Ghost Loading a Shotgun: A Strategy for Precision and Reliability in Three Gun Competitions

Ghost loading is a technique used to increase the ammunition capacity of a shotgun, particularly in the context of three gun competitions. This article explores the concept, its implementation, and its relevance to various shooting environments.

Understanding Ghost Loading

Ghost loading, also referred to as 11 loading, involves placing an additional round within the shotgunrsquo;s shell carrier, just before the bolt is closed. This technique can effectively turn a three-round shotgun into a four-round gun, providing a critical extra shell in case of a missed target or other unexpected situations.

This method is not universal and works only with certain types of shotguns that rely on tube feed magazines. It is sometimes used in three gun competitions to ensure that shooters have a slight edge when their accuracy and speed are critical.

How to Perform Ghost Loading

Ghost loading typically involves the following steps:

Load the shotgun to its full capacity according to the magazine design. Insert the next shot into the chamber. Position an additional round on the shell carrier, so it is ready to be loaded. Close the bolt of the shotgun to secure all rounds in place.

For a tube magazine that holds seven shots, this would result in a total capacity of eight rounds (seven in the tube, one in the chamber, and one on the shell carrier).

Practical Considerations and Reliability

Despite its appeal, ghost loading is not a universally reliable technique. It depends on the specific design of the shotgun and the shooter's ability to handle it properly. Some shooters might experience issues with the bolt catching on the extra round, leading to potential malfunctions.

One discussion on shotgun bulletin board highlights the questions surrounding this technique:

#34;Hadn#39;t heard the term. Quick Google search revealed this: I just heard this term today. I didn#39;t know what it was but I looked it up and now I do. For those that don#39;t know this is a way to load one extra round in a repeating shotgun. One is loaded in the chamber the magazine is loaded full and then one more is put on the carrier. One guy referred to it as 11 loading. My question is have you done this and is it reliable Does it increase the potential for the bolt to get hung up on the round on the carrier Do you really believe its necessary for that one extra round#34;

While some shooters find ghost loading highly useful, others consider it unreliable and not worth the potential risks. The decision to ghost load therefore depends on the individual shooter's experience, the importance of time and accuracy in the shooting context, and the specific firearm design.

Common Usage and Context

Ghost loading is most commonly associated with three gun competitions, where precision, speed, and quick decision-making are paramount. In rural or less populated areas, where shooting on property is a more common practice, there is less concern about the practicality of needing to carry extra rounds in a shotgun.

It is also worth noting that ghost loading is particularly relevant to tin feeder shotguns, a type of shotgun where the magazine is not exposed and is instead sealed within the gun's structure. In such cases, loading an extra round through the other methods available is less feasible.

Conclusion

Ghost loading a shotgun is a technique that can provide an additional shell, especially in the context of precision shooting, such as in three gun competitions. While it is not a universally recommended practice due to potential reliability concerns, it can be an effective tool in certain scenarios where a slight edge in ammunition capacity is desirable.