Shotguns

Shotguns provide ample power at short ranges, and scatter shots can hit multiple group targets at once. The blast is powerful enough to push back or knock down enemies, which is the concept of crowd control. When you are partially surrounded by multiple opponents, an accurate shotgun blast can see off many opponents at once. Blocking them all means choosing the time and position to maximize hits. Shoot in the last few fractions of a second before enemy attacks connect. Shift your position to take care of any stragglers and prevent being surrounded.

In general, reload when you get a chance to catch your breath in a combat situation, not when you emptied your weapon. Conveniently, shotguns have knockback effects that often buy you that time.