Depending on the shotgun it can fill a lot of roles. I have a 'tactical' 870 express that came with a 18.5 inch barrel and ghost ring sights. It's also threaded for chokes and has one of those goofy door breacher tubes. But it's cyl bore and sees some use. I also have a 14 inch barrel with a simple post sight I got from Dlask. And if I wanted to I could get a 26 or longer vent rib tube for birds or clays (I also have another 870 wing master to fill those roles).
That one shotgun could and has filled multiple roles from fun to functional very well. And although I do have other options, I wouldn't be hard up if I was stuck with just the one.
As for handguns, practical doesn't play quite as significant a role. Anything from a single action peacemaker to a fancy chrome alloy Sig or space age Sigourney Weaver looking Glock plays cool and functional. All in the eye of the beholder.
Colin
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