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How Shotguns Work

Types of Ammo: Slugs

Mossberg M590/590A1 combat shotgun (center)
Photo courtesy DVI

Slugs are molded chunks of metal, nylon or plastic. In effect, they turn a shotgun into a crude rifle. Slugs are fired individually, like bullets, instead of in bunches like buckshot and birdshot. They can come in a variety of shapes, but they are often tapered into a bullet shape. They can be solid or filled with substances like explosives or incendiary powder.

Shotgun slugs can be rifled -- this is supposed to make them spin in the air and thus improve their flight length and accuracy.

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One reason hunters use slugs is to hunt deer in states that ban the use of rifles and/or buckshot ammo. The shotgun/slug combination provides a legal, if shorter range alternative. There are at least 20 states that have restrictions of this kind.

Non-explosive slugs are also used for crowd control. When deployed properly, they can act as a non-lethal deterrent in these situations. They are used in organized shooting competitions as well.