Shotgun Safety

This week I was bring you some very special tips given to me by Left 4 Dead's very own Francis about Shotgun safety, a topic which is very dear to both Francis and myself.

Never Point A Gun At Anything You Don't Want To Shoot -

• I can't stress this enough if you pull your shotgun out and point it at a target make sure it is what you want to shoot, we don't need multiple shootings happening.

Safe Gun Handling -

• When handling your shotgun you want to maintain a strong grip, also it is important to note that your hunting partner may or may not want you to place your shotgun in a sheath, when the sheath is on you will find the shooting experience less enjoyable. There are many types of sheaths on the market some are all natural and others are made of a rubber like material.
  

Shotgun sheath

Know your shotgun -

• You really should know what your shotgun can or can't do. Also have your hunting partner take measurements of the barrel to make sure it is a weapon they can handle. Also you don't want to fire off a round early so make sure you test how responsive the trigger is, sometimes a sheath will help prevent early round discharge.

Always check your gun for barrel obstructions -

• This is one I stress a lot, make sure there is nothing wrong with your shotgun, you really don't want your hunting partner handling a defective weapon.

Shooting, alcohol and drugs don’t go together. Don’t drink and shoot -

• Although they can sometimes make the experience more fun they do tend to create early round discharge, and sometimes they will cause you to shoot the wrong target.
  

Never shoot across another shooter -

• If there is another shooter present please don't whip out your shotgun wait till they are done then proceed to shot yours.

If you don’t know where your hunting partners are, don’t shoot -

• If you are not sure your hunting partner is in the right place don't fire off your round it is always important to know where your hunting partners are and where they have been.

Cleaning/Maintaining your shotgun -

• It is improtant to clean and maintain your shotgun on a regular basis. If your partner is around have them rub the barrel down with your choice of lubrication, also before cleaning the chamber I recommend discharging a round although this sometimes happens on accident when lubricating the barrel.

Always remember that when you are done shooting your shotgun please put it back in its holster.