This designation refers to a shotgun chambered for shells holding a specific payload and propellant amount within a casing of that length. These firearms are less common than their 2.75-inch and 3-inch counterparts but offer a larger shot payload for situations demanding increased lethality or target coverage, often favored in specialized hunting or tactical applications.
The advantage of this particular chambering lies in its increased projectile capacity, leading to denser shot patterns and improved stopping power. However, this power comes at a cost: increased recoil and reduced ammunition capacity compared to smaller gauges. The development and adoption of this chambering stemmed from the need for more effective ammunition in specific hunting and tactical scenarios. The higher payload offers improved performance against larger game or multiple targets.
