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A shotgun is a weapon that is designed to fire from several to a great many pieces of shot each time it is discharged. The possibility of firing multiple projectiles was recongnized early in the development of firearms. Any large-diameter smooth bore gund can be useds as a shotgun. The hand cannon of the 16th century was capable of this, as were later weapons such as the blunderbuss and fowling pieces of the 17th and 18th century. Even muskets could be used as shotguns, although they were not designed for that purpose. The term "shotgun" came into use in the late 18th century, in conjunction of the settlement of the American west. The first recorded use in 1776 in Kentucky, which was then the western frontier.

Shotguns are stll made and are widely used for hunting waterfowel, upland birds and small game, as well as in law enforcement and for home defence.

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12y ago

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