During World War I, what were shotguns commonly referred to as?

Shotguns during World War I were commonly referred to as Trench Guns due to their specific role and design suited for warfare in trench environments. The term "Trench Gun" reflects both the tactical use of shotguns in close-quarters combat in the trenches and the widespread adoption of these firearms by infantry troops. They were effective for clearing out enemy soldiers from trenches and other fortified positions, as their wide pattern of shot made them devastatingly effective at short ranges.

This designation highlighted the unique features of the shotguns used in that conflict, such as their ability to quickly deliver a barrage of lead pellets, making them formidable in the confined spaces of trenches. The term became almost synonymous with the shotgun's role in the war, garnering a particular place in military history.