How Many Rounds Does a Shotgun Hold?
Shotguns are a popular type of firearm known for their versatility and effectiveness in a variety of situations, from hunting and sport shooting to self-defense and competitive shooting. One of the most common questions about shotguns is "How many rounds does a shotgun hold?" In this article, we’ll answer this question and provide more information on the capacity of shotguns.
The Basics
A shotgun is a firearm that is designed to shoot a shell or cartridge containing a payload of shot (small metal balls) or a single large projectile. Shotguns are characterized by their unique barrel length, bore diameter, and chamber diameter, which together determine their range, accuracy, and effective payload size.
Shotguns are classified into different categories based on their chamber length, with the most common being:
- Semiautomatic Shotguns: These shotguns fire a shotshell each time the trigger is pulled, and are designed for fast follow-up shots and high-volume shooting.
- Pump-Action Shotguns: These shotguns require a manual cycle of the fore-end (the part you pump with your hand) to load the next round.
- Break-Action Shotguns: These shotguns have a barrel that must be broken open to load the next round.
Rounds Capacity
So, how many rounds can a shotgun hold? The answer depends on the specific type of shotgun and the country in which it was designed. In the United States, federal law governs the number of rounds that a shotgun can hold. According to the Guns Owners Protection Act of 1986, a shotgun can have a magazine that holds:
- Any number of shotshells : as long as the shotshells are not tubular magazines designed to carry more than 10 shells.
Common Shotgun Rundown:
| Shotgun Type | Number of Rounds | Cyclic Rate | Type of Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semiautomatic | Up to 5+1 | High-volume | Semi-auto |
| Pump-Action | 2-8+1 | Low-volume | Pump-action |
| Break-Action | Single shot | N/A | Break-action |
Here are some popular shotgun models with their rounds capacity:
- Remington 870: 4-5+1 shot capacity
- Remington 1187: 4+1 shot capacity
- Winchester SXP: 4-5+1 shot capacity
- Beretta A400: 4-5+1 shot capacity
Factors That Affect Round Capacity
There are several factors that affect the round capacity of a shotgun:
- Length of the magazine tube : The magazine tube is the part of the shotgun where the rounds are loaded and stored.
- Length of the chamber : The chamber is the part of the shotgun where the round is fired.
- Type of action : The type of action determines how many rounds the shotgun can hold.
- Country-specific laws : Laws governing shotgun capacities vary by country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of rounds that a shotgun holds depends on the specific type of shotgun and the country in which it was designed. In the United States, federal law governs the number of rounds that a shotgun can hold, but there are some exceptions for certain types of shotguns. If you’re planning to buy a shotgun or are looking for more information on the round capacity of a shotgun, it’s essential to check the specifications of the shotgun and familiarize yourself with the relevant laws.
