What type of firearm is a shotgun classified as?

A shotgun is classified as a long gun because of its design and intended use. Long guns are firearms that are designed to be fired while supported against the shoulder. This classification encompasses rifles and shotguns, which both typically feature longer barrels compared to handguns.

Shotguns are specifically designed for firing shotshells, which contain multiple small pellets or a single slug, making them effective for a range of purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. Their longer barrel allows for a greater shot spread, enhancing their effectiveness at short to medium ranges.

The other classifications mentioned—automatic, manual, and revolver—do not accurately describe shotguns. Automatics refer to firearms that can fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, while manual means the shooter must operate the action to load another round, a characteristic that can apply to some shotguns but does not define their overall category. Revolvers are a specific type of handgun with a rotating cylinder, which distinctly separates them from the long gun category. Thus, the correct classification of a shotgun as a long gun highlights its specific use and design features in firearms terminology.