Is It a Shotgun or Rifle?

by
posted on February 22, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
zent2015_fs.jpg (1)

Yes, clearly the gun I chose to use on a bear hunt some years back did its job just fine. But am I seriously suggesting that somehow qualifies a $225 slug gun for a spot in my “Top 10 Shotguns”?  Find out (if I’ve really gone off the deep end) when we post the entire list later this week here on AmericanRifleman.org.

One way or the other, it begs the question: Is a slug gun a shotgun, or some sort of bastardized rifle? I’m in the camp that if you’re shooting a shotshell-even one loaded with a single projectile instead of pellets-it’s got to be considered a shotgun. But I’ve got to concede this debate could go either way, especially when the slugger’s got a rifled barrel, as was the case with my bear gun.

So, two questions for today’s blog readers: 1) Is a slug gun a shotgun or a rifle? 2) What make/model is my bear gun? (Big American Rifleman salute to those of you who can ID it.)

Latest

Sight Alignment
Sight Alignment

Sighted Fire vs. Point-Shooting

A long-standing argument among handgunners revolves around the concept of sighted fire versus point-shooting. A more productive approach is to understand the problem each is trying to solve.

Derya Expands TM22 Family with Timekeeper & Pump Models

Derya continues the expansion of its rimfire line with two new models for 2026, an update of the original semi-auto TM22 and a new pump-action version.

Gun of the Week: Taurus RPC

The Taurus RPC is a welcome addition to the growing marketplace of PDWs, or personal defense weapons, a concept that pairs pistol-caliber cartridges with larger-format firearms.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp

Kimber expanded its 2K11 line with the Pro Comp in 2026, providing a Commander-length slide and barrel topped by an integrated compensator.

New for 2026: Bear Creek Arsenal Bear Bolt Pro

North Carolina-based Bear Creek Arsenal, a prolific maker of AR-10 and AR-15 pattern firearms, is combining the modularity of the MSR platform with a traditional turn-bolt action with its Bear Bolt Pro.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.