short range, i've beaten most of the game so i only really raid, nightfall, heroic, and PVP. The nightfall and Heroic because of active perks make it too dangerous to risk being that close in range. And they're not 1 shot kills like they are in PVP. I use my shotgun against thrall and low threat enemies or crowds, and whenever i go invisible as a hunter. but thats it... a fusion rifle does the same damage, higher chance of a 1 shot kill, and at a further range.