How to Load Shotguns
Shotguns are a popular weapon of choice for many hunters and target-shooting enthusiasts. From small game and deer hunting to skeet, trap and clay-pigeon target shooting, shotguns are used for a variety of shooting activities. Shotguns are identified by the gauge, or size, of the shell, with 12, 16 and 20 being the most popular gauges. While a simple process, loading a shotgun should always be done with care. Most modern shotguns are either pump or break-action designs.
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Instructions
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Pump Shotguns
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1
Unload the pump shotgun. Put the safety of the weapon to the "on" position, and point the shotgun in a safe direction. Hold the grip of the shotgun with one hand and place your other hand around the forearm grip. This is also the pump for the shotgun.
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2
Pull the grip and slide back to determine if any shells are in the gun. If the gun is empty, typically the forearm grip will move backward. If the shotgun isn't empty, press the release button beside the trigger housing and pull the grip back. This process will eject any rounds in the shotgun. Continue pumping the forearm grip front to back to eject rounds until the gun is empty.
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3
Turn the shotgun upside down with the barrel pointed away from you. Inspect the shells you are about to load to make sure that they are the correct gauge for the gun. Also make sure that you are not using magnum rounds unless information on the gun specifically indicates that such rounds can be used.
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4
Hold the shell by the brass with the crimped end forward. Insert the front of the shell into the bottom of the receiver and slide it into the tube of the forearm grip. Continue loading shells in this manner.
Break-Action Shotguns
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5
Slide the action release down or to the side (this will depend on how the gun is designed). Holding the gun by the stock grip and the forearm, break open the action.
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6
Remove any shotgun shells from the receiver end of the barrel or barrels by pulling straight out. As the action breaks open, small ejectors will push the ends of the shells out so they can be removed more easily.
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7
Select the rounds you want to load in the shotgun by double-checking that you're using the correct gauge. Do not use magnum loads unless the gun is specified as being able to handle these higher-power rounds.
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8
Hold the shotgun shell by the brass cap and insert the crimped end into the barrel. Push the round forward until it is seated flush with the barrel.
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9
Close the shotgun by holding the grip of the stock and pulling up the forearm and the barrel.
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Tips & Warnings
Treat every gun as if it is ALWAYS loaded.
Leave the safety ON until you are ready to raise the gun and fire.
References
- Photo Credit less lethal shotgun and shells. image by Kevin Chesson from Fotolia.com
