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A shotgun is a firearm that shoots a number of small pellets in a wide area at high velocity. The spreading of the shot allows the shooter to point only in the general direction of the target. This differs from a rifle or handgun, when the user must aim precisely. The sprayed shot makes shotguns preferable when hunting small or fast moving animals. Common shotgun chamberings include 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, or .410.

Shotguns are long guns meant to be fired from the shooter's shoulder.  They come in a variety of sizes and firing actions. Pump-action, semi-automatic, over-under, and side-by-side are the most common variants. Shotguns are typically smoothbore firearms, meaning the inside of the barrel is not rifled. However, there are some shotguns available with a rifled bore. These are typically for firing what's called a slug, which best described as a less graceful bullet.

American forces used 12 gauge shotguns like the Winchester 1897 in the First World War in trench fighting to great effect. Today, the gun remains popular among law enforcement officers as well as civilians interested in trap shooting, skeet shooting, and bird hunting.

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