Hunter-Ed Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Shotguns are classified by gauge, which refers to the diameter of the shotgun bore. The gauge measurement is determined by the number of lead balls of a specific diameter that weigh one pound. For example, a 12-gauge shotgun means that twelve lead balls of that bore diameter weigh one pound each. This system of measurement is unique to shotguns, contrasting with rifles which are classified by caliber, indicating the diameter of the bullet.

Understanding gauge is important for several reasons, including selecting the appropriate ammunition for your shotgun and understanding the shotgun's performance characteristics. The larger the gauge number, the smaller the bore diameter; for instance, a 20-gauge shotgun has a smaller bore than a 12-gauge shotgun. This classification has practical implications for the type of game one might hunt and the amount of shot used in shells, affecting patterns and shot spread.

In contrast, caliber pertains specifically to the measurement used for rifles and handguns, referring to the bullet's diameter. Type of action refers to the mechanism that loads and fires the firearm, and length applies to either the overall length of the shotgun or the barrel length, but these factors do not classify the shotgun itself.