One Key Difference Between Shotgun and Rifle Shooting: The Projectile
The most fundamental difference between shotgun and rifle shooting lies in the projectile—what's actually launched from the firearm. This seemingly small distinction impacts nearly every other aspect of shooting technique, safety, and application.
Rifles fire single projectiles, typically bullets, which are designed for accuracy over long distances. These bullets are relatively small and streamlined, allowing for precise aiming and a flatter trajectory. The rifling (the spiral grooves) inside the rifle barrel imparts spin to the bullet, enhancing its stability and accuracy.
Shotguns, on the other hand, fire a payload of small pellets or shot. Instead of a single, precisely aimed projectile, a shotgun disperses multiple pellets over a wider area. This makes shotguns effective for close-to-medium range shooting at moving targets, but less precise for long-range accuracy compared to rifles. The spread of the shot (pattern) is influenced by factors like choke constriction (the narrowing of the barrel) and distance from the target.
While other differences exist (such as sighting mechanisms, ammunition types, and typical applications), the fundamental variation in projectile type—a single bullet versus a spread of shot—forms the bedrock of the distinction between rifle and shotgun shooting. This difference dictates the appropriate shooting techniques, the effective range, and the overall purpose of each firearm.
