What is a notable characteristic of a shotgun barrel?

The notable characteristic of a shotgun barrel is that it is typically long and thin. This design serves several purposes: the length of the barrel helps with the accuracy of the shot, allowing for a longer sighting plane and more stable flight of the shot. The thinner construction of the barrel is essential to accommodate the spread of the shot as it exits, which can be influenced by the length and internal dimensions of the barrel.

This configuration enables shotguns to effectively cover a broader area with multiple projectiles or pellets when fired, making them particularly useful for hunting moving targets such as birds or small game. The choice of a longer and thinner barrel structure is fundamental to the function of shotguns and distinguishes them from rifles, which generally have much longer and thicker barrels designed for precision aiming with single projectiles.