what is the purpose of a sawed off shot gun?

Question

just curious to know why people do this

Answer 1

Shorter barrel makes it easier to conceal, and it also allows for a faster spread to the pellets when using shot. This makes it a devastating weapon at close range, but nearly useless out past about 15m or so.

Answer 2

Umm, there are 00 buckshots, and there are slugs. Slugs are rounds much like those fired out of a rifle. There is only one projectile, so there would be no need for a shorter barrel, as there is no spread.

And, I wouldnt even advise using 00 buck shots with a sawed off shotgun, as there are only 9 pellets/ BB's in a 00 buck shot.

Just saw that in an earlier answer, and thought I would correct that.

Answer 3

The purpose of a sawed-off shotgun is mainly to cause greater damage to a target in close combat situations. The only reason shotguns are sawed off is because in close situations a long barrel can become a problem and quite cumbersome. Shorter barrel = more exit volocity=more damage. A sawed-off shotgun is the choice most people choose for home defense.

Answer 4

They were (not as short as the sawed-offs in movies) used as "Trench Brooms" to clear the enemy out of the trenches (kill them) in World War I. They have been made illegal by anti-gun dorks. Minimum legal barrel length is now 16 inches. They are fearsomely intimidating to anyone that ever facing one. Gangsters and union busters used them with gorey results. It's illegal to make one or possess one. There are, no doubt, still plenty around but rarely seen. They will clear a room or a bar in no time flat! Sawed-off double barrel 12 ga. shotguns are favorites of old western movie bartenders. Sherrifs used full size double barrels or the then new Browning designed Winchester pump shotgun.

Answer 5

It is for close range but the purpose is to have a wider range. When its sawed off it makes the shot more spread out.

Answer 6

Concealment primarily. Cutting the barrel and stock off limits the abilty of the shotgun considerably. However for close encounters within 10-15 ft, this is not a concern.

Answer 7

It creates a quicker spreading pattern that virtually cannot miss at close range, however it makes the shot virtually useless beyond a dozen feet.

Answer 8

To kill people.
The weapon is made smaller to hide under clothes, fit into smaller bags, etc.
The weapon has no other purpose when cut off short like that.
People do this to have a powerful weapon while avoiding the longer obvious length of a rifle.
You can also hide them under your pillow, etc. to stop home invasions, etc.
So Good guys and bad guys use this weapon.

Answer 9

u dont miss in room-sized areas within 20 or so feet ...just point in the general direction and the shot spreads out quickly from a short barrel ..

Answer 10

Madness, mayhem, death, and destruction. By shortening the barrell you enlarge the shot pattern, thus improving your scope of damage. Only effective at very close range.