---
title: "Autoloading Shotgun"
date: "2006-02-01"
modified: "2021-02-01"
authors:
  - name: "Outdoor Life Online Editor"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/outdoor-life-online-editor/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/survival/node-1006026107/"
categories:
  - "Survival"
---

# Autoloading Shotgun

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/22/T3PLYRWLG2AT2C5INOVPIIMKTI.jpg>)
*Default Photo*

Most semi-automatic shotguns operate with one of two systems: recoil or gas. The recoil system is the most basic and works on the principle of Newton's Third Law: "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." After the trigger is pulled, the force pushes the breech bolt back, ejecting the empty shotshell and loading a new shell from the magazine. The bolt then springs forward and locks into place.

The gas-powered autoloader works in a similar way to the recoil system, but it incorporates a piston into the process, which is activated when the trigger is pulled. The gases expand behind the traveling shot and are captured in a cylinder underneath the barrel. Pressure from the gas then propels the piston backward, which drives the breech bolt as well. The spent shell is ejected and a new one is put into place.