What characterizes a shotgun?

A shotgun is characterized by its design to fire projectiles through a smooth bore. This smooth barrel allows the ammunition, typically in the form of shotshells, to spread out as it exits the barrel. This spreading effect is useful for hunting and sport shooting, as it increases the likelihood of hitting a moving target, such as birds.

The smooth bore in a shotgun differs significantly from the rifled bore found in rifles, where grooves are etched into the barrel to impart spin on the bullet, enhancing accuracy over long distances. In contrast, shotguns excel at close-range engagement due to their ability to disperse pellets over a larger area.

The other choices highlight attributes that do not accurately define a shotgun: firearms intended to be fired from the hip can include various types, not specifically shotguns; revolver cartridges are not used in shotguns; and the specification regarding maximum length does not align with the primary defining characteristic of a shotgun.