Is It a Shotgun or Rifle?

by
posted on February 22, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Gotw Pws Uxr 1
Gotw Pws Uxr 1

Gun of the Week: Primary Weapons Systems UXR

Primary Weapons System took the consumer demand for modularity in firearm design to the next level with its UXR or User Xchangeable Rifle.

Heritage Rough Rider Now Available in .32 H&R Magnum

Long available only in rimfire chamberings, Heritage Manufacturing's popular Rough Rider revolver series is now available in the .32 H&R Magnum centerfire chambering for the first time.

Get Your Official NRA Licensed Merchandise!

It’s never been easier to show your pride in NRA than with a new line of NRA Official Merchandise!

The Armed Citizen® April 17, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Taurus' GX2 T.O.R.O.: Offering Affordability & Optics Readiness

As handgun optics are becoming more of a must-have accessory, Taurus is adding that option to its GX2 design with the GX2 T.O.R.O.

Review: Savage Arms Axis 2 Pro

The latest update to the Savage bolt-action rifle line, the Axis 2 Pro, is a feature-rich design that still remains affordably priced.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.