Which type of shot would be unsuitable for a specific shotgun?

A shotgun is designed to fire ammunition that matches its gauge, which refers to the size of the bore (the internal diameter). Using ammunition that does not match the specified gauge of the shotgun can lead to safety hazards and operational issues.

Using a gauge that is too low means that the shotgun will not be capable of chambering the smaller gauge shells correctly, leading to potential misfires or jamming. This can also cause damage to the firearm, as the shell may not fit securely or could become stuck in the chamber.

On the other hand, using a gauge that is too high can result in the shells being too large to fit into the shotgun's chamber. This can cause similar problems, as the shotgun will not be able to properly fire a shell that is too large, potentially resulting in unsafe pressure buildups that can damage the firearm or lead to harmful malfunctions.

Consequently, both scenarios highlight the importance of using the correct gauge for a shotgun to ensure safe and effective operation.