I live near New Paltz college and if the majority of those attending that school don't challenge the "Near-Nitwit" then something is wrong. I've heard of SHOTGUN weddings but a SHOTGUN Militia! These students must be smoking some heavy duty stuff on Campus. I think they need to concentrate more on getting an education, then sign up for the military. Let us have some names so we can write their parents and congratulate them on raising dimwits! Oh well, there are plenty of Bozo's out there and they are getting close to home, my home.
Sure, why not? Eighteen year olds can buy 'em. For close in defensive use they work just great. Plus buckshot won't carry forever and go through walls quite to the degree a rifle round would. Shotguns don't don't have the stigma that an evil assault rifle like an AR or AK or an SKS would.
Also, I'll bet those muskets they used back in 1776 had about the same range as a modern shotgun.
(my home too)--I met a couple of the SUNY/New Paltz Republicans at a protest warrior/freep a few years ago; they were really nice kids and very committed to conservative principles. But they are probably long gone.