The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What is the proper forend technique before/when firing a pump shotgun?

bmtpbm · November 7, 2009, 11:43 PM

What is the proper forend technique before/when firing a pump shotgun?
I've only fired a pump shotgun like a bolt action rifle ... one shot ... either the deer is down or gone after that.

I usually pull in more with my stock hand, and just use the front hand to stabilize (holding it up).

I went to shoot sporting clays for the first time and confused myself using my pump shotgun. I know, I know ... get a semi-auto or a side-by-side. I'm sure that's in my future but ...

Should I have considerable tension pulling the forend toward me before firing. Then the gun will fire and the pump action will initiate simultaneously. Or is this risky, possibly not firing the shell at times because the pump action might release first. Should I stick with firing the gun, then pulling back the forend.

I can't help to think that I should know this already. This also has implications using a pump shotgun for home defense.

November 7, 2009, 11:43 PM	#1
bmtpbm Junior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Posts: 5	What is the proper forend technique before/when firing a pump shotgun? What is the proper forend technique before/when firing a pump shotgun? I've only fired a pump shotgun like a bolt action rifle ... one shot ... either the deer is down or gone after that. I usually pull in more with my stock hand, and just use the front hand to stabilize (holding it up). I went to shoot sporting clays for the first time and confused myself using my pump shotgun. I know, I know ... get a semi-auto or a side-by-side. I'm sure that's in my future but ... Should I have considerable tension pulling the forend toward me before firing. Then the gun will fire and the pump action will initiate simultaneously. Or is this risky, possibly not firing the shell at times because the pump action might release first. Should I stick with firing the gun, then pulling back the forend. I can't help to think that I should know this already. This also has implications using a pump shotgun for home defense.