shotgun sizes are given and gauges gauge measurement actually came from an old
formula gauge was determined by the number of lead balls of just four
diameter that can be cast from a pound of lead today however shotgun sizes are
measured in bore diameter the common gauge sizes are 10 12 16 20 28 and 410
the 410 is not actually a gauge but a caliber measurement like rifles and
handguns shotguns of the same bore can be chambered for different shells the
chamberings refer to the length of shell the chamber is designed for and includes
two and a half two and three-quarter three and three and a half inch lengths
gauge and chambering are usually engraved on the side of shotgun barrels
although some shot shells are color coded for a gauge always be sure to
match the proper shot shell size and length with the shotgun gauge and
chamber size inscribed on the barrel each gauge of shotgun shoots only the
shells of the same gauge 12-gauge shells are only used in 12-gauge shotguns never
mix ammunition of different gauges shells from a smaller gauge can become
lodged in the chamber if miss loaded into a larger shotgun this can cause a
very serious situation if the shotgun is loaded and fired
the action of shotguns are similar to rifles the classic shotgun is the break
action also referred to as the breach or hinge action
most are double-barreled but some come with a single barrel double-barreled
shotguns come in two styles over and under or side-by-side
their safeties are usually on top near the breech release with an easy access
of the thumb there is also usually a selector switch that allows you to
choose which barrel fires first the actions of semi-automatic shotguns is
similar to those in rifles the load first make sure the safety is on place
the safety from fire to safe place a shell in the receiver and press the
action release the action release is located either on the side or under the
side of the action usually near the trigger guard additional shells can now
be loaded into the magazine
the main difference between the pump and the semi-automatic is the action of the
pump must be manually operated pumps are similar to semi automatics in design
they have tubular magazines and safeties usually near the trigger guard the
action or bolt release on many pumps is typically located near the trigger guard
remember to hunt migratory birds shotguns with magazines must have a
three shot plug inserted in the magazine this restricts the shotguns total
capacity to three shells most shotguns has some sort of choke which determines
the spread or pattern of the column of shot after it leaves the barrel there
are varying degrees of choke cylinder choke is really no choke at all and
produces a very wide pattern and improves cylinder for example constricts
the pattern a little more and the modified choke tightens it even more
choke such as full choke and super full choke keep the pattern the tightest some
shotguns have interchangeable barrels in different chokes
and some others have interchangeable choke inserts that screw into the end of
the barrel shooters can then tailor their choke to the type of shooting they
engage in owning firearms is a rite that Americans cherish however is more than a
right it is a privilege responsible firearm owners are the best insurance
that this legacy will continue
the first step and responsible gun handling is the fundamental knowledge of
the operation and features of your firearms for more information on hunter
education call toll free and texas one eight hundred seven nine two one one one
two or dial direct at five one two three eight nine four nine nine nine this has
been a presentation of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department