The shotgun is a popular rifle worldwide for hunting, shooting and self-defense. It fires bullets with metal grains inside which are usually loaded one at a time, instead of several at once. While rifle technology has advanced over the years, loading bullets into this rifle gentle is still a simple job.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Loading Bullets into the Pump Shotgun
Step 1. Make sure the safety knob is on, the cartridge is empty, and the barrel is pointing away from you in a safe direction
This is always the first step when reloading or handling any weapon. Review your weapon's manual for recommended safety features.
Step 2. Make sure what size (caliber diameter) your rifle is so you can choose the right sleeve size
Common sizes are 10, 12, 16, 20, and caliber 28. A sleeve in one caliber can be fired in a rifle of another caliber, but this requires a special barrel. Otherwise, it is best to only choose the right sized ammo for your weapon.
Step 3. Place the butt of the rifle on your left thigh while sitting
You can also secure the rifle butt under your arm with the gun pointed to the side. Make sure that the trigger and lock are active on the side of the gun facing away from you.
Step 4. Insert a sleeve and push the cartridge cover directly in front of the trigger lock
The tip of this bullet should point towards the end of the gun barrel at the end. The tip of the bullet is the part where this bullet will throw metal grains and its position is opposite to the metal cover where the trigger for the explosion of the shot is located.
Step 5. Using your thumb, push the bullet straight against the loading cap until you hear and feel a distinct "click" sound
When you click, it means the tip of the bullet has entered the bullet chamber.
Step 6. Repeat until the chamber tube is full
You'll know that the canister is full when you try to reload but can't get in again.
Step 7. Hold down the action release button and pump your rifle back and then forward with a sufficient amount of force to load the firing range
This will take the bullet from the bullet bay and load it into firing position. The rifle is now ready to fire.
Method 2 of 2: Loading Bullets Into a Broken Shotgun
Step 1. Make sure the safety lock is on and the gun is pointing in a safe direction, away from you
Always treat the rifle as if it is loaded, even if you know it is empty.
Step 2. Locate and activate the lever, latch or button to "break" the barrel
This button is usually on the right side of the rifle, where the barrel meets the butt of the gun.
Unlike pump guns, shotguns do not have a payload tube to load multiple rounds at once. Instead, this shotgun opens straight away to allow you to load the bullet directly into the barrel. This means your rifle will need to be reloaded after every single shot, or every two shots if you have a dual-barreled rifle
Step 3. Open the fracture and aim the barrel down away from the gun body
Step 4. Remove and discard any remaining shell casings
Be careful, it might get very hot if the gun was fired recently. Try not to touch the metal part of the barrel
Step 5. Replace any used cartridges with new cartridges
The bullet must fit perfectly into the barrel to complete loading the bullet
Step 6. Lift the barrel back up to close the fracture until you hear and feel it "click"
Now your rifle is loaded and ready to fire.
Tips
- Semi-automatic rifles basically load bullets in the same way as pump guns. Re-read your "guide manual" if you think your semi-auto loads bullets differently.
- New rifles may have very strong springs in them, and may require a little extra force to load the bullets into the chambers initially.
- Use the thumb pad to allow more force to push the bullet into the tube than using your other fingers.
- Always make sure that the bullet chamber is always empty unless you are going to shoot.
- In some rifles, the inside of the loading area can be a little sharp. Take a quick look inside to give an idea of where roughly each part could hurt your hand.
Warning
- Never try to force a bullet through with any object such as a screwdriver. You could accidentally ignite the bullet and seriously injure yourself or others.
- Never attempt to use a firearm with inappropriate ammunition. It might be the same size, but it could result in a higher explosive power than your rifle's ability and durability. Your rifle can explode and harm or kill you or other bystanders in the vicinity.
- Guns are not toys! Firearms should be handled with care and never handled by children without adult supervision.