Around the world, shotguns are used for hunting, shooting sports and home defense.They fire shells of metal shot that are loaded one at a time, instead of in a clip.Over the years, shotgun technology has advanced, but it's still easy to load most of them.
Step 1: Make sure the safety is on, the chamber is unloaded and the barrel is pointed away from you.
When handling a gun, this is the first step.The safety feature can be found in your weapon's instruction manual.
Step 2: If you want to choose the right size shells, you need to know what gauge your shotgun is.
Common shotgun sizes are 10, 12, 16, 20,.410 bore, and 28.Shotshell of one gauge may be fired in a shotgun of another gauge, but it requires a special tube.If you have a weapon, it's best to just pick the right sized ammo.
Step 3: While sitting, put the stock on your left thigh.
With the gun turned sideways, you can secure the stock under your arm.Thetrigger andtrigger guard should be positioned on the side of the shotgun facing away from you.
Step 4: Just ahead of thetrigger guard, place a single shell against the loading flap.
The business end of the shell should be pointing towards the gun barrel.The business end of the shell is opposite the metal capped end where the explosives are housed.
Step 5: When you hear a click, push the shell straight up into the loading flap.
The magazine catch should have passed the rim of the shell when it clicks.
Step 6: Continue until the magazine tube is full.
When you try to load a shell, it won't go in because the tube is full.
Step 7: Hold in the action release button and push the slide backwards and forwards to load the chamber.
This will remove a shell from the magazine and place it in a firing position.The shotgun is ready to fire.
Step 8: Make sure the safety is on and the gun is pointed away from you.
Even if you know the gun isn't loaded, always treat it like it is.
Step 9: You can find and engage the barrel breaching lever.
The barrel is usually on the right side of the gun.A break action has no magazine tube, unlike a pump-action shotgun.You can load a shell directly into the chamber of your barrel if the gun breaks open.If you have a double-barreled shotgun, you need to reload it every two shots.
Step 10: Drop the barrel away from the body of the shotgun.
Step 11: Remove and discard anything that was spent.
If the gun was recently fired, be careful.Don't touch the metal of the barrel with your hand.
Step 12: Remove the old shell and replace it with a new one.
The barrel should hold the business end of the shell.
Step 13: Bring the barrel back up and close the break.