{"id":4833,"date":"2020-01-15T10:20:22","date_gmt":"2020-01-15T10:20:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=4833"},"modified":"2023-03-15T14:19:01","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T14:19:01","slug":"parts-of-a-shotgun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/parts-of-a-shotgun\/","title":{"rendered":"Parts of a Shotgun &#8211; A Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The traditional shotgun is one of the most versatile weapons ever created. Perfect for hunting everything from upland birds to big game, the shotgun is also an ideal choice for home defense and tactical applications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the scattergun has been around for hundreds of years, it can be pretty intimidating for those who are new to shooting. The world of shotguns even has its own language that includes some pretty strange words.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be hard for experienced shooters to remember not everyone grew up around firearms. While the language of shooting rolls from our lips like the Mother Tongue, we easily forget newbies are still trying to learn the dialect. And since seasoned gunners can be suspicious of outsiders, it isn\u2019t always easy for beginners to completely grasp the lingo, so they can speak it fluently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article is partly designed to be a basic language lesson for the uninitiated. However, it is also an anatomy lesson of sorts, helping everyone become a little more familiar with the inner workings of the ever popular shotgun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you are a new shooter yourself, or you\u2019re planning to introduce your youngster to the sport, this guide is a great way to gain familiarity with one of America\u2019s favorite weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a Shotgun?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4886 size-full\" title=\"shooting a shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/point-and-shoot.jpg\" alt=\"pointing and shooting a shotgun in the field\" width=\"2493\" height=\"1403\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/point-and-shoot.jpg 2493w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/point-and-shoot-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/point-and-shoot-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/point-and-shoot-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/point-and-shoot-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2493px) 100vw, 2493px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By design, most firearms fire a single projectile. However, a shotgun is capable of firing multiple projectiles with each pull of the trigger. We call the projectiles \u201cshot.\u201d They range from super tiny (the smallest #12 shot measures only 0.05 inches in diameter) to fairly substantial (0000 buckshot measures 0.38 inches across). Shotguns can also fire a single large projectile called a slug.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anatomy of a Shotgun<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5081 size-full\" title=\"shotgun field stripped\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/shotgun-field-stripped.jpg\" alt=\"field stripped shotgun on a table\" width=\"1200\" height=\"658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/shotgun-field-stripped.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/shotgun-field-stripped-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/shotgun-field-stripped-1024x561.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All shotguns have the same basic components, although there may be some variance between specific models. Here is a rundown of the basic parts of a shotgun, starting from the rear and working our way forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Stock<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stock is the part of the shotgun you steady against your shoulder muscles when you shoot. It also provides structural support for the gun\u2019s action, barrel, and firing mechanism. There may be a <\/span><b>recoil pad<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> attached to the butt (the very back end of the stock) to help cushion your shoulder and dampen recoil (sometimes called \u201ckick,\u201d recoil is the backward movement of the gun when it is fired).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most manufacturers make the stock from wood, laminated wood, a composite material like fiberglass or Kevlar. Sometimes, they&#8217;ll even use metal.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4862\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4862\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4862 size-large\" title=\"recoil pad of a shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_1026-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4862\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A recoil pad helps cushion your shoulder from the gun&#8217;s &#8220;kick.&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Trigger Guard<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trigger guard is the piece that surrounds the trigger. This piece is usually made of metal and designed to help protect against accidental discharge caused by bumps, snags, or careless handling.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4867\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4867\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4867 size-large\" title=\"shotgun's trigger guard\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4867\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Trigger and trigger guard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Trigger<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the lever you pull to initiate the firing sequence. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Safety<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A mechanism that helps prevent accidental discharge by blocking the trigger or hammer. It is typically located on or in front of the trigger guard or at the top of the receiver. Although a mechanical safety will help prevent accidental firing, it does not excuse unsafe handling of a firearm.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4863\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4863\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4863 size-large\" title=\"shotgun safety\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/safety-on-top-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"The safety of a shotgun\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/safety-on-top-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/safety-on-top-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/safety-on-top-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/safety-on-top-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4863\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shotgun with the safety positioned on top of the receiver.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4864\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4864\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4864 size-large\" title=\"safety on the side of a shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/safety-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Safety on the side of a shotgun\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4864\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thumb on a trigger guard safety.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Receiver<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The receiver houses the internal action components (trigger mechanism, bolt, etc.) and has threading for attaching external components (barrel and stock).<\/span><\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4840\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4840\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4840 size-large\" title=\"receiver of a shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/receiver-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"receivers are a vital part of a shotgun\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/receiver-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/receiver-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/receiver-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/receiver-2048x1371.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4840\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The receiver up close and personal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Bolt<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bolt blocks the breech while propellant burns and moves back and forth for proper loading and unloading of shotshells.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4839\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4839\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4839 size-large\" title=\"bolt of a shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bolt-1-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"The bolt is an important part of a shotgun\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bolt-1-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bolt-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bolt-1-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bolt-1-2048x1371.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4839\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A closer look at the bolt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Chamber<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The chamber is the part of the gun where the shotshell sits. You can access the chamber from the side or top. It depends on the model of your shotgun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chamber size refers to the length of the chamber and determines the length of shotshells the gun will safely fire. Most chambers measure 2 \u00be, 3, or 3 \u00bd inches.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4837\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4837\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4837 size-large\" title=\"shotgun chamber\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/loading-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"loading a shotshell into a shotgun chamber\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/loading-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/loading-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4837\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Loading a shotshell into the chamber.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Action<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5075 size-full\" title=\"action of a shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/close-up-of-the-action.jpg\" alt=\"close up of a shotgun action\" width=\"1200\" height=\"582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/close-up-of-the-action.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/close-up-of-the-action-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/close-up-of-the-action-1024x497.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the name implies, this is where all the action takes place. The action is the part of the shotgun that loads, fires, and unloads ammunition. Shotguns may have a pump-action, semi-automatic, bolt-action, or break-action (either single or double barrel).<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4836\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4836\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4836 size-large\" title=\"break action shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/breech-action-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"loading shells into a break action shotgun\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/breech-action-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/breech-action-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4836\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Loading a single barrel break-action shotgun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Magazine<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where the shotshells are held until they are loaded into the chamber by the action. Depending on the shotgun, the magazine may be a short tube located below the barrel or a box that snaps into the receiver.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Forend<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The iconic \u201cpump\u201d of a pump action shotgun, the forend (also called the forestock) slides back to eject a spent shell and cock the action. When slid forward, it loads a new shotshell from the magazine into the chamber.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4868\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4868\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4868 size-large\" title=\"forend part of a shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_1007-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"the forend part of a shotgun\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_1007-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_1007-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_1007-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_1007-2048x1371.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4868\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The forend (or forestock) of a pump action shotgun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Barrel<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The barrel is a long metal tube that provides a straight exit path for shot to travel as they are pushed forward by expanding gases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Bore<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hollow inside of the barrel is called the bore. Most shotguns have a smooth bore. However, some barrels designed for sabot slugs will have rifled barrels (barrels with grooves machined into the barrel\u2019s surface. \u201cRifling\u201d spins a projectile as it travels down the barrel).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The diameter of the bore determines the gauge of the shotgun. When it comes to shotguns, the smaller the gauge, the wider the bore. We determine gauge by taking a lead ball that fits snugly inside the barrel and analyzing how many of those balls it would take to weigh a full pound. As an example, it takes twelve lead balls the diameter of a 12 gauge shotgun barrel to add up to a pound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thankfully, most shotguns have the gauge stamped somewhere on the barrel. Only load your shotgun with shotshells that match the gauge of your weapon.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4859\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4859\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4859 size-large\" title=\"12 gauge stamped on barrel\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/12-gauge-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"the gauge of the shotgun stamped on the barrel\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4859\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Most shotguns have the gauge stamped on the barrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Muzzle<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The muzzle is the very front end of the barrel where the projectiles exit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Choke<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The muzzle end of your shotgun has a choke that helps control shot constriction. It works like the nozzle of a garden hose, controlling the spray of shot like the nozzle controls the spray of water.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some shotguns have a fixed choke integrated into the barrel. Others have interchangeable screw-in chokes so you can switch out chokes to match your shooting needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>To learn more, we have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/what-are-shotgun-chokes\/\">whole article on how to use chokes here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4861\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4861\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4861 size-large\" title=\"choke tube\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"a screw-in choke tube\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-524x524.jpg 524w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/choke-tube-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4861\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A screw-in choke tube.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Bead<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More traditional shotguns have a round bead on the top of the barrel used for aiming. \u201cDrawing a bead\u201d means lining up the sights with your target. Newer shotguns may have more rifle-style post and blade sights that are more appropriate for hunting big game.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4865\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4865\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4865 size-large\" title=\"bead sight of a shotgun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"bead sight on the front of a shotgun\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight-524x524.jpg 524w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/bead-sight.jpg 2030w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4865\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A traditional bead sight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4866\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4866\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4866 size-large\" title=\"fiber optic sight\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-sights-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"fiber optic sights on a shotgun\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-sights-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-sights-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-sights-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-sights-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4866\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A shotgun with modern fiber optic post and blade sights.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shotguns are versatile weapons. You can use them for everything from hunting to home defense. These weapons have been around for hundreds of years. While their design is relatively simple, the regulations and traditions surrounding these iconic firearms can get pretty complicated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is always a good idea to approach everything in the world of shooting with as much knowledge as possible. The information contained here is relatively basic. Use this information simply as a starting point for better understanding. Shotguns are fascinating weapons, and there is plenty more to learn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A guide detailing all the different parts that make up the modern shotgun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":5079,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6],"tags":[182,84],"class_list":["post-4833","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting","category-range","tag-pump-shotgun","tag-shotgun"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Parts of a Shotgun - A Guide - The Lodge at AmmoToGo.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A look at the various parts of a shotgun in an easy to follow guide for hunters and shooters. 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