Question

One of the main differences between a rifle and a shotgun is the rifle ________

a. Has rifling in the barrel
b. Utilizes smoothbore technology
c. Uses larger caliber ammunition
d. Has a shorter barrel length

Answer 1

The main difference between a rifle and a shotgun is that a rifle has rifling in the barrel, giving the projectile spin for greater accuracy and range.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the main differences between a rifle and a shotgun is that the rifle has rifling in the barrel. Rifling consists of helical grooves cut into the barrel of a firearm, and this design is critical because it imparts a spin to the projectile, thereby providing greater range and accuracy. This is akin to the rifling seen in the barrel of a cannon, which functions under the same principle. In contrast, shotguns typically use smoothbore barrels that do not have these grooves, making them more suited to firing shot, which spreads after leaving the barrel.