- Cost
- $175
- Class Duration
- 7 hours
The Defensive Shotgun 1 course is designed for students who want to advance their knowledge and skills of practical use of a shotgun in an individual defensive context. This class can be helpful to new owners of shotguns who want to gain some experience and confidence with the platform.
Lessons Covered
- Firearms safety
- Loading, unloading, and reloading
- Handling malfunctions
- Basics of shotgun marksmanship
- Shot patterns at multiple distances
- Multiple shots and follow-through
- Scan and assess process
- Slug change-overs
- Use of cover and concealment
- Movement with a firearm
Required Equipment
Students are expected to bring the following equipment. Anything else will be provided by the instructor. Students are expected to provide their own firearm and ammunition.
- Payment for outstanding class fees (if applicable)
- A defense-oriented shotgun*
- New, factory ammunition (no high brass or steel pellets):
- 175 rounds birdshot
- 50 rounds 00 buckshot
- 30 rounds 1oz (or less) slug (light recoil recommended)
- 6 or more dummy rounds / snap caps
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Appropriate clothing for an outdoor class
- Plenty of water
- Snacks and/or lunch
*Most students will choose to use either a self-loading (semiautomatic) shotgun or a manually-loading (pump-action) shotgun. Break-action shotguns will not be covered. Any capacity is permitted. Students tend to enjoy the class more with shorter, lighter weapons rather than longer, heavy weapons.
Optional, Helpful Items
- Dump pouch to carry more ammunition
- Shell card attached to the weapon with additional cards
- Shell carriers, caddies, and/or bandoliers
- A hat and sunscreen
- Notebook and pen
- 2 or more "snap caps" (dummy rounds) for practice
- Additional ammunition in case the class has extra time
- Additional magazines
- Tactical equipment such as chest rigs, plate carriers, battle belts, knee pads, etc. are permitted as long as safety is not compromised.