Firearm Handling Training Lesson

Firearm Components

• The spring prevents the firing pin from coming into contact with the primer of a round unless struck by the internal hammer when the action is locked closed.
• The ejector is a mechanism that throws the spent shell or round free of the weapon, located on the left inside portion of the receiver.
• The trigger guard protects the trigger from damage and/or accidental discharge.
• The cross-bolt safety is a mechanical safety that prevents the trigger from moving rearward and firing the weapon.
• When the cross-bolt safety is protruding to the right of the trigger guard, the safety is “on” and the weapon cannot be fired.
• The action bar lock is located along the left front portion of the trigger guard and locks the action closed.

Shooting Techniques

• Breath control is not as critical with a shotgun as with a rifle or pistol, and breath should be normal.
• The point of aim with the shotgun should be at the lower extremities of the target, if practical.
• Sight alignment is the relationship between the front and rear sights, where the bottom of the front sight is centered left-to-right on the top of the rear sight.
• The spread of the shotgun’s pattern ranges between several inches at 7 yards to several feet at 40 yards.
• Trigger control involves slow, continuous rearward pressure to avoid disturbing sight alignment or the intended point of aim.

Shotgun Range Procedures

• The qualifying course-of-fire for the shotgun tests the shooter’s ability to load, unload, fire, and control the weapon safely and properly.
• When operating the safety, always reach over the stock, never under or through the trigger guard.

Malfunctions and Stoppages

• A stoppage is any unintentional interruption of the cycle of operation, often caused by faulty ammunition, a faulty and/or dirty weapon, or shooter error.
• A malfunction is a mechanical or physical problem with a weapon that prevents it from operating.
• A hang fire is the delayed ignition of a shotgun shell.
• Shooter error is a shooter-induced error that prevents the weapon from being fired, such as not locking the action closed.
• A squib load is a shotgun shell characterized by a reduced recoil and sound, usually caused by an insufficient powder charge.

Clearing a Jam

• To clear a jam, first put the safety on, then depress the action bar lock with the strong hand index finger.
• Next, return the strong hand to the pistol grip, then grasp the fore-end firmly with the weak hand and apply rearward pressure.
• If the jam is not cleared, keeping the muzzle vertical above the head, depress the action bar lock, then strike the butt of the shotgun on a solid surface.