Is ghost loading safe?

[Magix]

In semi-auto shotguns, is ghost loading a safe practice? Not asking how to do it, but wondering if it could cause malfunctions, jams, FTF, FTE, etc.

I hear it's convenient for 3 gun competitions to shave time, but would you do it for home defense?

[TheExiled]

What are you asking, exactly? Its as safe as having a loaded shotgun can be. Don't see why it would cause any failures

[Magix]

What are you asking, exactly? Its as safe as having a loaded shotgun can be. Don't see why it would cause any failures

Just wondering if having a round on the carrier could cause any functional problems. I don't know if the manufacturers meant for a round to be put on the carrier or not. I thought ghost loading was more a "trick" that people figured out while trying to max out their capacity. So based on your response, I guess there's no concern doing it for a HD setup.

[TheExiled]

Shouldn't be an issue. I practice doing so regularly, but for HD I usually just leave the mag tube full and chamber empty. If I cycle one in, I refill the mag from the side saddle

[Magix]

Thanks for the info!

[NapalmCheese]

I don't know if the manufacturers meant for a round to be put on the carrier or not.

If the manufacturers had the intention of allowing guns to be ghost loaded they would advertise that fact. Ghost loading IS a trick that some people figured out.

Is it safe? Probably...
Is there a problem doing it for a HD gun? Ghost loading is an undefined condition according to the gun manufacturers (at least the ones I'm aware of). As such, there is no expectation that the gun will function properly when in this undefined state.
Does it work? I've heard guys fire four rounds while out duck hunting, so I guess it works at least part of the time.

[LeadSlinger585]

What is this "ghost loading"?

[NapalmCheese]

What is this "ghost loading"?

Generic term for being able to load 1 extra round (above nominal capacity) in your gun somehow.

[Magix]

Ghost loading is one in the chamber, full magazine tube and then one on the carrier. Effectively +1+1. Check out some YouTube videos in it. It's pretty cool.

[Saym14]

Ghost loading is one in the chamber, full magazine tube and then one on the carrier

I thought it only works on certain guns like Benelli M4. I do it all the time in my Benelli M4, 7+1+1 for a total of 9. its safe and reliable in the M4. I have heard a M1 or was it M2 owner said it wasnt reliable for them ?

[SOMIS 13]

I do it every time with my mossberg 930 spx blackwater, never had an issue

[Magix]

My understanding is that it only works with semi auto shotguns.

[GeeDog]

I'm pretty sure I've seen youtubes of ghost loading 870's. Since I only hunt with mine I've not tried it, due to the capacity limit requirement.