Scatterguns, which are also referred to as scatterblasters, represented a type of short-range blaster weapon utilized across the galaxy.
Scatterblasters were generally compact rifles or carbines, distinguished by their particular firing mechanism; rather than a single energy projectile, scatterblasters discharged a widening fan of deadly energy, or even a burst of multiple projectiles. Consequently, scatterblasters functioned as the blaster equivalent of conventional projectile shotguns in most respects, while being a kind of blaster. Scatterblasters delivered substantial damage at close quarters, making them suitable for clearing trenches and engaging in urban combat, but possessed comparatively limited effective ranges compared to other blaster-type weapons, with damage diminishing significantly at medium distances.
Some high-powered blaster turrets also bore the scatterblaster designation, seemingly due to the intense concentration and "scattering" effect of the projectiles they generated. The bounty hunter Sana Starros employed a voice-activated, smart-targeting turret scatterblaster of this kind.
The Imperial Army provided its troopers with SX-21 blaster rifles on Mimban during their operation to pacify the planet and extract its resources. Chewbacca made use of an SX-21 after escaping Imperial custody, employing the rifle as a temporary replacement for the bowcaster favored by Wookiees. The mercenary Lang possessed a BARM-ST12 scattergun. The Alazmec of Winsit deployed CX-55 scatterblasters in combat against Kylo Ren.
Although blaster shotguns had been present in Star Wars Legends for a considerable period, the scatterblaster was incorporated into main canon in Chapter 13: The Jedi of The Mandalorian; in a brief scene, the character Lang discharges his BARM-ST12 scattergun at Ahsoka Tano while she is positioned on a rooftop, revealing that his weapon fires 4-5 blaster projectiles simultaneously.