Originally posted by infinityshock
at point-blank range no matter what comes out of the barrel its just one single bullet. even with special pattern-dispersant rounds or elaborate chokes, at a distance of one-inch from the muzzle there is no pattern.
Unless it's special ammunition, such as the modern shotgun cartridges, which are equipped with a variety of explosive and interchangeable loads. As soon as the projectile contacts the target, no matter what the range, its unique pattern comes into play (depending on what type of projectile is used). For example, the HE round produces navigational fins the moment it leaves the barrel, and the payload explodes the moment it makes contact, after its left the barrel. Doesn't matter if it's one inch or one foot or several feet. You can tell by the resulting damage what kind of special ammunition round was used as well; it leaves a distinct and unique signature. Fire can be configured to be focused, widespread, directed, piercing, etc...
