<P> Different gauges have different typical applications . Twelve gauge shotguns are common for hunting geese, large ducks, or other big larger gamebirds; professional skeet and trap shooting; military applications; and home - defense applications . Sixteen gauge shotguns were once common for hunters who wanted to use only a single shotgun for gamebirds normally pursued with twelve or twenty gauge shotguns, but have become rarer in recent years . Twenty gauge shotguns are often used for gamebirds such as doves, smaller ducks, and quail . Twenty - eight gauge shotguns are not common, but are classic quail - hunting guns...410 shotguns are typically used for squirrel hunting or for sportsmen seeking the challenge of killing game with a smaller load . </P> <P> Other, less common shotgun cartridges have their own unique uses . Ammunition manufacturer CCI produces 9 mm (. 355 in .) and several other popular pistol calibers up to . 45 ACP as well as . 22 (5.5 mm) for firing from handguns . These are commonly called snake shot cartridges . Larger gauges, up to 4 bore, too powerful to shoulder, have been built, but were generally affixed to small boats and referred to as punt guns . These were used for commercial waterfowl hunting, to kill large numbers of birds resting on the water . Single and double derringers have also been produced that are capable of firing either . 45 (Long) Colt or . 410 shotgun shells from the same chamber; they are commonly known as "snake guns", and are popular among some outdoorsmen in the South and Southwest regions of the United States . There are also some revolvers, such as the Taurus Judge, that are capable of shooting the . 45LC /. 410 rounds; but as with derringers, these are handguns that shoot . 410 shotgun shells, and are not necessarily considered shotguns . </P> <P> The . 410 bore (10.4 mm) is unusual, being measured in inches, and would be approximately 67 "real" gauge, though its short hull versions are nominally called 36 gauge in Europe . It uses a relatively small charge of shot . It is used for hunting and for skeet . Because of its very light recoil (approx 10 N), it is often used as a beginner's gun . However, the small charge and typically tight choke make it more difficult to hit targets . It is also frequently used by expert shooters because of the difficulty, especially in expensive side by side and over / under models for hunting small bird game such as quail and doves . Inexpensive bolt - action . 410 shotguns are a very common first hunting shotgun among young pre-teen hunters, as they are used mostly for hunting squirrels, while additionally teaching bolt - action manipulation skills that will transfer easily later to adult - sized hunting rifles . Most of these young hunters move up to a 20 - gauge within a few years, and to 12 gauge shotguns and full - size hunting rifles by their late teens . Still, many who are particularly recoil - averse choose to stay with 20 - gauge shotguns all their adult life, as it is a suitable gauge for many popular hunting uses . </P> <P> A recent innovation is the back - boring of barrels, in which the barrels are bored out slightly larger than their actual gauge . This reduces the compression forces on the shot when it transitions from the chamber to the barrel . This leads to a slight reduction in perceived recoil, and an improvement in shot pattern due to reduced deformation of the shot . </P>

When were over and under shotguns first made