Shotgun shells contain multiple small “BBs,” called shot. As the shot comes out of the barrel of the gun, it stays together for several feet, and then starts to separate. As individual shot break up and hit the skin, characteristic individual satellite shot injuries can be seen around the main hole.
Fig.1 Shotgun shell characteristic individual satellite injuries.
Shotguns differ from rifles and handguns in construction, ammunition, ballistics, and use. Rifles and handguns fire a single projectile down a rifled barrel. Shotguns have a smooth bore. Although they can fire a single projectile, they are usually employed to fire multiple pellets. Rifled shotgun barrels, intended for use with slugs, are available. Shotguns may be autoloaders, pump (slide action), over/under, side-by-side, bolt action, or single shot. Some shotguns usually intended for military and/or police use convert from semiautomatic to pump action and back as the user desires.
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