Why is it called 'riding shotgun' when in the passenger seat?

Answer 1

Because in the old days before motorised cars, a security guard with a shotgun used to ride next to the driver to protect the coach from robbers, etc.

Answer 2

IN the 1800's when there were no cars, travel was made by stagecoach to places where the train hadn't been laid yet. They sometimes carried money or valuables and were subject to highway robbery. The person sitting to the right of the driver was armed with a shotgun because the roads were bumpy and it would be hard to defend against attack with a rifle.

But a shotgun could throw a wide pattern of pellets and wound the attackers without the need for extremely accurate aim.
He usually had a rifle under the seat and a pistol at his side, but the bad guys knew they had to contend with that terrible shotgun first.

Even today, the police usually have a large bore shotgun sitting in a holder in the passenger seat of the squad car.

Answer 3

It started in the Old West when a man with a shotgun rode next to the driver of a stage coahc so it wouldn't get robbed.

Answer 4

Because the person riding next to the
driver in a Stage Coach ... would carry
the shotgun ready to fire when needed
for protection.

Answer 5

In the "olden days", the person in the passenger seat would shoot the approaching enemy while the driver drove the carriage/car.

Answer 6

Hmm, I'm not sure, but I'll guess...

Maybe it's one seat for the driver and the passenger seat was where he put his gun?

Answer 7

cops have a shotgun on the passenger side of the vehicle

Answer 8

you cant shoot while your driving