The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CHAMBERED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
H
A
M
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "like a shot?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case like a shot? = chambered.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CHAMBERED mean?
CHAMBERED adjective- (often in combination) Having chambers.
- To enclose in a room.
- To reside in or occupy a chamber or chambers.
- To place in a chamber, as a round of ammunition.
- To create or modify a gun to be a specific caliber.
- In martial arts, to prepare an offensive, defensive, or counteroffensive action by drawing a limb or weapon to a position where it may be charged with kinetic energy.
- To be lascivious.