It's not a gimmick. It is also made in a full length stock version. I have no idea why they didn't demonstrate that. Several years ago, there was a triple barrel shotgun on the market called the Tristar. It is hard but not impossible to locate on google. A used one was listed on an internet site a year or two ago and sold before you could say "Jack Spratt". I copied the ad so I would remember the name. The mention of home defense is a marketing tool that goes with today's love affair with military wannabees.