Double barreled shotgun

A shotgun with two barrels. Typically, double-barreled shotguns are not [pump action shotgun]?s or [semi-automatic shotgun]?s. They have two triggers, one for each barrel. When both triggers are pulled then the cartridges in both barrels are fired resulting in a wider spread of shot. Alternatively each trigger can be used to fire an ordinary shotgun blast.

They are capable of firing two shots in very rapid succession, but will then require a time-consuming reload. In general the entire barrel is hinged to the stock and the cartridges are changed at the base of the barrel while the gun is in the open position.

The double-barreled shotgun is therefore an excellent tool for many hunting?, pest control or home defense applications, but may be less useful for police force or military applications.

See also: shotgun, gun