The event of a shotgun discharging numerous projectiles simultaneously is commonly referred to as firing shot. This nomenclature distinguishes it from firing a single, solid projectile, such as a slug. For example, a typical 12-gauge shotgun shell may contain dozens or hundreds of individual pellets, all of which are propelled downrange upon firing.
This method of ammunition delivery offers a distinct advantage in situations where precision aiming is difficult or unnecessary, providing a wider spread of impact points. Historically, this attribute made shotguns effective for hunting birds or small game and for close-quarters combat. The ability to deliver multiple projectiles with a single trigger pull significantly increases the probability of hitting a moving target.
