[MHGinTN]

It occurred to me a while back that a good distance shooter, with higher sight level could pick off a bomb thrower as the bomb is being ignited, thus igniting the bomb is the midst of the vermin surrounding the thrower to hide the bomb thrower. One or two instances of this work will end the ‘hiding the bomb throwers’ or incendiary users. With my old eyes it will take some pretty good glass for me, but those with younger eyes and righteous anger ...

[Deaf Smith]

Having a rifle that one is good with allows you to provide over-watch of your area to the range of your ability.

A shotgun is for close contact. As you stated, closer than one should/needs to be.