Chapter 10: Safe Hunting
Skills
Safely Loading and Unloading Firearms
Even something as simple as loading a firearm can result
in tragedy if it isn't done properly. Here's
how to do it safely.
Loading |
Loading Types of Actions |
Bolt Action
- Make sure the firearm
is not loaded.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Check the firearm's data stamp.
- Locate the correct ammunition by checking the cartridge
data stamps.
- Select the proper type of ammunition.
- Load the firearm.
- Non-removable box magazine firearms
- Load the magazine with cartridges.
- Close the action.
- Put the safety on.
- Keep your finger away from the trigger.
- Removable box magazine firearms
- Remove the magazine.
- Load the magazine with cartridges, and
insert it into the magazine well.
- Close the action.
- Put the safety on.
- Keep your finger away from the trigger.
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Lever Action
- Make sure the firearm is not loaded.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Check the firearm's data stamp.
- Locate the correct ammunition by checking the cartridge
data stamps.
- Select the proper type of ammunition.
- Load the firearm.
- Close the action.
- Place one round in the magazine.
- Cycle the action one time.
- Put the safety on.
- Place the remaining cartridges in the magazine.
- Keep your finger away from the trigger.
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Break Action or Hinge Action
- Make sure the firearm is not loaded.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Check the firearm's data stamp.
- Locate the correct ammunition by checking the cartridge
data stamps.
- Select the proper type of ammunition.
- Load the firearm.
- Place the ammunition in the empty chamber
or chambers.
- Close and lock the action.
- Keep your finger away from the trigger.
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Pump Action or Slide Action
- Make sure the firearm is not loaded.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Check the firearm's data stamp.
- Locate the correct ammunition by checking the cartridge
data stamps.
- Select the proper type of ammunition.
- Load the firearm.
- Load one shotshell into the tubular magazine.
- Open the breech by unlocking the slide and
pulling it to the rear.
- Close the breech by moving the slide forward.
- Put the safety on.
- Load the remaining shotshells into the tubular
magazine.
- Keep your finger away from the trigger.
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Remember ... Removal of ammunition from the magazine or removal of the magazine from the firearm does not mean the firearm is unloaded! Check BOTH the magazine AND the chamber. ALWAYS clear the magazine first, AND THEN check the chamber to make sure the gun is completely unloaded.
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