How to Know if a Semi-Automatic or Autoloader Shotgun is Loaded

Shotguns can be dangerous when in the hands of the uneducated. Whenever handling ANY firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun, etc), the VERY first step anyone should take is to determine whether or not the gun is loaded with ammunition. This "How-to" shows how one can determine if a semi-automatic shotgun is loaded with ammunition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick up and hold the shotgun with both hands: one hand on the stock handle or grip, and the other under the forearm/pump. Make sure to keep your finger AWAY from the trigger.
   
   Do NOT make the mistake many instinctively make by placing their finger on the trigger! Keep your trigger (index) finger outside of the trigger guard (the metal or plastic loop that protects the trigger) at all times, except when ready to shoot.

2. Be wary of where the gun is pointed. Do NOT at any time point the gun at yourself or anyone else. It is very important when handling a gun, especially an unfamiliar one, that you keep the barrel pointed away from anyone around you. Pointing a gun up into the air or down toward the ground is usually the safest option. Always be aware of what is around you, whether near or far, when handling a gun.

3. Now that you are holding the shotgun safely away from anyone or anything, you can check to see if it is loaded. There are two areas that need to be inspected to determine if a shotgun holds any ammunition: the chamber and the magazine.

4. The autoloader, as its name implies, automatically loads a new shotgun shell after each shot. To see if an autoloader, or semi-automatic shotgun, is loaded you must pull back on the bolt handle. This will open the chamber, revealing if the shotgun is loaded or not. Most shotguns will have a button that unlocks the bolt enabling you to pull back on the bolt handle. The location will vary on different shotguns, but normally it will be located near the trigger guard on the underside of the gun.

5. Firmly grasping the handle with your right hand, use your index finger to press the bolt lock button. With your left hand, pull back on the bolt handle keeping the shotgun pointed toward the ground and away from anyone else, including yourself. The bolt will open and if the chamber is loaded, a shell will be ejected once the bolt is pulled back fully. Inspect the chamber. If the magazine is loaded, the next shell will be viewable and will be loaded into the chamber once the bolt is returned to its forward position.

6. To unload the shotgun, cycle the bolt back and forth until no more shells are ejected. Now you can be sure that the shotgun's magazine is empty. To be sure, pull back on the bolt once more to inspect the inside of the chamber.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not be afraid of guns. A gun is as harmless as the person holding it. Education equals confidence.
• If you doubt your ability to handle a gun safely, do NOT handle it! Educate yourself first and gain the confidence and ability to do so safely.
• Guns are NOT toys, and should be treated as such.
• KEEP your finger OFF of the trigger at all times.
• POINT the gun AWAY from yourself and others at ALL times.