How to Load a Shotgun

Learning how to load a shotgun can be useful to anyone. You may want to use a shotgun to hunt or even use as protection for your home and family. Learn how to load a shotgun following these steps, and always keep in mind that safety comes first.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ensure that the shotgun is completely empty of any other ammunition before attempting to load it. Check the chamber and the magazine area.

2. Put the gun on "safety" by pushing the small button near the trigger. The button will then stick out of the other side. If the safety is engaged, the button is black. If the safety is not engaged, you will a red ring around the base of the button. The gun cannot be fired if safety is engaged.

3. Place the shotgun upside down. You can do this on top of a surface or on your hip. You will need to have the gun upside down to load it because the chamber is located on the underside of the gun.

4. Hold the barrel of the gun with the opposite hand you use to load with. Hold the gun by the barrel.

5. Insert ammunition into the magazine tube by pushing the ammunition into the tube. There will be a piece called a tang in the opening of the magazine tube, but it will move aside as you load ammunition. Press the ammunition into the tang, and push it forward.

6. Chamber a round of ammunition by pushing and holding the action bar release. Pull the action bar back, and then push it forward with your other hand. This will load a round into the chamber, which means the gun is ready to shoot when safety is disengaged.

Tips & Warnings

• Always handle a gun as if it were loaded. Aim it away from any people and animals. Get into this habit so when the gun is loaded, you will keep it aimed away from people.