scattergun

Wide-blast hunting firearm

A scattergun is a shotgun, so called because it fires shot that spreads widely rather than a single projectile.

The term emphasizes the weapon's broad, imprecise dispersal pattern.

Figuratively, scattergun describes any approach that covers wide ground without precision: a scattergun marketing strategy, scattergun questioning.

The adjective suggests trading accuracy for coverage.

spray

pellets

Small compressed spheres

spreadTo distribute widely
patternRecurring arrangement or template
dispersalSpreading in many directions

blast · trajectory · range · target · shrapnel · splatter · spatter · burst · fan · diffuse

firearm

barrel

Hooped cylindrical vessel

stockGoods kept for sale
triggerWhat initiates action
pump-actionManual cycling mechanism

double-barrel · over-under · side-by-side · semi-automatic · birdshot · buckshot · shells · cartridge · gauge · choke

approach

haphazard

Lacking organization or plan

indiscriminateLacking selective judgment
randomOccurring without pattern
hit-or-missLacking consistent results

unselective · broad · sweeping · unfocused · blanket · imprecise · untargeted · catch-all · nonspecific · multipronged

hunting

wildfowl

Hunted aquatic birds

gamebirdFowl hunted for sport
waterfowlSwimming birds collectively
pheasantLarge ornamental game bird

quail · grouse · duck · retriever · blinds · decoys · camouflage · quarry · stalking · tracking

scattergun

pellets

barrel

haphazard

wildfowl

scattergun

Opposites

Categories

Family