6.5 Loading and Unloading Firearms

Your instructor will show you how to load and unload different kinds of shotguns and rifles. Practice loading and unloading firearms in class with "dummy" ammunition and under the supervision of your course instructor.

Safety Tips

• Never practice loading and unloading with live ammunition! If you don't have "dummy" ammunition, don’t practice! Dummy ammunition is available from sporting goods stores and gun shops.
• Never handle any firearm if you are not familiar with it! Have someone who knows how show you, or read the owner’s manual.
• Never accept a firearm from anyone with the action closed! Follow this rule even when you are familiar with the gun! Operate the action several times to be sure the firearm is unloaded.
• Use the safety! Don’t bet your life on it … but be sure to use it.

Do not practice loading or unloading firearms at home even with dummy ammunition unless your parents or other responsible adults agree to supervise you. Be courteous! Never handle firearms without the owner’s permission.

Never transport a loaded firearm in your vehicle. It is unsafe and against the law to place a loaded shotgun or rifle in or on a vehicle. Also, never lean a firearm against a vehicle or other insecure rest.

Notice how these two hunters are controlling the muzzle as they load their firearms.

Loading Steps

• Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Open the action; make sure the barrel is unobstructed.
• Put the safety on if the firearm can be loaded with the safety on.
• Load the ammunition.
• Close the action.
• Put the safety on if you were not able to do so before loading.