Newbie for shotgun virtues

[Ian]

We seem to dismiss things due to our own ignorance. I was never interested with shotguns, as being very accurate with a handgun, I thought that shotguns were for the more inexperienced (can’t miss with all those pellets).
Well having read a little, and watching a DVD, I was totally wrong.
Now I realize that a shotgun is an amazing versatile tool. Much more powerful that a handgun, and a wonderful option of seeking cover, switching to slugs, and we have nearly rifle capabilities.

[MrMurphy]

Shotguns have many capabilities, and can be a multipurpose tool. For a pure fighting tool at any range a carbine is better, but for having multiple or single projectile capability, breaching, etc.... the shotgun excels.

However.... they do have their downsides, mainly lack of capacity and bulky ammunition. The Saiga-12 (basically, an AK shotgun) with 10 round detachable magazines does address some of these though.