Washington State Hunters Ed Practice Exam

What is the general design of a shotgun barrel?

1. Rifled

2. Smooth

3. Threaded

4. Textured

The correct answer is: Smooth

The general design of a shotgun barrel is smooth. Shotguns are specifically designed to fire a spread of shot—small round pellets—rather than a single projectile, which is typical for rifles. A smooth barrel allows these pellets to expand and spread out as they exit the barrel, enhancing the shotgun's effectiveness at hitting moving targets, such as birds or small game, within a wider area. Rifled barrels, in contrast, are designed for rifles to impart a spin on a single bullet, improving its accuracy over long distances. Threaded barrels refer to a design feature that allows for attachments, such as choke tubes or muzzle devices, but this is not a defining characteristic of all shotguns. Textured barrels do not apply to the general design of shotgun barrels as they relate more to grip or aesthetics rather than functional design.