What is one key difference between a rifle and a shotgun?

A rifle is characterized by having rifling in its barrel, which consists of spiral grooves that run along the interior. This design is crucial because it imparts a spin to the bullet as it travels down the barrel, resulting in improved accuracy and stability over longer distances. The presence of rifling is a key distinguishing feature that enhances the performance of rifles in precision shooting.

In contrast, a shotgun typically has a smooth barrel and is designed to fire shotshells, which contain multiple small pellets or a single slug, depending on the intended use. While shotguns can be very powerful and effective for certain types of hunting and shooting sports, the claim that they are always more powerful than rifles is not accurate, as power can vary significantly between different types and calibers of both guns. Thus, the defining characteristic of a rifle is its rifled barrel, which allows it to deliver precise shots over larger distances, setting it apart from shotguns.