How do I unload a shotgun?

Question

Can I unscrew the magazine cap and remove the shells that way

Answer 1

pull the trigger

Answer 2

just pump it out one by one...there should be a button next to the trigger to allow you to slide the pump back and forth...or you could just press up the flap were you load the shells in ( if you have one) and then there should be a little dimple on the side of the clip which holds the shells in the magazine...press that and the shell will slide back out...

Answer 3

you have to pull the trigger thatll get em out

Answer 4

It would help to know what kind of shotgun you have.

Nearly all pump shotguns have a small button or lever, often place in front of the trigger guard, that unlocks the action and allows the action to be safely opened and the live shell removed.  On most pump shotguns, you can then press on the shell retaining bars on either side of the loading port and the shells in the magazine will pop out one at the time.

Likewise, most semi-automatic shotguns have similar action release buttons and similar shell retaining bars.

Be careful.  If you are as unfamiliar with shotguns as the question makes you sound, do nothing.  Find a friend or family member who is familiar with shotguns to unload it for you, and teach you the proper steps to do it yourself.

If you make the attempt yourself, be certain to do it outside and make absolutely certain that the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction in case there is an accidental discharge.

Doc

Answer 5

Rowlfe is correct.  The s***w cap is for disassembly of the unit for cleaning, access to the recoil spring assembly and to install or remove the magazine plug.  You do not have access to the actual magazine.  Just point the weapon in a safe location and rack the action until the magazine is empty and the gun no longer ejects shells.

Answer 6

Yes, however that is doing it the hard way, its not necessary.* Put it on safety and eject the shells one by one as if you were shooting them.* Keep finger away from trigger, and point shotgun in a safe direction while doing so.*

Answer 7

I am familiar with two types. In either case, always point the weapon in a safe direction. In either case, make sure the safety is ON. The first type is either a side by side or over and under double barrel. There is a release lever which when pushed hinges the weapon open in the middle so you can grab the edge of the shell casings with your fingers. In a pump type semi-automatic, there is a release button on the slide which allows you to eject a chambered round and load the next. Continue to eject shells one by one until the magazine is empty. I do not know about unscrewing the cap on the end of the magazine. This leads me to think you have a pump type semi-automatic. I think the shell drive spring would be under the cap and would come popping out if unscrewed. Of course, you may be able to get the shells out of the magazine that way, but you still have to work the slide to eject a shell from the chamber, so why not just eject the shells one by one instead of risking damage to the spring loader?