Shotgun Overview

Types of Shotguns Although generally regarded as a burly weapon incapable of rapid fire, the shotgun has encountered numerous alterations as a result of advancements in technology. There are four universally accepted categories of shotgun:single shot, double barrel, pump action, and automatic/semi-automatic. The single shot version is the first form of shotgun; generally regarded as a beginners model, the single shot shotgun holds one shell at a time and uses either break action or pump action to fire. The single shot model is generally used for hunting, teaching purposes, and competitive target shooting. The first advancement made in the shotgun field was the development of the double barrel model. The double barrel shotgun possesses two parallel barrels, which enables the operator to fire two consecutive rounds. After the shots are discharged the user will "break" the weapon and subsequently reload fresh cartridges. Newer versions of the firearm are equipped with ejectors, which automatically spew the spent cartridges when the gun is broken. Semi-automatic and fully-automatic models are the latest and most uncommon forms of the shotgun. Mostly used by the military or law enforcement these forms of shotguns use gas, inertia, or recoil mechanisms to automatically reload cartridges. Operators of the semi-automatic shotgun will be allowed to fire cartridges with each trigger depression without manual intervention. The fully-automatic version allows consecutive discharges so long as the trigger maintains a depressed state. Due to their rapid firing rates and inherent power, these inventive forms of the shotgun are highly regulated by the federal government. Shotgun Laws: Although more powerful than other firearms, the shotgun is regulated more casually than their counterparts. As a result of their implied use, the mean gun law interpretation across states in regards to shotguns is minimal. No permit is required for purchase, use, or even concealment. In addition, a license of ownership or registration of the weapon is not mandatory. The laxity in laws stems from the firearm's intended use. Hunting, skeet shooting, and other forms of recreational target practice are wildly popular in the United States. Long guns also know as rifles and shotguns are the weapons used in these particular sports. Combine the implied use of the weapon with its physical characteristics and the lenient stance becomes understandable. Shotguns are burly, cumbersome, and incapable of concealment. The weapons are impractical to carry around as a means to inflict harm or create crime. Laws are placed on guns as a result of their practicality and hypothetical dangers imposed on society. Federal laws provide a broad framework for the use and possession of such weapons. Age limits and an individual's disposition are governed by the federal government, but varying state interpretations are the chief regulators in terms of use, possession, ownership, and concealment. As oppose to handgun laws, which greatly differentiate based on state, the level of vacillation in regards to shotgun laws is somewhat uniform. Due to their obscene power, the semi-automatic and fully-automatic models, are however, regulated scrupulously by federal law. Shotgun Concerns: Shotguns are more powerful than their counterparts, however, the threat of the weapon is minimal due to its implied use and cultural significance. The majority of firearm related homicides or injuries are implemented through the use of handguns. An overwhelming percentage of firearm related homicides take place in America's urban environments. Due to the shotguns size and inability to conceal, these weapons are typically not found in areas with high population densities. That being said, the shotgun is uncommon in regards to wide spread isolated incidences of violence. The largest concerns attached to the shotgun stem from the accessibility of the weapon and accident-related deaths. Across the nation, shotguns are regulated more casually than their counterparts. A prospective shotgun buyer is free from the procedural red tape accustom in the process of purchasing a handgun. As a result of this laxity, the shotgun, a weapon that possess incredible power, can easily wind up in the hands of an unstable individual. The concerns over shotguns do not revolve around repeated violent actions, but instead, the combination of availability, coupled in with an individuals disposition and intention. A large percentage of shotgun related deaths stem from hunting accidents and suicides. The weapon is extremely powerful, a wound with a shotgun typically inflicts serious injury or death. With a high kill rate, easy accessibility, and varying use the shotgun, solely by nature, can pose substantial problems.