This page will cover the practical application of shotguns, specifically covering tactical reloads, ammo switching and general combat handling of a shotgun. Shotguns covered with include single barrels, double barrels and pump shotguns at first since they are most common.

When you're faced with the dilemma of what shotgun to own, remember one basic thing: any shotgun is better than no shotgun. In the video to the left, Clint Smith makes a point that any scattergun is a powerful defensive and offensive tool, with the right training. This article is supposed to instruct and build those skills, to properly utilize the amazing tactical tool that is a shotgun.




Before we start, you NEED an ammo belt and NOT a shotshell bandoleer! These look cool and are okay for carrying extra shells if you want, but are useless in tactical reloads because they are not rigid enough to remove the shells with one hand. I will be using an ammo belt for all tactical reloading examples discussed in this article.

Single Barrel Shotguns

H&R Topper is probably the best known of these types of shotguns and are cheap to buy at about $120. They are durable and simple to operate. This type is usually overlooked when considering tactical shotguns, but with a little practice, they are much faster than you think. Single barrels make excellent small game hunting shotguns or survival guns.

Here's the tactical reloading process for a Right Handed shooter:

1) Fire shotgun.
2) Right hand thumb breaks down action and ejects empty shell.
Keep stock to shoulder and eyes on target.
3) Left hand reaches for shell on ammo belt and loads shell into chamber.
Glance to chamber as you load.
4) Left hand closes action.
Eyes back on target.
5) Right thumb cocks hammer.
6) Fire shotgun.

If you practice this process, you will improve you time between shots and over all gun handling.
Gun handling means having comfort with the firearm and familiarity with your firearm's controls.

Strengths of the Single Barrel:

*Simple to use.
*Low Maintenance.
*Easy to switch ammo.
*Hammer allows for quick re-firing if you have a "hard primer".

Weaknesses of the Single Barrel:

*Only one shot at a time.
*Slower to fire between shots.
*Must c.ock the hammer before firing.
*No safety.

Double Barrel Shotguns:

Double Barrel shotguns come in two types: Side by Side and Over-n-Under.

Side by Side (pictured) is the typical shotgun that most people envision. They can have external hammers or no hammers at all. Cowboy "Coach Guns" generally have shorter 20" barrels than those used for hunting. With practice, these can be very fast and you can maintain a consist rate of fire. These usually run in the same price range as a Pump Shotgun at around $300.

NOTE: ALL double barrel shotguns without hammers will automatically engage their safety when the action is closed.
To fire, you must toggle the safety to fire. Many Cowboy Shooters will have the safety bypassed for speed like the one in the video below.

Over-n-Under shotguns are used for shotgun sports like Skeet and Trap shooting. They are (in general) the most expensive variety of shotguns made with a starting price at about $1000 and going up. Since these are not as common and not designed tactical loading, I will skip them.

Here's the tactical reloading process for a Right Handed shooter using a Cowboy Hammered "Coach Gun":

1) Fire shotgun.
2) Right hand thumb breaks down action and shooter ejects empty shells back over their right shoulder.
Keep stock to shoulder and eyes on target.
***** If shells stick in chamber, left hand removes them.
Eyes glance to chamber and then back to target.
3) Left hand reaches for TWO shells (together) on ammo belt using thumb and first finger.
4) Then loads shells into chamber by "rolling" or "rocking" them down from the top. (see video below)
Glance to chamber as you load.
5) Left hand closes action.
Eyes back on target.
6) Right thumb cocks both hammers.
7) Fire shotgun.

I actually use a hammered shotgun in Cowboy shooting and use a modified version of the process above. Instead of cocking both hammers on step 6. I c.ock the right hammer coming back down from ejecting the shells in step 2 and then the left hammer while I reach for my shells in step 3. This takes A LOT of practice!

Watch this video! (NOTE: The hammerless double shotgun in this video has the safety bypassed for speed.)

Strengths of the Double Barrel:

*Simple to use.
*Low Maintenance.
*Easy to switch ammo.
*Able to load and shoot two different types of ammo at the same time.
*Hammered Shotgun allows for quick re-firing if you have a "hard primer".
*Can maintain consistent rate of fire.
*Can reload a single barrel if you wish. (see movie Bourne Ultimatum (corn field scene) for an example of this.)
*"Coach Guns" can be easier to handle in close quarters.


Weaknesses of the Double Barrel:

*Only two shots at a time.
*Hammered Shotguns must c.ock the hammers before firing.
*Hammerless Shotguns must have the safety toggled or disengaged.
*Long Barreled hunting models can be difficult to shoot in close quarters.

Pump Shotguns

Pump Shotguns are the most common of all shotguns encountered. They are inexpensive, starting at about $200 for a base model. The Mossberg 500 Combo (right) is a good kit with both 18" defense (short) barrel and 28" (long) hunting barrel. The pistol grip shown is useless and hard to shoot with - keep the full stock on it. You can also purchase extra barrels through stores like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop.

Pump shotguns are simple and easy to use by most people. Most hold ammunition in a tube magazine running under the barrel, which can hold anywhere from 4 to 9 rounds on standard models. They have the advantage of not requiring separate magazines to feed the weapon. Many have a plastic "plug" installed in the magazine to limit the number of round to 2 for hunting regulations in most states. This is easy to remove by taking the barrel off and dumping the plug out. It's about as long and the size of a pencil. Now you can load a full magazine.

To release the slide on a pump shotgun, they have a little button down around the trigger guard. Either in front or behind. Hold this in and the slide should release to pump and load your first round. After your first shot, the slide will release and you pump again to reload it.

A semi-automatic shotgun is reloaded almost identically to a pump action, aside from the utilization of a bolt release rather than a moving forearm. A lever action shotgun is also similar, though the magazine tube may be above the barrel instead of below. The reloading procedures outlined apply to these weapons as well.

Tactically, your shotgun is good to go for the number of round in the magazine. You just shoot and pump and shoot again. It's when your magazine runs out or you want to change ammo, that the tactical reload comes in.

Pump shotgun safeties generally come in the form of a "cross-bolt" button above the rear of the trigger guard. They are pushed to one side for safe, the other for fire. They can be awkward to use, some use the thumb, others the index finger. Some utilize a "Tang" safety, a sliding lever on the rear of the receiver. Push forward to fire, back for safe. This tends to be faster and is ambidextrous, but some question the structural stability of this setup, and there have been rare cases of the safety being knocked out of position by recoil.

Partial Magazine Reload:

This is actually called the "Tactical Reload" in most firearms training circles. This is done when you have fired a few rounds and your shotgun is NOT empty, but you want to "fill it up" while you have a short break in the action or some distance from your targets. This is also a better way to load your shotgun if you are running.

This is done just like the other reloads above, EXCEPT you load into magazine on the bottom of the shotgun. This is easy to do if you practice. Try to do it without having to stare at the loading port, so you can keep visual contact with your targets.

Partial Reload Left (Weak) Hand:
1) With slide closed on a live round; shotgun shoulder and ready to fire.
Keep eyes on target through ALL steps and be ready to fire.
2) Left hand reaches for shell and loads into the magazine in the bottom of the shotgun.
3) Load till you feel resistance on the loading shell. Do not force it! Return that shell to your ammo belt.
4) Slide your hand forward from the loading port and grasp the forearm. Shotgun is fully loaded.

Tactical reloading for a pump can be done with either the Left (Weak) hand or the Right (Strong) hand. The Left (Weak) hand load keeps the shotgun on target and tends to be marginally faster. However, just like loading a revolver, some users may find it is easier to feed shells with their Right (Strong) Hand. If the situation dictates, it might be easier to load holding the shotgun at mid-height, or even from the hip. The latter may be the best for reloading on the run.

Select Slug Drill:

This is the common name for a drill where the shooter loads a single round of ammunition into a loaded shotgun and racks the forearm. It is called the select slug drill as it would be used to switch ammunition types rapidly, such as loading a slug while running with a magazine full of buckshot. This is useful if an engagement suddenly changes to a range unsuited to your normal ammunition.

1) With slide closed on a live round; shotgun shoulder and ready to fire.
Keep eyes on target through ALL steps and be ready to fire.
2) Left hand reaches for shell and loads into the magazine in the bottom of the shotgun.
3) Left hand slides forward to forearm and firmly racks the action.
4) Weapon is now loaded with alternate ammunition.


Emergency Reload:

When a shotgun runs completely out of ammunition, the shooter opens the breech and drops in a single round to get the weapon firing as fast as possible. It is also used in "Cowboy" action shooting, where a shooter may not be allowed to have a loaded magazine tube.

Procedure for Left (Weak) Hand:

1) Shoot magazine empty.
2) With slide back and chamber open; shotgun is on shoulder.
Keep eyes on target.
3) Tilt shotgun to left so you can see the chamber opening in your peripheral vision.
Keep eyes on target.
4) At this step, you have two options:

Overhand
Left hand reaches for a shell and drops it into the chamber opening by going over the top of the shotgun. Hand makes a "cup" to guide shell into opening.

Underhand
Left hand reaches for a shell, then reaches underneath the receiver to drop the shell in.
Some say this is less likely to drop shells, but pick whichever method works better for you.
Glance to chamber as you load to check shell is turned correctly and goes into chamber.

5) Left hand pumps slide forward to load. Hit bolt release for semi auto.
6) Fire shotgun.

Procedure for Right (Strong) Hand:

1) Shoot magazine empty.
2) With slide back and chamber open; shotgun is on shoulder.
Keep eyes on target.
3) Right hand reaches for a shell (using thumb and first finger) and drops it into the chamber opening.
Glance to chamber as you load to check shell is turned correctly and goes into chamber.
4) Right hand returns to firing position.
5) Left hand pumps slide forward to load. Hit bolt release for semi auto.
6) Fire shotgun.

Holding Multiple Shells:

Once you practice with a single shell, you can try practicing doubles (or triples if larger hands). To do this, you grab two or three shells in step 4 above. Then load one and hold the other in your hand when your left hand pump. Then to reload again with the one in your hand. This is faster than going from the ammo belt, but takes A LOT of practice to master. You can also do this from the Right (Strong) Hand too.

However, this is usually difficult to do under stress. Most shooters will drop their extra shells or bobble them when they reload. It works good in a controlled environment, but much harder to do WELL on the run. You a better off learning to load one and a time from your belt.

One reload that relies on holding multiple shells is the Carlock Shuffle.

Carlock Shuffle (Ambidextrous):
This is a less-common form of loading mainly used when topping off a large number of rounds in competition. It is probably the fastest way to load a tube-fed shotgun with only shells and human hands. However, it is problematic in that it involves taking your weapon off target.

It can only be done with a full-stock shotgun, and is swifter if there is no latch blocking the shell loading. Mossberg shotguns are ideal for the Carlock Shuffle, as the shell elevator stays out of the way when the action is forward. Generally, the Carlock shuffle is carried out four shells at a time, loading from a shell caddy.

1) There is a lull in fire or the shotgun clicks empty.
2) Flip the shotgun over and place the comb of the stock against your strong-side shoulder. The loading port should be pointing upward, and the barrel at the ground in front of your feet.
2) Cradle the shotgun with your weak hand and grasp your fresh shells with your strong hand.
3) Drop the shells into the loading port and thumb them firmly downward into the tube. Grab another handful if necessary. Load till you feel resistance on the loading shell. Do not force it! Return that shell to your ammo belt.
4) Flip over the shotgun and bring it to shoulder. Rack the forearm if necessary.
5) Shotgun is fully loaded and ready to fire.


A left hand Carlock Shuffle on a Mossberg shotgun. The shooter uses their weak side to cut down on time taken to position the weapon. Note that they also drop a shell during one of the close ups - a downfall of this tricky technique.



Left Hand Advantage:

If you are left handed or you can fire your shotgun from the left shoulder, you have the advantage of being able to see the loading port side of your shotgun. This IS an advantage, one to be aware of and one to practice.


Look at these videos:

Video 1 - Cowboy speed reloading using Left Hand - top loading technique. He grabs 4 shells at once with his left hand.

Video 2 - Good video showing tactical reload and how to practice using empty shells. Note: This video shows holding extra shells in both hands and is only recommended for advanced shooters.

Video 3 - Cowboy shooting through all guns, watch shotgun shot last - especially the right (Strong) hand loaded last shot. Note how the shooter tilts the shotgun chamber to his loading hand.

Video 4 - Side Saddle reloading (first part), second half is using speed shooting techniques with special competition shell holders. You can do similar work with an ammo belt, but watch how his hands load the shells into the shotgun.

Video 5 - Reloading with a TecLoader.



Side Saddle Ammo Carriers:
Video 4 above shows this using a Side Saddle ammo carrier.

These are NOT a necessity, but are good for switching ammo types on the run.

For example: You carry your shot shells on your belt and your slugs on the side saddle. Then when you want to switch, you can load a slug round by any reloading method above.

I prefer to use side saddle carriers for specialty ammo like door breachers or non-lethal rounds. This lets me carry my main defense (buckshot) loads on my belt and use the side saddle for the exceptions.


Speedloaders

Roughly equivalent to speedloaders in revolvers, these allow rapid reloading of the shotgun, but require more practice then simply loading rounds and are inherently bulkier. In terms of function, they're comparable to stripper clips for rifles.

They consist of a tube filled with shotshells, that has a sliding platform with an external handle. You push the handle upward to load the shells into the weapon. Tecloader is the major manufacture for shotgun tube speedloaders. Their SL-12 loader holds 4 rounds of 12 gauge ammo, but are not available in other chamberings.


To use a speedloader:

Empty Reload
1) Chamber empty. Slide the pump forward. (most models will not accept shells when action is back)
Eyes on target.
2) With your weak hand, reach for the speedloader while canting the shotgun for a better angle to the loading port.
3) Insert the end into the loading port, the tube should be angled towards the firer.
Glance at the loader to make sure it is seated properly.
4) Briskly push the loader handle upwards until the loader is either empty or the shotgun is full.
5) Either drop the loader or stuff it into your gear.
6) Slide weak hand forward until grasping the forearm, and rack firmly.
7) Weapon is now loaded 3 + 1.

Partial Reload
1) Action forward, chamber loaded.
Eyes on target.
2) With your weak hand, reach for the speedloader while canting the shotgun for a better angle to the loading port.
3) Insert the end into the loading port, the tube should be angled towards the firer.
Glance at the loader to make sure it is seated properly.
4) Briskly push the loader handle upwards until the loader is either empty or the shotgun is full.
5) Either drop the loader or stuff it into your gear, then grasp the firearm again.
6) Shotgun is topped off.




Strengths of the Pump Shotgun:

*Simple to learn to use.
*Low Maintenance.
*Easy to switch ammo.
*Can maintain consistent rate of fire using several methods of reloading.
*Short barrels work better in close quarters.
*Lots of ways to reload on the run.
*Inexpensive to buy.
*Can be used for hunting.

Weaknesses of the Pump Shotgun:

*Limited magazine capacity with 5 to 8 rounds.
*Long Barreled hunting models can be difficult to shoot in close quarters.
*Harder to maintain than a simpler break open model.


Important Gear:

Shotshell Ammo Belts
The most important equipment for you to use. These belts are made in leather, leather/canvas, canvas & nylon.

The leather ones (left) are well made, but unless they are broken in good and the loops stretched, they tend to make the shells hard to pull out.

Canvas looped belts, like the 1873 US Cavalry belt are fantastic! I've used one of these for years in Cowboy Shooting. The shells come out easy when pulled. Canvas loops do not require break in and will dry quickly when wet.

Nylon Belts (right) are second best in my opinion as they hold the shell firmly, but still allow easy retrieval. Careful not to leave these loaded for too long as they will stretch TOO much. Reportedly, mold will grow on the cases if one leaves them in nylon loops for too long.


Some ammo belts for Upland shooting (like one shown) have packs and ammo loops on them. These usually do not carry many rounds, but do provide some additional ammo for your shotgun in a handy pack that you can pack other gear into.






Belt Slides

Belt slides are cheap and easy to attach to your gear belt. They usually have only 6 to 8 rounds on them, but they work good once they are stretched. Easy way to stretch a leather shotshell loop is to use masking tape wrapped around the shells, oil the leather good and stuffed the shell into the loop. Leave for several days.

Ammo Adapters

These are used to allow a shotgun to shoot other sub-calibers like .410 in a 12g. or a .38 sp in a 12g shotgun. They are not popular, but are available. They are usually made from aluminum or steel collars that the sub-caliber is inserted into and then into the shotgun. Adapters for pistol calibers like .38 sp or .22 LR have a collar surrounding a steel barrel that the pistol round is loaded. Some are full length adapters that fill the entire length of the barrel and bolt on the muzzle.

These only work in single and double barrel shotguns.


Shotgun Sights

Replacement shotguns sights are everywhere in the hunting stores. For many shotguns with a simple bead sight, it is a good idea to replace them with either a more accurate sight or one that is easier to see.

Here's couple of examples that are available:


Ghost Ring Sight - Military standard sight. Tough and accurate. Rear ring is used like a "scope" with the front blade making the "bottom cross hair".




HiViz model TriViz Sight - Fiber optic type of sight. Front bead is replaced with a triangle and back sight has left and right triangles. The 3 triangles line up for your sighting. Easy to see in low light. This sight is what I have on my own Mossberg shotgun.



Hi Viz model 4-1 Rifle Sight - Your basic rifle type sight replacing the sight bead on a shotgun. The HiViz model has fiber optic inserts to allow an easy sight picture. Rifle sights are necessary if you want to shoot slugs from your shotgun.







Ironhand