Shotguns

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Armscor 30 DG double barrel shotgun

Courtesy of Forensic Technology Inc.
Gunsights Pro 3.0

Shotguns have single- or double-barrel configurations. Double-barrel configurations can be side by side or over/under and generally have a break open action.

Single barrels use the following action types:

Break open
Pump (or slide)
Bolt
Semiautomatic (gas and recoil operated)

Benelli Nova pump shotgun

Courtesy of Forensic Technology Inc.
Gunsights Pro 3.0

Shotguns also have barrel constrictions (choke) that control the pellet pattern spread. Choke is used in all gauges of shotguns.

The most common types of choke:

Full (most restriction)
Modified (some restriction)
Cylinder (no restriction)

There are other less frequently used choke sizes as well as variable chokes. Newer shotguns can have interchangeable chokes.

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