Crossword Genius

Gunmen frighten off eaters, abandoning starters (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shooters

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gunmen' is the definition.
('shooter' can be a synonym of 'gunman')

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for shooters that I've seen is " Guns (sl.)".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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