Why are high-capacity magazines not common in pump shotguns?

Pump Shotgun Design for Waterfowl Hunting

Pump shotguns are designed for a specific type of hunting – waterfowl hunting. The primary use of pump shotguns is for close-range shots, where a magazine capacity of 4-6 rounds is sufficient. In waterfowl hunting, hunters typically shoot at a relatively low rate, and the high rate of fire that high-capacity magazines provide is not necessary.

Magazine Capacity and Shotgun Design

The design of pump shotguns limits the magazine capacity to around 4-6 rounds. This is due to the way the shotgun is designed, with the magazine tube located under the barrel. The magazine tube is typically 18-20 inches long, which restricts the number of rounds that can be inserted. Additionally, pump shotguns are designed to reload quickly, with a capacity of 4-6 rounds allowing hunters to quickly reload and take multiple shots at moving targets.

Waterfowl Hunting Tactics

In waterfowl hunting, hunters often employ tactics such as blind shooting, where they shoot at birds as they fly past, and decoy shooting, where they shoot at birds that are attracted to decoys. In both cases, a high rate of fire is not necessary, and a magazine capacity of 4-6 rounds is sufficient. Hunters can quickly reload and take multiple shots at birds, making the most of the available ammunition.