How to Hold a Shotgun

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Good form is essential to using a shotgun safely and effectively. When holding a shotgun, you want it to feel like an extension of your own arms and body. Learning how to properly grip, shoulder, and stand while shooting will make you look like a pro and help increase your accuracy. Just remember to be safe while practicing and have fun at the range!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Placing Your Hands

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  1. The stock wrist is the narrowest part of the back end of the gun. Your palm should be placed at this narrow wrist to help steady the gun from the back end. When pointing the gun, this hand is going to come up to the level of your cheek to put your eye in line with the barrel, so it’s important to get a good, comfortable grip.
    • Your hand should feel like it’s almost shaking hands with the trigger grip—a firm handshake that’s not too loose and not too tight.
  2. Put the fleshy part of your pointer finger on the trigger and wrap your thumb and remaining three fingers around the smallest part of the stock (also known as the “wrist”).
    • Some stock wrists are thicker than others, so when you’re shopping for a gun, make sure you have a comfortable grip and can easily reach the trigger and the safety.
  3. Your front hand is going to allow you to move the gun around in an arc for aiming and help you cradle the weight of the gun. Place the fore-end on top of your open palm and wrap your fingers around it with a firm grip. The fore-end should lie a little diagonally across your palm so your pointer finger is in line with the barrel.
    • Use a firm grip, not too loose or too tight.
    • Extending your index finger and aligning it with the barrel of the gun will make pointing feel more natural (as if you’re just pointing your finger at the target).
    • Make sure your fingers do not touch the barrel because it can get hot after firing.
  4. It’s important that you’re not stretching or scrunching your arm to try to grip the shotgun. Keep your elbow loose and relaxed and adjust your grip farther or closer away from your body to a distance that feels natural.
    • Gripping the gun closer to the trigger will allow you to swing your aim faster while a wider grip allows you to steady the gun with more control and temper the recoil.
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Shouldering the Shotgun

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  1. Let the stock (or “comb”) of the gun lightly touch the ridge below your cheekbone to keep your eyes in line with the barrel. [1] You'll need to raise your shoulders a little bit to avoid craning your neck down and causing strain. [2]
  2. The flat backend of the gun (the "butt") needs to be stationed in the space between your shoulder and pectoral muscles. [3] Hold it tight against your shoulder (almost like an extension of your arm) to keep the gun steady during recoil. [4] The bottom of the butt plate should rest in line with or at the top of the shoulder.
    • When shouldered correctly, the butt will barely move during recoil. [5]
    • Avoid wedging the butt into your armpit, as that will only make you have to crane your neck down to put your eyes in line with the barrel. [6] It will also make your shoulder extremely sore after a day of shooting practice! [7]
  3. It’s important to hold your neck and head in a comfortable position to get a good aim and avoid injury or post-shooting soreness. Your neck should be comfortably positioned, not craned down or to the side to look into the sight. [8]
    • Raise your shoulders a little to bring the stock up to the side of your cheek and avoid lowering your head to keep your eye in line with the barrel. [9]
    • Hold your neck slightly forward but not enough to cause strain.
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Assuming the Stance

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  1. Shotguns are shot from a standing position, but you’ll want to have good balance to move the gun in a wide arc and steady yourself for the kickback. [10] Place your feet about shoulder-width apart and bend your knees a little so you have a good center of balance.
  2. If you’re a right-handed shooter, you’ll want to put your left foot a little forward and lean just slightly into it (and vice-versa if you shoot with your left hand). [11] When your right foot is forward, point your toes about 45 degrees to the right of the target. If your left foot is forward, your toes will point 45 degrees to the left of the target. [12]
    • Lean so that about 60% of your weight is on your front foot. [13]
    • Remember to keep your back leg slightly bent because it’s going to support your hips’ ability to pivot left and right as needed. [14]
  3. Keep your whole foot planted on the ground and transfer most of your weight onto the balls of your feet to help you lean into the gun and stay balanced. [15] This will also help you pivot and move around quickly to meet moving targets. [16]
    • Avoid putting weight on your heels because you won’t be able to pivot as quickly and might lose your balance on the recoil.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I properly load a shotgun?
    Dr. Jeffrey S. Harmon
    Firearms Instructor
    Dr. Jeffrey S. Harmon is a Firearms Instructor based in Southern New Jersey. He is the Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Ironsights Academy, a firearms education & training organization that he launched to continue his love of teaching and learning. Dr. Harmon is a higher education educator with over 20 years of experience who blended his passion for teaching with shooting sports as he launched Ironsights Academy: Firearms Education & Training. Dr. Harmon is an NRA Certified Instructor in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection Inside & Outside the Home, Concealed Carry Weapons, Defensive Pistol, and a certified Chief Range Safety Officer. Dr. Harmon is also certified by the American College of Surgeons to teach Stop the Bleed courses.
    Dr. Jeffrey S. Harmon
    Firearms Instructor
    Expert Answer
    To properly load a shotgun, prioritize safety first by ensuring the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction and the safety is engaged. Turn the shotgun over, tucking the buttstock under your armpit while holding the wrist or trigger area with one hand. Free up your support hand to grab shotgun shells and load them one at a time into the magazine tube using your thumb to push them fully in. Once fully loaded, roll the shotgun back over, and you're ready to proceed with shooting. Always maintain awareness of firearm safety throughout the loading process.
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      Warnings

      • Never practice holding a loaded shotgun if you’re not at the range. Remove all the ammo and keep the safety on when you’re not actually planning to shoot.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about using firearms, check out our in-depth interview with Dr. Jeffrey S. Harmon .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/2016/01/how-perfect-your-shotgun-shoulder-mount/
      2. ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/2016/01/how-perfect-your-shotgun-shoulder-mount/
      3. ↑ https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/shoulder-a-shotgun/
      4. ↑ https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/shoulder-a-shotgun/
      5. ↑ https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/shoulder-a-shotgun/
      6. ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/2016/01/how-perfect-your-shotgun-shoulder-mount/
      7. ↑ https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/shoulder-a-shotgun/
      8. ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/2016/01/how-perfect-your-shotgun-shoulder-mount/
      9. ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/2016/01/how-perfect-your-shotgun-shoulder-mount/
      1. ↑ https://www.hunter-ed.com/michigan/studyGuide/Shotgun-Shooting-Stance/20102301_700169350/
      2. ↑ https://www.hunter-ed.com/michigan/studyGuide/Shotgun-Shooting-Stance/20102301_700169350/
      3. ↑ https://www.hunter-ed.com/michigan/studyGuide/Shotgun-Shooting-Stance/20102301_700169350/
      4. ↑ https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/shoulder-a-shotgun/
      5. ↑ https://www.hunter-ed.com/michigan/studyGuide/Shotgun-Shooting-Stance/20102301_700169350/
      6. ↑ https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/8/29/home-defense-shotgun-handling-which-stance-is-best/
      7. ↑ https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/8/29/home-defense-shotgun-handling-which-stance-is-best/
      8. ↑ https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/8/29/home-defense-shotgun-handling-which-stance-is-best/

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