Smoothbore weapons are firearms that have a barrel without any rifling, meaning the inside of the barrel is smooth. This design allows for the firing of various types of ammunition, including shotgun shells and cannonballs. Smoothbore weapons are often used for short-range shooting and can deliver a spread of projectiles, making them effective for hunting and military applications. Historically, smoothbore weapons were prevalent before the invention of rifled barrels, which improved accuracy at longer distances. Examples of smoothbore weapons include shotguns and muskets. While they are less common in modern warfare, they still play a role in specific applications, such as sport shooting and home defense.