Shotgun Houserules...

[jeffhartsell]

I like the simple idea of giving shotguns +2 to-hit. This gives a reason to use them over rifles for close-in fights, but keeps rifles better for long range.

Browning BPS 2d10 +2 30', +0 60', -2 90', -4 120', -6 150', -8 180'
Winchester 94 2d10 +0 90', -2 180', -4 270', -6 360'

For slug shot, maybe give +2 damage instead of +2 to-hit and don't decrease damage by 1 per range increment.

 

[Fellwind]

Or, to account for the dinner plate spread, eliminate the defense bonus for small size vs a shotgun.

Its why you use them to shoot birds afterall.

 

[Sian]

What would I do for shotguns?

Allow you to attack two adjacent targets with one roll.

base damage would be around 3d10 for a 12ga at the first range increment, 2d10 at 2nd and 3rd, 1d10 at 4th and further, +1 shotgun bonus to hit from shot spread, yes this stacks with masterwork.

Slugs would be 2d10, no bonus.

Yes, I compete nationally with the things.

 

[Mistwell]

What would I do for shotguns?

Allow you to attack two adjacent targets with one roll.

base damage would be around 3d10 for a 12ga at the first range increment, 2d10 at 2nd and 3rd, 1d10 at 4th and further, +1 shotgun bonus to hit from shot spread, yes this stacks with masterwork.

Slugs would be 2d10, no bonus.

Yes, I compete nationally with the things.

If you compete with them, then you know it is impossible to hit a 10 foot wide range in one shot. We are talking about, at best, a 1 foot spread (if you plan on actually damaging a human target, as opposed to a piece of paper). Your rule is simply not realistic.

 

[Roland Delacroix]

Other than the attacking 2 adjacent opponents it sounds good though. In a more cinematic game how about allowing the attack two opponents rule, but up DR or something?

Here's an idea, how about just using the grenade rules (blast pattern)? Blast is centered on wher eyou aim, within a very short range.

Yeah, i've been watching waaaaaay to much John Woo lately Everyone knows no matter what you shoot with a shotgun it blows up impressively....

 

[Sian]

you're not covering a whole 10 foot spread. that would be an area attack, and force a reflex save.

I'm just saying that if you have two targets that are adjacent, especially with movie physics, you can probably get both of them. pick a moment when the two targets are right up close, and fudge the angles a bit. Its certainly possible. Remember that D20 doesn't account for what's behind what you're shooting, overpenetration, or any neat things like that. =(

if you want to go realistic, this may only be possible with a short barreled little roomsweeper with a duckbill, and you'd be splitting your damage between two targets. but that's what full auto shotguns are for.

Generally though, I feel they should be represented with attenuating damage and a plus to hit. Slugs of course lose both of those qualities, but give you a lot of power to smack anythiing closer than 150 yards or so. I'd like to see some distinction between foster style and sabot slugs, but that's probably easy to work in with standard ammo variations.