Haulikoiden

Haulikoiden is a term used in Finnish to refer to shotguns. A shotgun is a firearm that is designed to be fired from the shoulder, and it expels a shell containing multiple projectiles, typically small metal balls called shot. These projectiles spread out as they travel away from the muzzle of the gun, creating a wider pattern of impact. This makes shotguns particularly effective for engaging targets at close to medium ranges, especially moving targets.

Shotguns come in various action types, including break-action (single or double-barreled), pump-action, semi-automatic, and bolt-action. Each type has its own mechanisms for loading, firing, and ejecting spent shells. The gauges of shotguns, such as 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 bore, refer to the diameter of the barrel and the size of the shells they can fire.

Historically, shotguns have been used for hunting game birds and small mammals, as well as for sporting clays and trap shooting. In some contexts, they are also employed for home defense and law enforcement. The legal regulations regarding the ownership and use of shotguns vary significantly by country and region. In Finland, where the term "haulikko" originates, firearms are regulated, and owning a shotgun requires appropriate permits and licenses. The use of shotguns is often restricted to specific purposes like hunting and sport shooting, with strict rules on where and how they can be operated.