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.