New Gun Owner’s Record (KEEP THIS RECORD FOR FUTURE REFERENCE) Browning Model Serial Number Gauge Purchase Price Purchased From Date of Purchase Please fill out and mail the Market Survey Card at the back of this booklet.
We are pleased that you have chosen a Browning A-500 shotgun. It is certainly a gun you can be proud to own. It represents the state-of-the-art in modern gun design and manufacturing. The processes of design, testing and manufacturing were all assisted by advanced computer systems. The result is superior dependability, greater ease-of-operation, smoother handling and more reliable overall function.
You Are Responsible for Firearms Safety As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between life and death. Mistakes made with guns are final and cannot be paid for with money or regret. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle your shotgun and any other firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger.
word “safety” describes a gun’s trigger block mechanism, sear block mechanism, hammer block mechanism or firing pin block mechanism. These mechanical devices are designed to place your gun in a SAFER status. No guarantee can be made that the gun will not fire even if the “safety” is in the “on safe” position. The A-500 has a cross bolt “safety” which blocks the gun’s trigger. See “Operation of the Safety” on page 15 for instructions on operation of this gun’s safety.
WHENEVER YOU HANDLE A FIREARM, OR HAND IT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE ACTION IMMEDIATELY, VISUALLY CHECK YOUR SHOTGUN’S CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE to be certain that they do not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety” in the “on safe” position unless shooting is imminent. DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR SHOTGUN LOADED, WHETHER IN A SCABBARD GUN CASE, OR OTHER CONTAINER. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS, for the safety of both your gun and yourself.
yourself that the shotgun is completely empty, again, open the breechblock, locking it to the rear, and look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of any obstruction. If an obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as described in “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” on page 54. Before the first firing, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch, and wipe away any anti-rust compounds in the action/ chamber areas.
liability for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimensions which develop pressures in excess of commercially available ammunition which has been loaded in accordance with standards established by SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute). DO NOT PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE GUN. Store all shells of different gauges and well-marked shells of mixed container or in in completely separate containers. Do not store gauges in a common your pockets.
DO NOT USE 3” SHOTGUN SHELLS IN A BARREL WITH A 2 3/4” CHAMBER. THE SIZE OF THE CHAMBER IS INSCRIBED, ALONG WITH CHOKE DESIGNATIONS, ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL. DO NOT SNAP THE FIRING PIN ON AN EMPTY CHAMBER — THE CHAMBER MAY NOT BE EMPTY! Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun, even though you are certain the gun is unloaded. KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER WHILE UNLOADING, LOADING or until you are ready to shoot.
WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING. Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear ear protectors (shooting ear plugs or muffs) to guard against such damage. Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles. Also, wear eye protection when disassembling and cleaning your shotgun to prevent the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.
BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS. Don’t be timid when it comes to gun safety. If you observe other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices. BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING. Because so many gun accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your gun is unloaded before disassembly, cleaning and reassembly.
could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others. READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS in this instruction book and on ammunition boxes. It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information on the safe handling procedures for your Browning gun. Browning cannot assume any responsibility when unsafe or improper arms and ammunition combinations are used. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE — UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.
Nomenclature In conventional gun terminology, the position and movement of gun parts are described as they occur with the gun horizontal and in normal firing position; i.e., the muzzle is forward or front; butt stock is rearward or rear; trigger is downward or underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For general parts nomenclature refer to Figure 1-A. See Figure 1-B for names of all parts and assemblies covered in disassembly and cleaning procedures.
A. Barrel Extension Guides B. Barrel Ring Guide C. Front Action Springs D. Bolt Release Button (Carrier Latch Button) E. Breechblock Assembly E Carrier G. Forearm H. Forearm Buffer Rings I. Magazine Tube J. Magazine Cap K. Magazine Spring Retainer L. Magazine Follower M. Magazine Spring N. Operating Handle O. Recoil Spring P. Rotary Bolt Head Q. Three Shot Adapter R. Trigger Group S. Trigger Guard Retaining Nut T.
with four lugs. Upon firing, recoil causes the barrel to travel rearward. Energy differences between loads are absorbed by an internal breechblock spring. A special buffer surrounding the magazine tube stops the rearward motion of the barrel after about 1/2”. Inertia from the barrel causes the breechblock to continue rearward, turning and unlocking the 4-lug rotary bolt, recocking the hammer, and ejecting the fired shell.
preventative compound. Before assembling your A-500, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action/ chamber areas. Browning Oil is ideal for removing this compound and for giving your new gun its first lubrication. However, any quality gun oil may be used. Use a cleaning rod and patch as explained under “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” on page 54.
pressures in excess of SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute) established standards. Operation of the “Safety” The cross bolt “safety” prevents the trigger from being pulled when in the “on safe” position. The safety is located conveniently at the rear of the trigger guard (See Figure 2). In the “off safe” or “fire” position a conspicuous red warning band is visible on the safety button on the left side of the trigger guard.
An optional left-handed “safety” can be installed by a competent gunsmith. When installed, the left-handed “safety” will have the “safety” button’s red warning band on the RIGHT side of the trigger guard. DO NOT DEPEND ON THE RED COLOR ALONE TO INDICATE YOUR GUN’S SAFETY STATUS. Time, exposure to the elements, as well as the abrasive action of cleaning agents can erase it. As previously explained on page 2, never rely on your shotgun’s mechanical “safety” devices as the sole provision for safety.
ASSEMBLY AS A BARREL ASSEMBLY — This is the easiest way to install your barrel on the receiver. If your A-500’s forearm assembly is already removed go to step 2. Take the receiver in hand and first, lock the breechblock rearward by pulling the operating handle fully to the rear. Then, remove the forearm, recoil spring and forearm buffer from the magazine tube by unscrewing the magazine cap and sliding the parts forward, off of the magazine tube. OPEN REAR END OF THE FOREARM.
tube. The forearm buffer must be toward the receiver. However, both the spring and the buffer, individually, can be installed in either direction. With the gun in a horizontal position, install the entire barrel/forearm assembly onto the receiver by sliding the forearm (with buffer and spring inside) over the magazine tube (See Figure 4).
the rotary bolt. If it does, work the breechblock rearward very slightly by pulling rearward on the operating handle (several times if necessary), until the barrel slips into position. Install the magazine cap. Make absolutely sure that the magazine cap is tightened fully, and that there is no play present in the forearm. Your A-500 is now assembled. PART BY PART ASSEMBLY — If the forearm, recoil spring and buffer have already been disassembled (as after cleaning) proceed to step 2.
hand and unscrew and remove the magazine cap. Remove the forearm from the magazine tube by sliding it forward off the magazine tube. Position the recoil spring and the forearm buffer on the magazine tube. (The forearm buffer goes on first, followed by the recoil spring.) Position them forward with the leading edge of the spring at the front edge of the magazine tube.
and tighten down the magazine cap snugly. Make absolutely sure that the magazine cap is tightened fully, and that there is no play present in the forearm. Your A-500 is now fully assembled. Disassembly of Barrel and Forearm Assembly CHECK YOUR GUN CAREFULLY TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO SHELLS.
cleaning and also is convenient for storing your A-500. There are two ways to disassemble your A-500. You can remove the barrel with forearm, spring and buffer attached, or remove the parts one by one. REMOVING ATTACHED THE — BARREL WITH FOREARM Draw the breechblock rearward and lock it open. Unscrew and remove the magazine cap. With one hand, grip the barrel and forearm, and pull them forward off of the magazine tube together (with recoil spring and forearm buffer inside).
Remove the forearm by pulling it forward and off of the magazine tube. Slide the barrel off of the magazine tube, disengaging the barrel extension from the receiver. At this point the forearm buffer and barrel spring are free to come off the end of the magazine tube. For convenience in casing and transporting the dismantled gun, return the recoil spring, forearm buffer and forearm to their positions on the magazine tube and reinstall the magazine cap.
First, the shell can be directly loaded through the ejection port. Second, a shell can be loaded manually from the magazine. In both cases, the magazine must be loaded to automatically chamber a subsequent shell. Loading the magazine and magazine capacity is also detailed below. CAUTION: AT ALL TIMES DURING THE LOADING PROCEDURE, BE SURE YOUR MUZZLE IS POINTING IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE “ON SAFE” POSITION. REMEMBER: DO NOT PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN.
magazine to make sure they are clear of any obstructions. While pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, hold your A-500 with the ejection port up, and insert a cartridge of the proper gauge through the ejection port into the open breech (See Figure 6). Press the breechblock release button. KEEP YOUR FINGERS CLEAR OF THE EJECTION PORT. This will automatically cause the shell to be picked up and delivered to the chamber correctly. The chamber is now loaded.
LOADING THE CHAMBER MANUALLY FROM THE MAGAZINE — Make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction and the “safety” is in the “on safe” position. To load the magazine, follow the instructions under “Loading the Magazine” listed below. With the magazine loaded, and the breechblock closed, merely pull back on the operating handle, fully to the rear, and release it, allowing the breechblock to close. This will automatically cycle a shell from the magazine to the chamber.
Insert a shell, of the proper gauge, through the loading port at the bottom of the receiver, up into the magazine, using your thumb to position it fully forward in the magazine tube (See Figure 7). Repeat this procedure until the magazine is fully loaded. CAUTION: WHENEVER A SHELL HAS BEEN CYCLED INTO THE CHAMBER — AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY — THE SHOTGUN IS READY TO FIRE BY SIMPLY MOVING THE “SAFETY” TO THE OFF SAFE POSITION.
Unloading your A-500 CAUTlON: WHENEVER UNLOADING, ALWAYS BE CERTAIN THAT THE MUZZLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND THAT THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE “ON SAFE” POSITION. The recommended way to unload the A-500 is simply to grasp the operating handle and cycle the action until all rounds are ejected.
has been fired. This allows convenient and fast reloading as follows: Place the “safety” in the “on safe” position. Drop an appropriate shell into the open breech. Close the action by depressing the breechblock release button. Load the magazine as explained above under “Loading the Magazine” on page 26. EVEN WITH THE BREECH LOCKED OPEN AFTER SHOOTING, DO NOT ASSUME YOUR SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED. ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER, CARRIER AND MAGAZINE TO BE SURE THEY CONTAIN NO CARTRIDGES.
chamber. This permits you to quickly change the load in the chamber of the gun without going to the trouble of unloading the whole magazine. For instance, in this way a duck load can quickly be taken out and a goose load inserted, if the need arises. To operate the magazine cut-off, merely manipulate the lever to the “MC” or “R” positions. The “MC” position engages the magazine cutoff (See Figure 8-A).
instantly delivered from the magazine to the chamber by merely moving the lever from the “MC” position (magazine cut-off), to the “R” (repeater) position. When the breechblock is locked rearward, BE CAREFUL TO KEEP YOUR FINGERS CLEAR OF THE LOADING PORT AND EJECTION PORT WHEN MOVING THE LEVER FROM “MC” TO “R”. Full Disassembly: Trigger Group and Breech Bolt NOTE: All current production A-500 shotguns have an improved trigger group assembly.
Schematic is provided for parts identification only and should not be used as a guide to assemble guns. IMPORTANT: When ordering parts, list part number, part name, caliber, model and serial number. CAUTION: Browning parts are made exclusively for Browning guns and are not recommended for use in other guns even though models may be similar. Inadequately fitted parts may be dangerous.
Parts List Browning PART NO.
performed by a competent gunsmith. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTlON WHEN PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE OR DlSASSEMBLY. REMOVING THE TRIGGER GROUP — You will need two medium blade screwdrivers to remove the trigger guard retaining screws (the trigger guard retaining nut and the trigger guard retaining screw). Make sure the screwdrivers are of appropriate size to prevent damage to the slotted heads. No other tools are necessary. Remove the barrel as explained under “Disassembly. . . ” on page 21.
turning while unscrewing the opposite side (See Figure 9). Remove the retaining nut and screw from the receiver. With the gun inverted (trigger guard up), grasp the trigger guard and pull it up, forward and out from the receiver (See Figure 10). DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE TRIGGER GROUP BEYOND THIS POINT. Perform all cleaning with the trigger group kept intact as an assembly. REMOVING THE BREECHBLOCK — Normal procedure is to remove the trigger group first, as explained previously.
Remove the operating handle as follows: With your left hand, push on the bolt head moving the breechblock about 1/2” back into the receiver, lining up the operating handle with the notch at the bottom front of the ejection port (See Figure 11-A). With your right hand grasp the operating handle and pull it outward, removing it from the breechblock (See Figure 11-B). The breechblock will now be able to move forward about another 1/2”.
38
found on the bottom side of the breechblock (See Figure 12). The breechblock lever serves to retain the breechblock in the receiver. (SPECIAL NOTE: It is possible to remove the breechblock first before removing the trigger group. You will need simultaneously push rearward 1/4” on the breechblock and “reach” in through the opening at the front of the carrier to depress the breechblock lever, using the eraser end of a pencil, a small wood dowel, a screwdriver, or other similar object.
the breechblock must fit in the receiver tracks. Make sure the front action springs fit over the ends of the action spring guides (See Figure 13). Push the breechblock in far enough that the breechblock lever engages, holding the breechblock in the receiver. Simultaneously push back on the breechblock while depressing the breechblock release button until the notch in the ejection port lines up with the operating handle recess on the breechblock.
the recesses in the breechblock without kinking the front action springs. Insert the operating handle into the recess (See Figure 11-A on page 37). The breechblock is now installed. REINSTALLING THE TRIGGER GROUP — Reinsert the trigger group into the bottom of the receiver, moving it rearward to assure correct location of the rear pins into the holes in the receiver. Then start at the back and hinge the trigger guard forward (See Figure 14).
Line up the hole in the trigger guard with the holes on each side of the receiver. Insert the trigger guard retaining nut completely through the receiver. Start the retaining screw with your fingers and tighten using two screwdrivers, one for each slotted head on each side of the receiver. Three-Shot Magazine Adapter The following instructions are for disassembly of the magazine, and the removal or installation of the three-shot magazine adapter.
Unscrew the forearm cap and remove the forearm, BARREL, forearm buffer and recoil spring from the gun as explained under “Disassembly of Barrel and Forearm Assembly” on page 21. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES WITH THE BARREL ATTACHED. Reinstall the magazine cap on the magazine tube approximately one turn engaging at least ONE FULL TURN OF THREADS solidly.
magazine (it will stop only partially inserted because of the full magazine). Apply steady, hard pressure on the shell, pushing all the shells forward in the magazine until the magazine spring retainer is dislodged from its compressed fitting at the end of the magazine (See Figure 15). You will feel forward movement of the shells in the magazine when it is dislodged. IF IT WILL NOT DISLODGE WITH STEADY PRESSURE you may have to work the last shell in and out to increase force on the shells in the magazine.
partially inserted and apply increased pressure with the palm of your hand, or strike the back of the last shell with the palm of your hand until the retainer is dislodged (See Figure 16). NOT USE ANY OTHER OBJECT THAN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE LAST SHELL. With the retainer dislodged, IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THE SHELLS FROM THE MAGAZINE. DO NOT UNSCREW THE MAGAZINE CAP WITH SHELLS IN THE MAGAZINE. Remove the shells by first pulling back approximately 1/4” on the operating handle.
loading port and simultaneously pressing in on the bottom of the carrier and pressing the carrier latch with your finger (See Figure 17). Release and remove one shell at a time from the magazine. IMMEDIATELY PUT ALL THE SHELLS AWAY IN YOUR AMMUNITION STORAGE AREA — AWAY FROM YOUR A-500 AND OTHER GUNS. Carefully unscrew the magazine cap from the magazine. CAUTION: THE MAGAZINE SPRING IS UNDER TENSION AND WILL FORCE OUT THE RETAINER, THREE SHOT ADAPTER, AND THE SPRING ITSELF UNLESS CARE IS TAKEN.
lift the magazine cap off of the magazine. At the same time, catch the spring with your other hand as it begins to come out (See Figure 18). If already installed, the three shot adapter will be on top of the magazine spring. Remove the spring and adapter, if present, from the magazine tube. Remove the magazine spring retainer from the inside of the magazine cap. The magazine follower can be removed by pointing the magazine tube downward and dumping it out.
three-shot adapter installed, first, position the gun vertically, butt down. Then reinstall the magazine follower in the magazine tube, closed end first. Place the three-shot adapter inside one end of the magazine spring, small end first. Place the magazine spring retainer over the top of the adapter. Insert the other end of the magazine spring into the magazine tube and compress it into the magazine tube (See Figure 19).
REASSEMBLY WITHOUT THE THREESHOT MAGAZINE ADAPTER. Reassembly of the magazine without the three-shot adapter is identical to step 9-A with one exception: after inserting the magazine follower into the magazine tube, place the magazine spring retainer directly on the end of the magazine spring. Then insert the other end of the magazine spring into the magazine tube and compress it into the magazine tube.
Invector Interchangeable Choke System All A-500 shotgun barrels have been threaded to accept the Browning Invector Interchangeable Choke System. You may confirm this by looking on the right side of your barrel where the specifications are inscribed, and where the choke markings are normally located. The word INVECTOR denotes that the barrels are threaded.
CAUTION: WHENEVER HANDLING ANY SHOTGUN FOR THE PURPOSE OF REMOVING OR INSTALLING A CHOKING DEVICE, MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE GUN IS FULLY UNLOADED, AND THE BOLT OR BREECH IS OPEN! NEVER ATTEMPT To REMOVE OR INSTALL A SHOTGUN CHOKING DEVICE ON A LOADED FIREARM! TUBE REMOVAL— UNLOAD YOUR A-500 FULLY, INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS. Open the action, locking it rearward, and place the “safety” in the “on safe” position.
Open the action and place the “safety” in the “on safe” position. Before installing a tube, check the internal choke tube threads in the muzzle, as well as the threads on the Invector choke tube to be sure they are clean. Lightly oil the threads with an oil like Browning Oil. Using your fingers, screw the appropriate tube into the muzzle end of the barrel, tapered end first, notched end outward. When it becomes finger-tight, use the Invector choke wrench to firmly seat the tube.
or use the identification mark(s) located on the top rim of each tube (See Figure 20). INVECTOR TUBE SELECTION This chart shows lead/steel choke constriction designations for each Invector tube within each gauge. Designation is listed lead first, then steel: for example, M/F means a certain tube shoots Modified with lead shot and Full with steel shot. Tubes listed are also available as accessories.
Use of Extra Barrels On all Browning A-500 shotguns, barrels of the same gauge are completely interchangeable, and no special fitting is required. Thus, by merely buying another barrel of a different length, or for a different purpose (such as a Buck Special barrel), and using the appropriate Invector choke tube, you have acquired the utility of another gun at a fraction of the cost of a new gun; a duck gun becomes a fine upland game gun, a pheasant gun becomes a rifled slug deer gun.
VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT — Adjustment of the sight is controlled by the screw located on top of the sight. To RAISE the point of impact, turn the screw in a counterclockwise direction. To LOWER the point of impact, turn the screw in a clockwise direction. Vertical adjustment is also a process of trial and error. Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions You should clean your A-500 whenever it becomes excessively dirty — and perform a thorough cleaning at least once a year.
PERIODIC OlLlNG — Ordinary good judgment will indicate that the metal parts of the gun should receive a light film of oil after the gun has been exposed to weather or handling. Occasionally, a small drop of oil may be placed on each receiver track in which the barrel extension guides and breechblock run during operation (See Figure 21). This will help to relieve friction and ensure smooth operation. Also, lightly lubricate the breechblock, rotary bolt and spring guides.
CLEANING PROCEDURES — The correct procedure for cleaning your A-500 shotgun is as follows: BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUNS MAGAZINE, FEED MECHANISM AND CHAMBER ARE UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE “ON SAFE” POSITION. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE SAFETY GLASSES DURING ALL DISASSEMBLY AND CLEANING PROCEDURES. Remove the barrel so that it can be cleaned from the breech end (See “Disassembly. . . ” on page 21).
A normal amount of leading can be expected with today’s high velocity loads and improved wads but this is not serious. If or when leading should become heavy, it can be removed with a brass bore brush. Make sure a choke tube is installed. Spray the bore or the bore brush with a good powder solvent, and scrub the bore until leading is removed. To prevent brass bristles from breaking off, the brush should be pushed completely through the bore before being withdrawn.
explained under “Full Disassembly . . . ” on page 31. Clean with an oil such as Browning Oil or a gun solvent as necessary, using an old toothbrush to loosen any caked-on grime. Wipe the receiver cavity clean. Lightly oil the cavity (aerosol Browning Oil is ideal) and wipe it dry. No further disassembly is required for cleaning. Reassemble the trigger group, breechblock, and the barrel to the receiver.
Service or Repair If your A-500 should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center. Your Browning Sporting Goods dealer can tell you the address of the Service Center nearest you, or you may call or write our Consumer Information Department in Morgan, Utah (801) 876-2711. Otherwise you may return your shotgun to our own repair facility for servicing.
You Are Responsible For Firearms Safety. As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can mean the difference between life and death. Failure to follow any of these instructions can cause extensive damage to your gun and/or possible serious injury or death to yourself and others. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle any firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger.
7. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTION. Do this for the safety of both your gun and yourself. Mud, snow, and an infinite variety of other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can ruin (swell or rupture) the finest shotgun barrel. BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS FULLY UNLOADED. Make sure no live rounds are in the chamber.
12. USE SHELLS OF CORRECT LENGTH. The size of the chamber is inscribed, along with gauge and choke designations, on the side of the barrel. Do not use 31/2" shotgun shells in a shotgun or barrel with a 2 3/4" chamber or 3" chamber. Do not use 3" shells in a shotgun chambered for a 2 3/4" shells. Doing so can result in a build-up of dangerously high pressures that may damage your gun and possibly cause serious injury to yourself or others. 13.
22. SUPERVISE AND TEACH FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY -ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NONSHOOTERS. Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting/shooting safety courses. 23. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING. Your vision and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others. 24. PERFORM PERIODIC MAINTENANCE -- AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.
