HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 03 - RIFLES 101

LOADING A PUMP ACTION RIFLE

Follow these steps to safely load your pump action rifle:

Illustration of a hunter's finger checking the chamber of a pump action rifle for any obstructions.

STEP 1: CHECK IT YOURSELF to make sure it’s unloaded and safe to handle.

Illustration of a hunter's hands turning on a pump action rifle's safety.

STEP 2: Turn the safety ‘ON’ (if it can be engaged during the loading process).

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a forward facing pump action rifle.

STEP 3: Point the firearm in a safe direction.

Illustration of a hunter's hands keeping off of a pump action rifle's trigger.

STEP 4: Make sure nothing touches the trigger during this process.

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a pump action rifle on its side with the action open.

STEP 5: Clear the chamber and bore of any obstructions (clean, if required).

Illustration of a pump action rifle and its cartridge with a close up on the data and head stamps.

STEP 6: Select the correct ammunition by matching the data stamp on the firearm with the head stamp on the cartridge or ammo box. Place the magazine into the firearm by ‘squeezing’ it in—don’t smack it in.

Illustration of a pump action rifle with the chamber and forestock highlighted in orange.

STEP 7: Move the forestock to the forward position to close the action.

Illustration of a pump action rifle with the chamber and forestock highlighted in orange.

STEP 8: Cycle the action to move a cartridge from the magzine in to the chamber.

Illustration of a pump action rifle with the safety highlighted in orange.

STEP 9: Turn the safety on (if not already engaged) unless you’re immediately prepared to fire.

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HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 03 - RIFLES 101

LOADING A PUMP ACTION RIFLE

Follow these steps to safely load your pump action rifle:

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