Understanding Shotgun Anatomy: Learn About A Shotgun's Parts

A shotgun is a type of firearm designed to fire a number of projectiles, usually in the form of a shell containing multiple pellets. It is typically used for hunting and sport shooting, as well as in self-defense and law enforcement applications. Shotguns are available in a variety of sizes and gauges and can be used with a variety of ammunition, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs.

Shotguns are typically long-barreled firearms, with a smoothbore barrel that is designed to fire multiple projectiles in a spread pattern. This spread pattern is created by the rifling of the barrel, which causes the pellets to spin as they exit the barrel, creating a cone-shaped pattern. Shotguns are typically loaded with a single shell, which contains multiple pellets. When the trigger is pulled, the shell is fired, and the pellets spread out in a cone-shaped pattern.

Below is a diagram showing a common pump-action shotgun by Mossberg. We explain each shotgun component in the section below. Keep in mind that shotgun designs vary, so you should always read the shotgun’s owner manual to understand your shotgun’s design and unique characteristics.

Popular shotgun manufacturers include:

• Remington
• Mossberg
• Beretta
• Benelli
• Browning
• Winchester
• Stoeger
• Franchi
• Weatherby
• CZ USA
• Ruger
• Kel-Tec
• Stoeger
• Fabarm
• Hatsan
• Ithaca
• Krieghoff
• Kahr Arms
• Maverick Arms
• Marlin
• Traditions Performance Firearms

Safety Precaution

You should always verify that your shotgun is unloaded before inspecting the anatomy.

#1 Heel

A shotgun heel is the top of the shotgun stock. The heel extends from the butt of the stock and is used to help the shooter keep the shotgun steady when aiming. The heel also helps to absorb some of the recoil when the gun is fired.

#2 Butt Plate

A shotgun butt plate is a plate that is attached to the butt of a shotgun. It is used to protect the butt of the gun from wear and tear, and to provide a secure grip when shooting. It also helps to absorb some of the recoil from firing the gun.

#3 Toe

A shotgun toe is the bottom of the shotgun stock. It is typically made of wood or plastic and is designed to provide a secure and comfortable grip for the shooter. The toe stock allows the shooter to hold the gun in a more natural and comfortable position, and also helps to reduce felt recoil.

#4 Stock

A shotgun stock is the part of a shotgun that the shooter holds and is typically made of wood or synthetic material. It is the part of the gun that the shooter holds against their shoulder when firing the weapon. The stock is designed to absorb the recoil of the gun and provide a stable platform for aiming and firing. It also helps the shooter maintain a consistent grip on the gun.

#5 Safety Switch

A shotgun safety switch is a device used to prevent the accidental discharge of a shotgun. It is usually located near the trigger and is either a button, lever, or switch that must be activated before the trigger can be pulled. When the safety switch is engaged, it prevents the trigger from being pulled, thus preventing an accidental discharge.

#6 Trigger

A shotgun trigger is the part of the gun that is pulled to fire the gun. It is typically a lever or button that is connected to the firing mechanism. When the trigger is pulled, it releases the firing pin which strikes the primer on the shell, igniting the gunpowder and causing the gun to fire.

#7 Trigger Guard

A shotgun trigger guard is a protective covering that is placed around the trigger of a shotgun. It is designed to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm, as well as to protect the trigger from dirt and debris. The trigger guard is typically made of metal or plastic and is often attached to the stock of the shotgun.

#8 Receiver

A shotgun receiver is the part of a shotgun that houses the firing mechanism and is the frame onto which the barrel, stock, and other components are attached. It is the central component of a shotgun and is the part of the gun that is legally considered to be a firearm.

#9 Bolt & Ejector Port

A shotgun bolt is the part of a shotgun that slides back and forth to the chamber and ejects shells. The ejector port is the opening in the shotgun where the empty shells are ejected when the bolt is pulled back. The bolt is typically operated by a handle, which is pulled back to chamber a new shell and pushed forward to eject the spent shell.

#10 Chamber

A shotgun chamber is the portion of the barrel that holds the shell or cartridge before it is fired. It is located at the rear of the barrel and is usually a separate piece from the barrel itself. The chamber is usually longer than the shell or cartridge so that it can be inserted and removed easily. The chamber also helps to ensure that the shell or cartridge is properly aligned with the barrel before firing.

#11 Forestock

A shotgun forestock is the part of a shotgun that is located directly in front of the action. It is typically made of wood, plastic, or metal and provides a place to grip the gun when shooting. The forestock also houses the front sling swivel and the magazine tube.

#12 Rib

A shotgun rib is a type of rib that is found on a shotgun. It is a raised portion of the barrel that runs along the top of the gun and helps the shooter to keep their eye on the target while aiming. The rib also helps to reduce glare from the sun and makes the gun easier to hold.

#13 Barrel

A shotgun barrel is a tube that a shotgun shell is loaded into and fired from. It is usually made of metal and is rifled on the inside to spin the shot as it leaves the barrel, giving it more accuracy and range. The barrel also has a choke at the end which can be adjusted to control the spread of the shot.

#14 Muzzle

A shotgun muzzle is the end of the barrel of a shotgun, where the shot and wadding exit the gun. It is usually designed to spread the shot out in a pattern, making it more effective for hunting or target shooting.

#15 Sight

A shotgun sight is a device attached to the barrel of a shotgun that helps the shooter aim more accurately. It typically consists of a front sight and a rear sight, which are aligned to form a line of sight to the target. The front sight is usually a bead or post, while the rear sight can be an open or peep sight, a ghost ring, or a scope.

#16 Magazine Tube

A shotgun magazine tube is a cylindrical tube that is attached to the underside of a shotgun barrel and holds the ammunition for the gun. It is usually located below the barrel and is filled with cartridges or shells. The magazine tube is typically made of metal and can be removed from the gun for cleaning or replacement.

#17 Barrel Screw

A shotgun barrel screw is a type of screw used to secure the barrel of a shotgun to the receiver. It is typically a large, flat-head screw that is tightened with a screwdriver or other tool. The screw is used to ensure that the barrel is properly aligned with the receiver and to keep the barrel from becoming loose over time.

#18 Magazine Loading Port

A shotgun magazine loading port allows the user to insert shells into the magazine tube of the gun. This port is usually covered by a spring-loaded door that can be opened and closed to allow for the insertion of shells. The magazine loading port is typically located on the bottom of the shotgun near the trigger guard.

Shotguns Types

Shotgun designs can vary quite a bit. Common shotgun types include:

Mossberg 590 Shockwave

• Pump-Action Shotgun: This type of shotgun uses a pump-action mechanism to cycle the rounds. The user must manually pump the forearm of the gun in order to eject the spent shell and chamber a new round. This type of shotgun is popular for hunting and home defense.
• Semi-Automatic Shotgun: This type of shotgun uses the recoil from the fired round to automatically eject the spent shell and chamber a new round. This type of shotgun is popular for sporting clays and trap shooting.
• Over/Under Shotgun: This type of shotgun has two barrels stacked one on top of the other. It is typically used for sporting clays and trap shooting.
• Side-by-Side Shotgun: This type of shotgun has two barrels side-by-side. It is typically used for hunting and sporting clays.
• Break-Action Shotgun: This type of shotgun has a single barrel that is hinged at the breech. The barrel is opened by a lever to eject the spent shell and chamber a new round. This type of shotgun is popular for hunting and home defense.