Is It a Shotgun or Rifle?

by
posted on February 22, 2014
zent2015_fs.jpg (1)

Yes, clearly the gun I chose to use on a bear hunt some years back did its job just fine. But am I seriously suggesting that somehow qualifies a $225 slug gun for a spot in my “Top 10 Shotguns”?  Find out (if I’ve really gone off the deep end) when we post the entire list later this week here on AmericanRifleman.org.

One way or the other, it begs the question: Is a slug gun a shotgun, or some sort of bastardized rifle? I’m in the camp that if you’re shooting a shotshell-even one loaded with a single projectile instead of pellets-it’s got to be considered a shotgun. But I’ve got to concede this debate could go either way, especially when the slugger’s got a rifled barrel, as was the case with my bear gun.

So, two questions for today’s blog readers: 1) Is a slug gun a shotgun or a rifle? 2) What make/model is my bear gun? (Big American Rifleman salute to those of you who can ID it.)

Latest

Musket Privy Hole
Musket Privy Hole

The "Privy" Musket: Uncovering The Story Behind A Forgotten Model 1816 Flintlock

On the grounds of the present-day Alexandria, Va., courthouse, an interesting Model 1816 contract musket produced by Marine Wickham was found, muzzle-down, in an abandoned privy during archaeological studies prior to the city's expansion and renovations during the mid- to late-20th century.

Silencer Central Applauds Suppressor Endorsement From Medical Professionals

Silencer Central, the nation’s leader in suppressor promotion and sales, applauds the recently announced official position on suppressors from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS/F).

I Have This Old Gun: French Resistance No. 4 Lee-Enfields

Among all of the No. 4 rifles made throughout World War II, this relatively small batch of guns has a unique history that bears witness to some of the bravest fighters of the war: the French resistance.

New For 2025: Taurus 650

For 2025, Taurus re-introduced its "hammerless" revolver design with the 650, which provides double-action-only operation and a shrouded hammer for a seamless, snag-free profile.

I Have This Old Gun: Norinco Model 320

The Uzi submachine gun is one of the most iconic and recognizable firearms of the 20th century. As a highly successful design with more than 10 million produced to date, it has spawned numerous copies, licensed and otherwise, and has been manufactured everywhere from Belgium to southeast Asia.

Henry Repeating Arms Donates To First Responders Children’s Foundation

Henry Repeating Arms recently donated another $25,000 to the First Responders Children’s Foundation at a celebratory National First Responders Day event in New York City’s Times Square.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.