There are certain pistols chambered to fire shotshells, which are typically used for close-range pest control or snakeshot applications. These shotshell-firing pistols are designed to shoot specialized cartridges loaded with small pellets or shot instead of traditional bullets. Here are a few examples:
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Taurus Judge: The Taurus Judge is a popular revolver chambered in .410 bore/.45 Colt. It can shoot both .410 shotshells and .45 Long Colt cartridges, offering versatility for self-defense or shotshell use against pests or snakes.
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Smith & Wesson Governor: The Smith & Wesson Governor is another revolver that can fire .410 shotshells, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt. It shares a similar concept with the Taurus Judge, providing the option to shoot shotshells or traditional handgun cartridges.
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Bond Arms Derringers: Bond Arms manufactures compact, double-barreled derringers that can be chambered for various shotshell calibers, such as .410 bore, .45 Colt, or even 9mm. These small and concealable pistols are suitable for close-range shotshell applications.
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Some semi-automatic pistols: While less common, there are semi-automatic pistols chambered for shotshells as well. These include models like the Kel-Tec PMR-30, which is chambered for .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) and can also fire shotshell loads specifically designed for it.
It's important to note that shotshell-firing pistols have limited effective range due to the dispersed nature of shot pellets. They are generally used for short-range applications and are not typically employed for traditional self-defense purposes. Additionally, shotshell loads for pistols are specialized and specific to the firearm, so it is crucial to use ammunition specifically designed and recommended for your particular pistol.