{"id":6021,"date":"2021-09-15T20:24:23","date_gmt":"2021-09-15T20:24:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=6021"},"modified":"2023-03-15T14:16:47","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T14:16:47","slug":"how-to-reload-a-shotgun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/how-to-reload-a-shotgun\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Reload a Shotgun"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A 12 gauge is a powerful weapon. It has long been used in the woods and over water to put meat on the family table. It has also been a popular tool for home defense, hanging over the mantle of many a pioneer cabin. But in order to do any of it, you need to know how to reload a shotgun properly.<\/p>\n<p>In the realm of home defense, the shotgun remains a viable option. Just the sound of a racking shotgun is usually enough to make would-be criminals seriously rethink their lives.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4570 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"home defense shotgun\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-524x524.jpg 524w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-defense-shotgun-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>However, one of the shotgun\u2019s major weaknesses is its limited ammo capacity. The average sporting shotgun only holds 3 to 5 shells in the magazine, plus one in the chamber. The last thing you want is to be fumbling to reload your weapon when your family\u2019s life is on the line. So if you\u2019re running a shotgun for any application (home defense or otherwise), you need to know how to keep the thing fed.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re going to walk you through how to effectively reload a shotgun for home defense. While this article is definitely geared toward the brand-new shotgunner, seasoned shooters in the audience might pick up a trick or two as well.<\/p>\n<h2>The Need to Reload<\/h2>\n<p>Despite the average shotgun\u2019s relatively low ammo capacity, it isn\u2019t likely that you\u2019ll need tons of ammo to effectively eliminate a violent threat. As we mentioned, shotguns are highly effective weapons. The mere sound of that iconic pump action sends shivers of dread through anyone on its receiving end.<\/p>\n<p>However, I\u2019m a firm believer in the old adage, \u201cLuck favors the prepared.\u201d And since it&#8217;s technically possible that you\u2019ll need to reload your 12 gauge to protect your family, you might as well be prepared for that scenario.<\/p>\n<p>If you do find yourself needing to reload your home defense shotgun, you\u2019ve definitely landed in a pretty desperate situation. For this reason, we\u2019ve chosen the simplest, most foolproof reloading method we could think of.<\/p>\n<p>Are there faster techniques? Absolutely. Just check out the competition circuit and you\u2019ll see some shotgunners reload faster than you can blink.<\/p>\n<p>However, the average shotgunner isn\u2019t a high-level competitor. While speed is definitely an asset when it comes to reloading in a home defense situation, the ease and reliability of the method is just as important. Maybe even more so.<\/p>\n<h2>Reloading Under Fire<\/h2>\n<p>As far as firearms go, the standard shotgun is not particularly complicated, especially when you\u2019re dealing with the simple pump action variety. Reloading them isn\u2019t particularly complicated either&#8230;at least not when you\u2019re shooting single targets and have plenty of time for a leisurely reload.<\/p>\n<p>However, in a home defense situation, when you\u2019re under duress (and possibly under fire), that simple process can become super complicated in a hurry, especially if you haven\u2019t spent much time practicing.<\/p>\n<p>There are literally dozens of reloading techniques. Techniques used by competitive shotgunners are incredibly impressive. Of course, these guys have reloaded their weapons thousands of times. They could do it blindfolded in their sleep and never break a sweat.<\/p>\n<p>In a self-defense scenario, your body will experience a massive adrenaline dump. That adrenaline surge is the body\u2019s natural response to stress, and is intended to power you through \u201cFight or Flight.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The effects of adrenaline are not all positive. Individuals respond differently to an adrenaline surge. However, common reactions include a decreased ability to think clearly and difficulty focusing on specific objects. Adrenaline also causes a rapid increase in heart rate which can cause a loss of fine motor skills and a bad case of \u201cthe shakes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re shaking, can\u2019t think straight, and have a hard time focusing on objects, you&#8217;re going to have a very difficult time pushing a 2 \u00be-inch shotshell into a similarly sized loading port.<\/p>\n<p>Obviously you need the ability to quickly reload your home defense shotgun. However, the technique we\u2019re about to share isn\u2019t the fastest. Instead, it is simple, reliable, and requires minimal conscious thought and manual dexterity.<\/p>\n<h2>Where to Keep Your Extra Ammo<\/h2>\n<p>Before we get into the specifics of reloading, let\u2019s talk about access to ammo for that reload.<\/p>\n<p>In a home defense situation, you won\u2019t have time to strap on a vest or sling on a bandolier. You also don\u2019t want to fumble through a nightstand or gun safe to locate extra rounds. The best place to store your extra home defense ammo is right on your shotgun.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6023\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6023\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6023\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172159_Film1-300x231.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172159_Film1-300x231.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172159_Film1-1024x789.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172159_Film1-1536x1184.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172159_Film1-2048x1578.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6023\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A stock-mounted shell carrier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The two most common options are a side-saddle on the receiver or some sort of stock mounted shell carrier. If you don\u2019t want to use one of these accessories, be prepared to stuff some extra <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/index.php\/cName\/shotgun-ammo-12-gauge\">12 gauge shells<\/a> into the pockets of your pajama pants before you go investigate what just went bump in the night.<\/p>\n<p>If you are new to the concept of using a shotgun for home defense, there\u2019s nothing wrong with trying some different carrying methods. Some shooters find receiver mounted side saddles hard to use. Others outright hate a stock mounted carrier. There really is no one-size-fits all option.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll want the ammo in your shell carrier to be positioned with the brass pointing down. This may seem counter intuitive, since having the brass pointing up would seem to prevent your ammo from dropping out of the loops. However, if you have a quality shell carrier, you shouldn\u2019t need to worry about your shotshells falling out. Plus, this orientation makes it super easy to reload without having to reorient your shells.<\/p>\n<h2>Easy Shotgun Reloading Technique<\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019re going to focus on reloading a standard pump shotgun since these tend to be the most popular. However, this technique can easily be adapted for most semi-auto models as well.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll admit I am in total awe of the reloading prowess of some competition shooters. Some of those guys (and gals) can reload an entire magazine in under three seconds. It\u2019s truly a thing of beauty. Many of them can reload without ever moving the shotgun from their shoulder.<\/p>\n<p>I am not that person. While I\u2019m strong enough to swing a 12-gauge with all the authority my small frame can muster, I\u2019m far from a brute. My wrists are pretty weak and supporting the full weight of my 870 is difficult, even when I don\u2019t have a cocktail of adrenaline coursing through my bloodstream.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of struggling with wobbly wrists while trying to reload, I drop the shotgun from my shoulder. Then, I tuck the buttstock under my armpit while supporting the weight of the weapon with my support hand.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6025\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6025\" style=\"width: 731px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6025 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172414_Film1-731x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"731\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172414_Film1-731x1024.jpg 731w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172414_Film1-214x300.jpg 214w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172414_Film1-1097x1536.jpg 1097w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172414_Film1-1462x2048.jpg 1462w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172414_Film1-scaled.jpg 1828w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6025\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tuck the buttstock under your armpit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Before you start making fun of me for my girly wrists, this actually has several self-defense advantages. These are some pretty serious advantages, even for shooters with plenty of upper body strength.<\/p>\n<p>First, this position gives you the advantage of reloading with your dominant hand (which is probably far more coordinated than your support hand).<\/p>\n<p>In this position, you do lose the ability to keep the muzzle on a potential threat. However, it gives you the advantage of some extra strength and leverage should someone attempt to disarm you while you\u2019re reloading.<\/p>\n<p>The last thing you want is for a criminal to take your shotgun and use it against you. Tucking the buttstock under your armpit makes it easier to hold onto that weapon in a struggle. And weapon retention is crucial in a self-defense situation.<\/p>\n<p>When you need a shell, use the thumb of your dominant hand to push the shotshell out of the loop of your carrier, letting it drop into your hand. Cup your hand so it forms a sort of cage the shell can drop inside. You don\u2019t want to have to chase a rolling shotshell across the living room floor.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6024\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6024\" style=\"width: 768px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6024 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172734_Film1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172734_Film1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172734_Film1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172734_Film1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172734_Film1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172734_Film1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6024\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Slide the shell into the loading port and then push it into the tube with your thumb.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Make sure you&#8217;re holding the shell parallel to the receiver. Slide the shell into the loading port and then push it into the tube with your thumb. You should feel it click into place when it is far enough into the magazine that the tube spring won\u2019t try to spit it back out into your hand. You may need to push your thumb up into the magazine tube to get the shell to stay put.<\/p>\n<p>Rinse and repeat until the magazine is full.<\/p>\n<h2>Loading the Chamber<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to tell when you\u2019ve emptied the magazine, because you\u2019ll get a heart wrenching click instead of the expected bang when you pull the trigger.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6027\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6027\" style=\"width: 970px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6027 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172552_Film1-970x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"970\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172552_Film1-970x1024.jpg 970w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172552_Film1-284x300.jpg 284w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172552_Film1-1454x1536.jpg 1454w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20200610_172552_Film1-1939x2048.jpg 1939w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6027\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Slide the shell up the receiver until it drops into the ejection port.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you\u2019ve completely emptied your shotgun, you\u2019ll also need to reload the chamber. You\u2019ll need to do this BEFORE you reload the magazine.<\/p>\n<p>Open the action, and tuck the buttstock under your armpit. Grab a shell from your carrier and slide it up the receiver until it drops into the ejection port. Then close the action. Once the chamber is loaded, you can raise the stock back to your shoulder to re-engage the threat or commence reloading the magazine.<\/p>\n<h2>When to Reload<\/h2>\n<p>Bird hunters know the importance of having a full magazine. More than one hunter has felt the heartbreak of emptying a weapon just as a team starts working the decoys. It is common practice for hunting shotgunners to fire two rounds, and then immediately reload two rounds. If they fire three rounds, they reload three.<\/p>\n<p>We want our reloading to be proactive, just like the prepared duck hunter. We don\u2019t want to wait until our home defense gun is empty to think about managing our ammunition.<\/p>\n<p>To put it simply: Reload as you go. If you aren\u2019t shooting, you should probably be reloading.<\/p>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>This reloading technique definitely isn\u2019t the fastest reloading method. However, it is simple and easy to master. It also gives you some extra leverage that could help you hang onto your weapon if a gunfight suddenly turns into hand-to-hand combat.<\/p>\n<p>Just like you should practice shooting your home defense shotgun, you should also practice reloading it. Do not underestimate the power of muscle memory. In a stressful, life-or-death situation, it may be the most valuable tool in your shooting tool kit.<\/p>\n<p>If you can\u2019t make it to the range, you can use dummy rounds to help build your reloading skills. Dummy rounds are designed to mirror the size, weight, and shape of live buckshot, so you can safely train at home without endangering the neighbors.<\/p>\n<p>Need some suggestions for what to feed your home defense shotgun? Check out our article on The Best Shotgun Ammo for Home Defense.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A 12 gauge is a powerful weapon. It has long been used in the woods and over water to put meat on the family table. It has also been a popular tool for home defense, hanging over the mantle of many a pioneer cabin. But in order to do any of it, you need to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":4708,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,81],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6021","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-range","category-self-defense"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Reload a Shotgun - The Lodge at AmmoToGo.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A beginner&#039;s guide showing how to reload a shotgun. We&#039;ll take you through a safe and easy way to get your 12 gauge or other firearm ready to fire.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/how-to-reload-a-shotgun\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Reload a Shotgun - The Lodge at AmmoToGo.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A beginner&#039;s guide showing how to reload a shotgun. 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She grew up flinging arrows and bullets at Virginia whitetails, turkey, and game birds, although her favorite hunting experience is chasing bull elk in the Colorado back country. She is also a self-defense instructor and competitive archer. Alice currently resides in rural North Carolina with her children, non-hunting husband, and a well-stocked chest freezer.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/author\/alice\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Reload a Shotgun - The Lodge at AmmoToGo.com","description":"A beginner's guide showing how to reload a shotgun. 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