ABSTRACT
All breech-loading arms allow access to the chamber for the direct manual loading or unloading of a cartridge into the chamber or for the user to check the safe condition of the gun. In the case of shotguns of conventional (English) design and for some rifles made to a similar pattern this is easily done. This is normally achieved by the downward hinging of the barrel after first pushing the breech-opening lever or some similar fitment to one side. This constitutes the most user-friendly system of operation, in that it is extremely simple and takes only a few seconds. With most sporting shotguns of conventional English pattern it also automatically reapplies the safety catch. It has the added advantage, especially during periods between beats when someone is shotgun shooting or if there is an obstacle to cross, such as a ditch or gate, that the gun can instantly be made safe and at the same time the visible open breech of the weapon clearly signifies to others that it is in a safe condition. This is one of the major drawbacks with American-style repeating shotguns, whether of pump-action or selfloading design, and one of the reasons why weapons of this type are frowned upon or not tolerated at most formal game shoots in the UK.
