A 12-gauge shotgun is a type of firearm designed to shoot shells containing multiple small pellets or a single slug. It is one of the most popular shotgun gauges due to its versatility and effectiveness for various purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. The "gauge" refers to the diameter of the shotgun barrel, with 12-gauge being a common size that balances power and recoil. These shotguns can be found in various configurations, such as pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action. They are often used for hunting game like birds and small mammals, as well as for shooting sports like trap and skeet. The 12-gauge shotgun is also favored by law enforcement and military personnel for its stopping power.