrel length, making it more compact and easier to carry. These firearms
typically have two barrels arranged side by side or over-under, similar to traditional double-
barrel shotguns, but they are modified to have a shorter barrel length, often around 10
inches (25 centimeters) or less.
The primary purpose of a double-barrel shotgun pistol is close-range self-defense. Due to
their compact size and short barrels, they are often used for concealed carry or as a backup
weapon. The shorter barrels increase the spread of the shotgun pellets, which makes them
effective at close quarters but less accurate at longer distances.
SAMPLE PARTS OF SHOTGUN
A break-action shotgun consists of several key parts that are essential for its operation and
functionality. These parts include:

1. Barrels: Break-action shotguns typically have one or two barrels. Double-barreled

shotguns can be either side-by-side or over-and-under. The barrels are where the
shotgun shells are loaded and fired.
2. Receiver: The receiver is the central part of the shotgun, housing the firing mechanism
and connecting the barrels to the stock. It's also where you'll find the trigger group .
3. Stock: The stock is the rear part of the shotgun that you hold against your shoulder
when firing. It provides stability and helps you aim the shotgun.
4. Forend: The forend, or forearm, is the front part of the shotgun that you hold onto
when aiming and firing. It's typically located underneath the barrels and is used for
support and control.
5. Action: The action is the mechanism that allows the shotgun to be "broken" or opened
to load and unload shells. There are two main types of break-action actions: hinge or
pivoting and break-open.
 Hinge or Pivoting Action: In this type, the barrels pivot on a hinge at the
receiver, allowing them to swing open for loading and unloading. Examples
include the break-open single-shot shotguns.
 Break-Open Action: These shotguns have a more complex mechanism where a
lever or button releases the barrels, allowing them to break open at a hinge near
the front of the receiver. This design is common in double-barreled shotguns.
6. Ejectors/Extractors: Break-action shotguns may have ejectors or extractors to remove
spent shell casings when the action is opened. Ejectors forcefully expel the empty shells,
while extractors simply raise them slightly for manual removal.
7. Trigger Group: This includes the trigger itself and the associated parts that release the
firing pins to ignite the primers in the shotgun shells.
8. Safety Mechanism: A safety switch or button is usually present to prevent accidental
discharge. When engaged, it prevents the trigger from being pulled.
9. Sights: Some shotguns have front and rear sights to aid in aiming, while others have a
plain barrel with no sights, relying on the shooter's instinct.
10. Choke Tubes: Many shotguns have interchangeable choke tubes at the muzzle of each
barrel. These tubes modify the spread pattern of the shot, allowing you to tailor the
shotgun's performance for different shooting applications, such as hunting or clay target
sports.
These are the fundamental parts of a break-action shotgun. The specific design and features can
vary depending on the make and model of the shotgun, as well as its intended use.
 CYCLE OF OPERATION OF A PUMP ACTION SHOTGUN

The cycle operation of a shotgun refers to the sequence of actions required to load, fire, eject
spent shells, and chamber a new round. The basic cycle operation for a pump-action shotgun,
which is one of the most common types:

1. Chambering a Round: To prepare the shotgun for firing, the shooter starts with an
empty chamber. The first step is to load a round into the chamber. This is done by
manually sliding the pump or forend forward, which opens the action and chambers a
shell from the magazine tube into the firing chamber.
2. Aiming and Firing: With a round now chambered, the shooter aims the shotgun at the
target and pulls the trigger. When the trigger is pulled, the firing pin strikes the primer of
the shotgun shell, igniting the powder charge, and firing the shot or slug.
3. Ejection: After firing, the shooter must eject the spent shell casing. In a pump-action
shotgun, this is accomplished by pulling the pump or forend backward, which unlocks
the action, extracts the empty shell from the chamber, and ejects it out of the ejection
port.
4. Loading a New Round: With the spent shell ejected, the shooter pushes the pump or
forend forward again, which chambers a new round from the magazine tube into the
firing chamber, making the shotgun ready to fire again.
5. Repeat: Steps 2-4 can be repeated as needed until the magazine tube is empty, at which
point the shooter will need to reload the magazine tube with more ammunition.

It's important to note that there are other types of shotguns with different action types, such as
semi-automatic, break-action, and bolt-action shotguns. Each of these operates differently, but
the basic principles of loading, firing, ejecting, and chambering rounds are similar in most
shotgun designs. The main difference is whether these actions are manually operated (as in
pump-action) or semi-automatically cycled by the firearm's mechanism (as in semi-automatic
shotguns).