Editing Slug barrel (section)

==New slug technology==
The widespread availability of rifled shotgun barrels was quickly followed by the introduction of special slugs designed for use with the rifled barrels.  The short, fat, [[external ballistics|unaerodynamic]] [[Foster slug]] was no longer needed for its inherent stability; new slugs were smaller in diameter, usually around 10.16 to 12.7 millimeters (.40 to .50 caliber) (compared to the 18.5 millimeter (.73 inch) bore diameter of a 12 gauge), and carried in a plastic sabot. The saboted slug had half the frontal area of the old slugs, which translated to less drag, and greater [[terminal ballistics|penetration]].  Lighter, [[internal ballistics|faster]] slugs were also possible, allowing for a flatter trajectory and longer range.  With the wide selection of barrels, shotshells and slugs, the modern shotgun is a tremendously versatile tool.