The shotgun is one of the most powerful defensive tools. This course will build the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to employ it.

It is commonly accepted the shotgun represents one of the most powerful defensive tools available. This is our first level course in helping you to build the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to employ it.
The focus of this 8-hour, one day course is to assist students in developing the proficiency necessary to operate the shotgun in a home based, defensive context. Topics covered will include:
– Shotgun selection and set up
– Shotgun history, types, and nomenclature
– Ammunition types and selection
– Safe loading/unloading methods
– Ready positions and target engagement
– Recoil management
– Defensive buckshot selection and patterning

Segments of the course will be sent in video format to, and viewed by, all participants prior to class day. There will be a brief review prior to range activities. This allows each student to ensure their chosen shotgun will be properly set up upon arrival, allows students to receive (and keep) the classroom content as a resource to revisit if needed, and allows us to enjoy maximized time on the range to build skills. You will have adequate time to run any questions or concerns by Jonathan prior to class day.

Student Expectation – *All students will possess a basic understanding of the operation and firing of their chosen shotgun in order to participate in this course.

Required Equipment

• Reliable pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun
  (No shotgun? No problem—rentals are available.)
• Sidesaddle shotgun mounted shell carrier (all drills will be based upon what’s on or in
  shotgun)
• Eye and ear protection (electronic hearing protection strongly recommended)
• Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Brimmed hat

• Hydration, snacks, and lunch
  
  • (Restaurants are available nearby)
• Shotgun-mounted shell carrier (sidesaddle required)
  
  • All drills are based on ammunition carried on the shotgun

Ammunition Requirements

Please bring the following minimum round counts:

• 10 slugs
  • Lower-velocity defensive slugs recommended
  • (1100–1400 FPS)
• 40 rounds of buckshot
  • Defensive-grade preferred
  • Fiocchi is a cost-effective option
• 150 rounds of birdshot
  • Lead only