Page "Shotgun" Paragraph 9

Aside from the most common use against small, fast moving targets, the shotgun has several advantages when used against still targets.

First, it has enormous stopping power at short range, more than nearly all handguns and many rifles.

Though many believe the shotgun is a great firearm for inexperienced shooters, the truth is, at close range, the spread of shot is not very large at all, and competency in aiming is still required.

A typical self-defense load of buckshot contains 8-27 large lead pellets, resulting in many wound tracks in the target.

Also, unlike a fully jacketed rifle bullet, each pellet of shot is less likely to penetrate walls and hit bystanders.

It is favored by law enforcement for its low penetration and high stopping power.