A smoothbore is a type of firearm barrel that has a smooth interior surface, lacking the grooves found in rifled barrels. This design allows for the firing of various types of ammunition, such as shot or slugs, making it versatile for different shooting applications. Common examples of smoothbore firearms include shotguns and some types of cannons, which are often used for hunting or sport shooting. The absence of rifling means that smoothbore firearms typically have a shorter effective range compared to rifled guns. However, they excel in delivering a spread of shot, which increases the chances of hitting moving targets, like birds or small game. This characteristic makes smoothbore firearms popular among hunters and sport shooters alike.