What alternative use does a shotgun have besides shooting pellets?

The use of a shotgun for shooting tear gas is supported by the design and versatility of shotguns, which can accommodate various types of ammunition beyond traditional lead pellets. Tear gas rounds are specifically manufactured to be fired from shotguns, utilizing the smooth bore design of the shotgun to deliver a dispersal of chemical agents effectively over a wide area. This capability makes shotguns valuable in certain law enforcement situations, such as crowd control or riot dispersal, where the use of non-lethal options is preferred.

Shotguns are not primarily designed to function as sniper rifles, which require high precision and are typically outfitted with optical sights and specific long-range ammunition. While shotguns can be used for hunting, they are primarily effective for taking small to medium game with the appropriate field load. Additionally, although flare guns are specialized devices designed for signaling purposes, they do not utilize the firearm mechanics found in shotguns. These distinctions highlight the unique role shotguns can play in delivering non-lethal munitions like tear gas.