Crossword Genius

Somehow bosun ends making short barrelled pistol (4-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snub-nosed

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'short barrelled pistol' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'somehow bosun ends' is the wordplay.
'somehow' indicates an anagram.
'bosun'+'ends'='bosunends'
'bosunends' with letters rearranged gives 'SNUB-NOSED'.

'making' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for snub-nosed that I've seen before include "With a short, upturned hooter" , "With a slightly turned-up hooter" , "Retrousse" .)

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