Rifling in the Rifle or Handgun Bore
![Rifle, handgun, and shotgun bores showing lands and grooves](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/695/attachments/original/bores.jpg?1497618050)
The bore of a rifle or handgun is grooved, which puts a spiral spin on the bullet for greater accuracy. The bore of the shotgun barrel is smooth because rifling would spread the shot pattern too soon.
![Graphic in which a football player throwing a football is compared to a firearm firing a bullet in a spiral](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/3237/attachments/original/ak-rifling.jpg?1572461170)
The bore of a rifle or handgun is grooved, which puts a spiral spin on the bullet for greater accuracy. The bore of the shotgun barrel is smooth because rifling would spread the shot pattern too soon.