Which is more powerful a shotgun or rifle?

When it comes to delivering energy to a soft target, the shotgun is king. A standard load of 12 gauge defensive buckshot hits with close to 1,500 ft/lbs of energy, compared to the 5.56 rifle which comes close in some loadings at 1,300 or less. A typical 9mm defensive handgun may deliver 350 ft/lbs, while a .

What makes a shotgun different from a rifle?

Handguns and rifles have rifled barrels, meaning that there are grooves cut lengthwise into the inside of the barrel. The grooves cause a bullet to spin, which makes it shoot out straighter and travel faster. Most shotguns are not rifled inside.

Are rifles and shotguns the same thing?

The main differences between rifles, shotguns, and handguns are their barrels, their intended targets, and the type of ammunition used.

What makes a rifle more powerful than a pistol?

There are a surprising number of rifles and pistols that shoot the same caliber. And due to the longer barrel of the rifle, the same cartridge would generate higher velocity, and therefore more power and range, when fired from the rifle.

Is a pistol more powerful than a shotgun?

Compared to “defense-caliber” handguns (chambered for 9mm Parabellum, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP and similar), a shotgun has far more power and damage potential (up to 10 times the muzzle energy of a .45 ACP cartridge), allowing a “one-shot stop” that is more difficult to achieve with typical handgun …

Why are revolvers stronger than pistols?

Revolvers are often shown to be more “powerful” than semiautomatic handguns, and this is true to some extent: revolvers can utilize much more powerful ammunition (see page pic) because they usually have a solid frame and therefore are physically stronger.

Which shotgun is the most powerful?

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• Winchester Model 1897.
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• Remington 870.
• Beretta 1301 Tactical.
• Benelli M2 Tactical.
• Mossberg 500 Series.
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Why is sawed off shotguns illegal?

Sawed off shotguns can be especially deadly because the ammunition is propelled faster than it would be if the barrel was complete. In the United States, it is illegal to posses a sawed off shotgun that has a barrel length of less than eighteen inches, unless the individual has obtained a taxed permit from the ATF.