HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 04 - SHOTGUNS 101

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a semi-automatic action shotgun on its side with the action open.

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

Illustration of a hunter;s hands turning on a semi-automatic action shotgun'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 semi-automatic action shotgun.

STEP 3: Point the firearm in a safe direction.

Illustration of a hunter's hands keeping off of a semi-automatic action shotgun's trigger.

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

Illustration of a hunter's hands opening a semi-automatic action shotgun's action.

STEP 5: Open the action.

Illustration of a hunter's finger checking for obstructions in the chamber of a semi-automatic action shotgun.

STEP 6: Clear any obstructions from the chamber and bore (clean, if required).

Illustration of a semi-automatic action shotgun with a close up on its data stamp and shotshell's head stamp.

STEP 7: Select the correct ammunition by matching the data stamp on the firearm with the head stamp on the cartridge/casing or ammunition box.

Illustration of ammunition being loaded into the chamber of a semi-automatic action shotgun.

STEP 8: Place the ammunition into the chamber(s).

Illustration of a semi-automatic action shotgun with the action closed and highlighted in orange.

STEP 9: Close the action by operating the action release and locking the ammunition into the chamber.

Illustration of a semi-automatic action shotgun with the safety highlighted in orange.

STEP 10: Turn the safety ‘ON’ (if not already engaged), unless you’re immediately prepared to fire.