MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

On a shotgun, where should the safety protrude from?

1. Left side

2. Right side

3. Stock

4. Trigger guard

The correct answer is: Right side

The correct answer is that the safety on a shotgun should protrude from the right side. This design allows for easier access and manipulation of the safety for a right-handed shooter, who typically holds the shotgun with their dominant hand and uses their index finger for operation. This placement enhances safety by ensuring that the shooter can easily disengage the safety without shifting their grip, which is crucial in maintaining control of the firearm. While the safety can theoretically be located in different parts of the shotgun, such as the stock or trigger guard, these locations can complicate accessibility and operation for the shooter. In particular, a safety located in the stock may be difficult to reach quickly, especially in high-stress situations, and a safety within the trigger guard could lead to accidental disengagement while the shooter is handling the weapon. Hence, the right-side protrusion is a practical consideration in firearm design focused on user safety and efficiency.