How far can a shotgun fire?

The effective range of a shotgun typically varies between 25 to 50 yards for hunting and self-defense purposes, depending on the type of ammunition used and the shotgun's gauge. However, shotguns can technically fire projectiles over much greater distances; for example, a shotgun can reach distances of up to 100 yards or more with specific types of slugs. Nonetheless, accuracy and effectiveness significantly decrease beyond the effective range.