Safety and Function Checks for the Slide or Pump Action Shotgun

Joe Doakes' note: this is directly copied from ICCF. I highly recommend you go there as there's much more pertinent information, to include downloads, contained in the commentary.As well, I’ll be posting a series of articles on shotguns, in general, and pumps in particular. Primarily in their usage as self defense/ security weapons.

I really didn't find what I felt was a good, thorough, list online, so this is what I came up with. I tried to combine the checks into groups instead of listing each one separately. Please feel free to correct me or to suggest additions. 

Safety and Function Checks for the Slide or Pump Action Shotgun

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Clear the shotgun - With the SAFETY ON and the weapon pointed in a safe direction, visually and physically check the magazine tube via the loading port. You should see/feel the magazine follower. Press the action lock/slide release and slowly open the action. See/feel that the chamber is empty and the receiver is clear.

CAUTION - All of the following checks are to be performed with a cleared (unloaded) shotgun, which is pointed in a safe direction.

Action, action lock/slide release check - Depress the action lock and operate the action several times. The action should function smoothly and freely. With the action fully closed and action lock released, pull back firmly on the forearm. Do this several times. The action ought to remain closed.

Extractor and ejector check - Open the action and visually inspect the extractor. Physically check it’s movement and that the spring is functioning. Check that the ejector is firmly in place and is not worn or damaged.

Safety, firing pin*, and barrel check - With the barrel removed, the action closed, and the safety in the on position, firmly pull the trigger several times. You should not hear a click and the weapon should not dry-fire. Place the safety in the off position, with your finger, hold a penny over the bolt face and pull the trigger. The weapon will now dry-fire and you should feel the firing pin strike the penny. There will be a defined indent in the penny from the firing pin. Check the barrel, inside and out, for damage, dirt, rust, or obstructions. Replace the barrel.

Shell lifter/elevator, hammer to sear engagement and disconnector check - With the safety off, pull the trigger and hold it in the rearward position. While looking into the ejection port, slowly and fully operate the action. As the action begins to move forward the shell lifter will elevate up under the bolt. Close the action completely. Carefully release pressure on the trigger. You ought to feel and hear the disconnector reset and that the hammer and sear are engaged. Pull the trigger again. The shotgun must dry-fire normally.

* This alternative firing pin check from “Gloves”, aka “Guantes”, a highly esteemed veteran police officer who’s retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD).

“We used to check the firing pin operation when going on shift and loading the unit.  We found that you could use your index finger rather than a penny to check the pin operation.  It only took a time or two to judge the distance to hold you finger off the bolt face to prevent a painful poke from the pin yet still feeling its operation.”

Here's a PDF for your convenience: Safety and Function Checks for the Slide or Pump Action Shotgun - kilogulf59.pdf

Take care and stay safe,
Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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