5 KEYS TO LEARN HOW TO HANDLE YOUR SHOTGUN WITH TOTAL SECURITY

We have already talked to you on our social networks (Instagram and Facebook) about the importance of knowing the current regulations to handle your shotgun safely.

So much so that, in Spain, the BOE devotes an entire Real Decreto to describe the regulations for all types of weapons.

In England, The British Association for shooting & conservation has created an entire manual, which it has called “Safety Code of Practice for Shotguns“.

And now we would like to summarize the main ideas, which you should always keep in mind, in this article.

FIRST GOLDEN RULE IN THE HANDLING OF SHOTGUNS

Learn the rules that regulate the type of shotgun you use and its mode of use.

It is an absolute must!

Also, when participating in any competition, be sure to find out if there are specific rules for that case.

And, needless to say, if you see someone breaking a rule, you should immediately notify the relevant authorities.

Your safety and the safety of others comes first.

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SHOTGUN

Like any other tool that involves a potential danger to the first-time user, before using a weapon you must learn how it works.

Obvious, isn’t it?

In our case, each shotgun has its own characteristics which, of course, you should know before using it at any shooting range.

You should familiarize yourself with its basic parts, how to open it, how to close it and how to load and unload it without running any risk.

You should also bear in mind that, like any other tool, it needs proper maintenance to keep it in good condition at all times: cleaning and greasing should never be missing, especially after use.

If you have any doubts about how to do it and how to learn how to use it, you can always ask your trusted gunsmith.

AMMUNITION, EYE AND EAR PROTECTION

The ammunition you use with your shotgun is just as important as the shotgun itself. Every shotgun is made to be used with a specific caliber. In fact, most shotguns have the caliber they are intended to be used with stamped on the side or barrel.

You must always ensure that you use the correct box of ammunition and the correct projectile.

Mixing cartridges of different calibers can cause a cartridge smaller than the correct size for that shotgun to lodge in the barrel, which can burst when loading and firing with the correct caliber, causing possible fatal injuries.

Only the correct cartridges will work correctly and safely.

It goes without saying that, every time you go to shoot your shotgun, make sure you wear helmets and goggles to minimize the noise of the shot and the fumes that may be emitted.

NORMAS DE SEGURIDAD EN EL MANEJO DE ESCOPETAS PARA EL TIRO AL PLATO

Safety, for you and those around you, is undoubtedly the most important aspect to consider when handling shotguns.

The most important safety rule, without a doubt, goes like this: “never point a gun, loaded or unloaded, in a dangerous direction. Whenever you shoot, you should always know which way the shot will fall before you pull the trigger.

To do so, you can follow these recommendations, which will surely help you:

• Never shoot unless you are sure it is safe to do so.
• Always keep the safety on until just before firing.
• Never travel with a loaded shotgun.
• Never leave a shotgun loaded or unattended.
• Keep your fingers away from the trigger until you want to shoot.
• Stand firmly on your feet before firing.
• Never consider a shotgun unloaded until you check it yourself. And, even then, handle it as if it were loaded.
• If you carry the shotgun out of its holster while not shooting, you must carry it empty, open and over the crook of your arm.
• Never pass a shotgun to anyone without first making sure it is empty.
• And, of course, never handle a gun if you have drunk alcohol or taken any other substance that impairs your ability to remain fully alert.

As for its storage, while not in use, it is preferable that you always use a specific cabinet to store shotguns and make sure that no one, except you, has access to it.

Likewise, make sure that you never store cartridges next to your shotgun and always keep them out of the reach of minors.

Always keep in mind, without exception, all these rules and you will be able to enjoy spectacular shooting days.

HOW TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW WHEN OWNING A SHOTGUN

First of all, and as we already indicated in our blog article “How to get a type E firearms license for skeet shooting“, you need to obtain your type E license, and inform the police that you already have your certificate.

It is an offense to possess a shotgun without a current shotgun certificate or a temporary police permit.

From there, you must take into account the following considerations in order to comply with current legislation regarding shotguns:

• You are solely responsible for the safety of any shotgun in your possession at all times.
• A gun license holder may borrow a shotgun from another person for 72 hours or less without notifying the police or entering the details on the borrower’s certificate.
• But, if you give or sell a shotgun to someone else, or lend it for more than 72 hours, you must note it on the other person’s certificate and also notify the police who issued your own certificate. Always within seven days, by registered mail or by email, to the address specified by the police.
• It is a crime to sell cartridges to someone without seeing their shotgun certificate.
• It is an offense to sell or rent a shotgun to a person under 18 years of age.
• It is an offense for a person under 15 years of age to carry an assembled shotgun, except when under the supervision of a person 21 years of age or older, or while the shotgun is covered with a securely fastened gun cover that cannot be easily removed.
• It is an offense to be in possession of a loaded shotgun in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

Now that you have all the information you need to handle your shotgun safely, it is vitally important that you remember it whenever you are going to use it and that you help spread these rules among your fellow shooters.

Safe shooting should always be your and everyone’s goal.

Do you agree?