Know Your Firearm: Shotgun - Gun Safety and Hunter Safety

Anytime you handle a firearm, always follow the basic rules of firearm safety. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger away from the trigger, make sure it's unloaded, and put it on safe.

Although the location of the safety can vary, never rely on a mechanical safety as a substitute for safe gun handling. The most common safety is a cross-bolt design located behind or in front of the trigger guard. It can often be set up for right or left-hand shooters.

Safeties can also be located on the top of the receiver, or the tang,

or even an unexpected location like inside the trigger guard,

and some shotguns don't have manual safeties at all. Young shooters should always have adult supervision, and many adults often need expert advice about how to safely operate a firearm.

There are many types of shotgun actions, and they all operate differently. Pump actions cycle by moving the forend back and forth, but first, the release button has to be located and pressed to open the action.

Semi-automatic shotguns typically have a handle on the side of the bolt, and the bolt is released with a separate button.

Break-open shotguns normally have a lever which opens the action.

You should always consult the owner's manual for safe operation. Remember, firearm safety is your responsibility.

--Larry Potterfield