CONTENTS Basic Shotgun Knowledge Caring for Your Shotgun Safe Shotgun Handling Shotgun Shooting Fundamentals Firing Your First Shot
Basic Shotgun Knowledge Objectives Understand parts of a shotgun and its functions Understand and be able to identify shotgun action types Understand the differences between rifles and shotguns Understand the basics of ammunition and components of chokes
Understand Parts of a Shotgun and its Function Stock Action/Receiver Barrel
Understand Parts of a Shotgun and its Function Stock Is the shotgun handle Some manufacturers put a recoil pad at the end of the stock to help dampen the kick you feel when you fire it.
Understand Parts of a Shotgun and its Function Barrel The tube through which the shot passes on its way to the target. Breech end Muzzle
Understand Parts of a Shotgun and its Function Barrel Inside of the barrel is called the bore. Bores are measured in gauges, for example, 12 and 20 gauges. The smaller the gauge number, the wider the barrel. In general, the smaller the barrel diameter, the less kick or recoil the shooter feels from the gun. Many experts say that a 20-gauge shotgun is a good beginner s gun because it has relatively little recoil.
Understand Parts of a Shotgun and its Function Barrel Dangerous combinations 20 gauge in 12 gauge 28 gauge in 20 gauge NEVER MIX GAUGES
Understand Parts of a Shotgun and its Function Action/Receiver The moving parts that allows you to load, fire, and unload a shotgun.
Understand Parts of a Shotgun and its Function Action/Receiver Different types of actions Hinge or Break Actions Bolt Pump Semi-automatic
Understand the Difference between Rifles and Shotguns A rifle discharges a single projectile (bullet) A shotgun discharges multiple projectiles (shell) A rifle has spiral ridges and grooves inside its barrel A shotgun has smooth or straight spiraling inside its barrel A person aims a rifle A persons points a shotgun
Understand the Basics of Ammunition and Components of Chokes Basic components Case, shell or hull Battery cup or primer Powder charge Wad Shot charge Matching ammunition
Understand the Basics of Ammunition and Components of Chokes For shooters who want to more tightly control the spread and impact point of their shot, use chokes. These are tubes that use a cone or bumpy shape to taper the angle at which ammo leaves the barrel and the distance it travels. Improved cylinder, modified and full are the most commonly seen chokes.
Caring for Your Shotgun Assemble the equipment and supplies needed to clean a shotgun. Practice the proper method of cleaning a shotgun Understand and demonstrate the proper way to care, store and transport a shotgun
Safe Shotgun Handling Objectives Understand and practice safe shotgun handling practices Practice checking various types of shotguns to see if they are loaded Demonstrate safe shotgun handling practices and procedures
Understand and Practice Safe Shotgun Handling Practices Who is responsible for gun safety? EVERYONE which includes instructor, shooter and spectators. Shooting safety is a full-time responsibility for every shooter and instructor. What is the important element in shooting safety? A shooter s ATTITUDE and SKILLS are very important in shooting safety.
Understand and Practice Safe Shotgun Handling Practices Basic Rules for Gun Handling Pointed in a SAFE direction Open, empty and exposed action Safe and Unloaded Finger off the trigger Golden Rule of Shooting Safety TREAT EVERY FIREARM WITH THE RESPECT AS IF IT IS LOADED
Understand and Practice Safe Shotgun Handling Practices Shotgun Handling Procedures Picking up a shotgun, point in a safe direction Firm, secure grip Passing a shotgun between people Practice open and empty action Safe and unloaded Instructor has one hand on forearm, other hand on receiver, and fingers cupped over trigger guard. Shooter s one hand grasps the forearm, other hand grasp the grip, the shooter says thank you to signal control over the shotgun and instructor says your welcome to signal the release of the shotgun.
Understand and Practice Safe Shotgun Handling Practices Elements of safe shooting Know how a gun operates Compatible ammunition Carry only one gauge of ammunition Be sure of the target and what lies beyond it Eye and ear protection No alcohol or other drugs
Shotgun Shooting Fundamentals Objectives Determine Eye Dominance Understand the Six Fundamental Steps in Shotgun Shooting Practice Fundamentals
Determine Eye Dominance Determine shooters eye dominance Demonstrating eye dominance Important of using both eyes Better depth perception Better peripheral vision Less fatigue on one eye Getting on target faster
Understand the Six Fundamental Steps in Shotgun Shooting 1. Stance a. Foot position body square with target; feet shoulder width apart; off foot slightly forward; weight distributed evenly b. Knees slightly bent c. Off-hand (non-dominant hand) grips shotgun forearm with elbow raised d. Dominate hand closer to face gripping shotgun grip and elbow raised with head erect 2. Gun ready position 3. Gun mount 4. Swing to target 5. Trigger pull 6. Follow through
Firing Your First Shot Lets Be Safe Lets Be Smart Lets Be Curiosity to Others Lets Have Fun Lets SHOOT!