Rifles and shotguns are both weapons which can be used for hunting. Both weapons are capable of firing ammunition with some degree of accuracy, depending on the specific model of that weapon. Rifles and shotguns are both weapons which are fired while the weapons is on the shoulder of the shooter. Rifles are generally very accurate weapons because of the way they are constructed. The ammunition comes through the barrel and then it is projected with motion that propels it directly at the target. The original rifle consisted of a compound which was known as black powder. The substance used to fire a rifle is now cordite or nitrocellulose, both of which are more beneficial than the original black powder was. Rifles may also be fired using compressed air, such as a rifle which would be utilized in hunting. In fact, rifles are used for several recreational purposes, including hunting. Rifles may also be utilized for target practice and replica rifles are used in sports such as paint ball and laser tag. The purpose of a rifle may dictate the caliber of weapon. For instance, hunters often use a lower caliber rifle when they are hunting small game. Yet, hunters may use a larger caliber if they are hunting game such as bears. Lower caliber bullets are able to more easily penetrate game, but larger caliber bullets have more power. The caliber of weapons which is allowed to be used for hunting, will likely be dictated by state law.