It is not difficult to predict how sound scatters from a fluid‐loaded elastic shell based on exact elastodynamic theory, provided the shell is a sphere or an infinite cylinder. Problems arise for more general shapes, however, and although some success has been obtained for spheroids and cylinders with hemispherical end caps, the results are rather tedious, if not disappointing, when one wishes to extend the frequency range or aspect ratio of the target. Some progress has been made for results predicted from thin‐shell theories either utilizing finite‐element methods in two and three dimensions orTmatrices based on thin‐shell theories. In this study, some common thin‐shell theories that are employed for spherical elastic shells with exact normal mode theory are examined, with the goal of extending the results to elongated targets. Limitations of the various thin‐shell theories are explored for both the frequency range and thickness.