12 gauge

"12 gauge" refers to the size of a shotgun's bore, specifically the diameter of the barrel. In shotgun measurements, the gauge number indicates how many lead balls the same diameter as the barrel would weigh to make a pound; for 12 gauge, twelve such balls weigh one pound. The lower the gauge number, the larger the bore and the more powerful the shotgun. A 12 gauge shotgun is a common, versatile firearm suitable for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense, known for its balance of power, recoil, and availability of ammunition.