An extract from the Final Fantasy VIII Ultimcia Omega:

"GUNBLADE
Combining the sword with a standard shotgun's mechanisms, the Gunblade is a unique weapon. If you pull the trigger while the bullet is "set," a strong wave of power will travel down to the edge of the blade, raising the attack power of the Gunblade. By pulling the trigger at the right time, one can release a powerful attack; however, achieving competency in usage of the Gunblade is very difficult and therefore requires a high degree of aptitude."

From the sounds of it, the bullet isn't actually fired in any way. Instead, it appears to be lodged in the barrel, so that when the trigger is pulled, the force of the bullet not being able to be fired is transfered to the blade.

Have i got this right, or am i totally on the wrong path?