How to Load a Shotgun Pump?
Loading a shotgun pump is a crucial step for any shotgun owner or shooter. A properly loaded pump-action shotgun can make the difference between a safe and successful hunt, self-defense situation, or shooting outing. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to load a shotgun pump correctly.
Step 1: Choose the Correct Load
The first step in loading your shotgun pump is to select the correct type of shell and gauge for your specific shotgun. The three common shotgun gauges are: 12-gauge, 16-gauge, and 20-gauge. Make sure you match the gauge of the shells to your shotgun.
- Shell selection guidelines:
- For tactical and defensive shooting: 1 1/8-1 1/8 oz #8 shot pellets
- For target shooting: 1 oz-1 1/8 oz #8 or #9 shot pellets
- For hunting waterfowl and turkey: 2 1/2"-3 1/2" shell load
Shell configuration chart
| Shell Load | Shell Type | Shell Weight (oz) | Shots Per Shell | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 3/4" | Patterning Load | 1 1/4 | 40 | < 25 yd |
| 3" | Duck Load | 2 1/4 | 25 | < 30 yd |
| 3 1/2" | Turkey Load | 3 3/8 | 19 | < 50 yd |
Step 2: Uncap and Prepare the Breach
To load your shotgun, you will need to push the release button located near the magazine cap on top of the receiver. Pull the cap towards you until it is removed and then set it aside. Important note: Be mindful of the shotgun’s safeties when unloading; some shotguns may require the safety to be adjusted before opening the breech
Release Button Location: Upper right corner (looking down at the gun)
Removing the Breech Cavity
Push the spent shell or misfire downwards while grasping the rear of the chamber assembly or receiver, using a palm or two-hand hold grip. You may hear an audible click when the cartridge is removed from the receiver. Hold the cartridge clear of the chamber.
hint: A light wipe of your palm across your shirt can help with recoil reduction while shooting
Table of Cartridge Part Identification
| Section | Function | Identification | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass | Holds Shell Propellent | Red- Bronze color | |
| Black Section | Ignition Point, Holds Shell Base | Thickened End, Inspected for marks | |
| Metal or Plastic Shell Bottom | Seal between the 2- | Smear-Free End | |
| Fabric | Provides Cartridge Padding | Tacky & White | |
| Capper-Rim | Stresses Fuses in-shell Prop., Sets Capillary in Gas Check | Unadhesive Surface, no Metal |
Step 3: Insert Shell and Push**
*Drop the cartridge** directly **downwards into the shotgun chamber** without looking upwards, **so it engages with the breach**
If you drop it without applying too much pressure, gravity will naturally seat the round into place.
*hints*:
* Shell insertion position can change upon model variations or configurations!
* Fearing damage? Consult manual (not this guide!) on breech load limits & potential wear/ damage issues!
Step 4: Pull to Chambers**
As soon as **you confirm shell drop completed**, apply slight handgrip on shotgun frame (**rear-hand) hand positioning) then draw a stroke**; by lifting thumb off shell- while slowly sliding grip backwards *keeping pressure low but assertively*
Once this done & confirmed:
• A 100% *Secure Shot** and Ready Shot with chamber contents fully *Confirmed by hearing**, should exist within gun and breech; otherwise adjust safety mode before opening & verifying if a possible reload has done incorrectly done reload.
When handling or adjusting parts take a 15 second mental check in safety as these components get mixed when unloaded (see a new chapter about a **complete break down process*)
Let other parts handle what their purposes for: like barrel screw; slide it right forward when finished.
Before trying your load at **1/5* load- range and target check and reload again when at correct level in load as possible with what available range! For each specific *familiar range *in all environments as new shots** (to a set).
The *initial- setting shot*. Once these measures complete with confirmation before leaving to an other.
Finally for these reasons make new changes **In This Sequence:**; check a step further about all those! (It helps), do that part on loading 10 or even one full-time or with safety
If I know for other readers *1 in there; so far: what can a hunter in another land take of there by now as seen it at all:*
When at **Your Best Friend The Field and Water Hunting – Aiming in!, A lot goes** you in 7 months a **7 Day Holiday Package* you must always read in hunting trip of our friends **Creek **& friends on land
Remember safety! Stay patient with *Safety for us * in an age long for those new 90-year *The American Hunt**, your choice should lead a lifetime; don not to fail **All, of** The other gunner** with respect**
To all my American Hunts **And a shot we call: – for* (as to those as 40 minutes at shooting), all is very enjoyable **Of that. Hunting trip at gun hunt trips – it could say- to take some real American Hunting- of many great *Many shots. Our trip**, is as that – an “in memory- – all day the**- I mean, as one goes the distance**, then our – shot hunting in, shooting. But, one. But **a way**
How’s the final read: ‘Cause my experience – your friends as yours**.
Thank you shooting your *Safety Check list **To read!*.
