Download the A4 poster for the SHOTGUN ETIQUETTE
If you see anyone breaching these rules, it is your duty to :
inform the shooter of their error, notify the umpire or notify a member of the jury.
- NEVER point your shotgun barrels at anyone, irrespective of whether the shotgun is ‘broken’ or not. This is grounds for instant disqualification.
- The only exception to the above is when testing gun fit and eye position. This must be done away from other people, the gun must be shown to be empty to those doing the testing and the shotgun pointing down range or at a pattern board. Never test gun fit or eye position in the club house or in any vehicle parking area!
- When on a shooting stand, never load your shotgun and then pull the stock to the barrels with the barrels resting on your foot, resulting in a loaded shotgun pointing at your foot. You might think no-one would do this but this has been seen on the odd occasion.
- Never carry your shotgun with the barrels pointing backwards – people walking behind you cannot see that the gun is empty and you are in danger of damaging both your barrels (on unseen obstacles) and other shooters! PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS!
- When on a shooting stand, your shotgun should be pointing down range at all times. The shotgun should not be swung beyond the angle of firing.
- Move from stand to stand as detailed in the relevant discipline rules. E.g. in Trap, stay on the stand until told to move by the umpire. In Trench, wait for the shooter after you to shoot, then move to the next stand and wait for that shooter to move, then get on the stand.
- In Trap, your shotgun can be open and loaded when waiting for your turn to shoot BUT when moving from stand to stand, you MUST unload your shotgun before moving. That’s why the umpire says ‘BREAK, UNLOAD AND CHANGE”.
- When carrying a semi-automatic shotgun or pump-action shotgun, the barrels should be pointing upwards, the breech open and facing forwards. Alternatively, carry the shotgun in a gun bag.
- If you have a malfunction, follow the rules for your discipline – never, EVER turn around with your shotgun! Always keep the shotgun pointing down range!!
- Remember, treat EVERY gun as though it is loaded unless it is proven NOT to be loaded
Thank you for being safe!
Everyone’s safety is every shooter’s responsibility!
