Crossword Genius

When it's shot, does everyone disperse? (7-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scatter-gun

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

'when it's shot does everyone' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'disperse?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'disperse?' could be 'scatter' (synonyms) and 'scatter' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'gun' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scatter-gun that I've seen before include "Short-range, double-barrelled, shoulder-fired weapon" , "Weapon that fires shot" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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