<P> The shot pellets from a shotgun spread upon leaving the barrel, and the power of the burning charge is divided among the pellets, which means that the energy of any one ball of shot is fairly low . In a hunting context, this makes shotguns useful primarily for hunting birds and other small game . However, in a military or law enforcement context, the large number of projectiles makes the shotgun useful as a close quarters combat weapon or a defensive weapon . Militants or insurgents may use shotguns in asymmetric engagements, as shotguns are commonly owned civilian weapons in many countries . Shotguns are also used for target shooting sports such as skeet, trap, and sporting clays . These involve shooting clay disks, known as clay pigeons, thrown in various ways . </P> <P> Shotguns come in a wide variety of forms, from very small up to massive punt guns, and in nearly every type of firearm operating mechanism . The common characteristics that make a shotgun unique center around the requirements of firing shot . These features are the features typical of a shotgun shell, namely a relatively short, wide cartridge, with straight walls, and operating at a relatively low pressure . </P> <P> Ammunition for shotguns is referred to in the USA as shotgun shells, shotshells, or just shells (when it is not likely to be confused with artillery shells). The term cartridges is standard usage in the United Kingdom . </P> <P> The shot is usually fired from a smoothbore barrel; another configuration is the rifled slug barrel, which fires more accurate solitary projectiles . </P>

When was the first 12 gauge shotgun made