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Defensive Shotgun 101: Fundamentals for Success
The Defensive Shotgun 101 course was created based on feedback from students who previously attended the Defensive Shotgun Day 1 class. Many students expressed that shotguns can be harder to use than other types of firearms. Specifically, new students wanted extra time to practice basic shotgun handling before moving on to live-fire exercises.
Students mentioned that learning key skills, like loading and unloading a shotgun, is important. They also said that hands-on practice with its controls would help them feel more at ease and confident.
By practicing these techniques, they think they will feel more comfortable and confident using the shotgun.
Their suggestions directly shaped the content and structure of this course.
Course Overview
This class goes into the basics of shotgun marksmanship. It helps students build a strong foundation for their skills.
The goal is to create a safe and organized space where people can freely improve and grow their skills.
Key features of the course include:
- Muzzle Awareness: Students will learn to handle the shotgun safely during exercises. They must keep the barrel pointing in a safe direction at all times.
- Dry Fire Drills: To ensure safety, students will practice essential shotgun techniques without using live ammunition. These drills help develop proper handling skills while minimizing risk.
- Loading and Unloading: Students will practice loading and unloading in the shotgun dry fire drills.
By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and skills needed to handle a shotgun safely and effectively in a variety of situations.
Shotgun Marksmanship Fundamentals
Stance
- A proper fighting stance is stable but allows for movement. This ensures you can shoot accurately and quickly, even at multiple moving targets
Grip
- The support hand should be centered on the fore-end of the shotgun, but it shouldn’t pull the stock into the shoulder.
- Maintain the “elbows down” position. This reduces fatigue, improves stability, and creates a smaller shooter profile.
- On pump-action shotguns, avoid pulling the fore-end backward during firing to prevent locking the action.
Aiming
- Sight Alignment: Learn to properly line up the front and rear sights (this can include bead, rifle, or aperture sights).
- Sight Picture: Focus on aligning the sights with the target. The front sight should remain sharp and clear for maximum accuracy.
Trigger Control
- Smoothly pull the trigger to fire the shotgun without disturbing sight alignment.
- For shotguns without disconnectors, students will learn to handle the trigger carefully to avoid unintentional shots.
Follow-Through and Recovery
- Keep basic skills in mind even after shooting to make sure you are safe and accurate.
- After firing, students will practice resetting the trigger, cycling the action (for pump-action shotguns), and reacquiring their target. This prepares them for follow-up shots.
- This class provides students with the time, guidance, and shotgun practice drills needed to confidently handle a shotgun. The combination of in-depth instruction and practical drills ensures participants leave with both the knowledge and the hands-on experience to succeed.
Whether you are just starting out or want to solidify your basics, the Defensive Shotgun 101 course will help you succeed with the defensive shotgun.
Completion Certificate
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Upcoming classes:
Accreditation: Although this is not an NRA class, Red Dot Arms provides comprehensive training classes with Certified NRA Law Enforcement Instructors. This class is exclusive to Red Dot Arms Training Academy and is not endorsed by the either the NRA Law Enforcement Division or registered with the state of Illinois.
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Defensive Shotgun Foundations
Where it all starts
The Defensive Shotgun Foundations class is the prerequisite for the Defensive Shotgun program. This class allow us to get on the same page!
Cost: $60
Class payment is due in full and is non-refundable, but transferable.
Length: 2 Hours
This class consists of 2 hours of classroom time.
Prerequisites: Yes
The Defensive Shotgun Foundations is the prerequisite for this class.
To allow the student to repetitively practice the basic fundamentals to become as proficient as possible before moving on to the more advanced skills and drills classes.
Any age may attend, but those under 18 must be accompanied by participating parent or guardian. Prospective students under 21 years of age please contact us at training@rdarms.com
The prerequisites for this class is the Defensive Shotgun Foundations Class.
Althougth the two NRA classes listed are for the sporting use of the shotgun, a new student would benifit taking them.
We strongly suggest taking the NRA First Step Shotgun Class or the NRA Basic Shotgun Class at some point. This will help you get the most from the Defensive Shotgun Program.
Things that you should bring to the class!
Preferred shotgun would be one with a stock with a shorter length of pull. Typical American stocks are 13 7/8. Defensive shotguns with length of pull of 12 inch work better. We will have loaners if need be. You will not need a sling on our shotgun. Feel free to take the sling off. YOU WILL NOT NEED YOUR HANDGUN. All you need is a belt with a drop bag. Drills are designed around you needing 10 rounds on the gun (or on you). We will be using dummy ammo in this class. Leave ALL ammo in the car when at the classroom, but do bring in your shotgun.
For the purpose of your safety and accommodating special needs participants, please contact us at training@rdarms.com if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- Pregnancy, mental handicap, physical handicap, disabled, visually impaired, under the influence of prescription drugs, under the influence of illegal drugs and/or under the influence of alcohol
What are the requirements to attend?
There are no formal prerequisites but we highly recommend taking the NRA First Step Shotgun Class or NRA Basic Shotgun Class first, in order to get the most out of this class.
Can I rent a firearm for this class?
We will have rentals available if you do not have the proper shotgun. You will need to purchase and bring your own ammunition.
I have never shot before. Can I take this class anyways?
We would highly recommend taking the NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun class first. You will get more out of the class if it’s not your first time shooting.
Are defensive shooting drills taught in the class?
The shooting drills in this class are to prepare the students with correct techniques on using a defensive shotgun.
Can I bring my hunting shotgun to this class?
Yes you can bring your hunting shotgun, but it will be heavier and clumsier to use due to the long barrel. A barrel under 22” will work the best.
Can I bring a Shockwave Style Shotgun to this class?
No, you will need to bring a conventional shotgun with a full butt stock and at least an 18” barrel.
Disclaimer:
FOID Statement: Illinois residents that will be TRANSPORTING their own firearm to and from the class/range must be in possession of a valid FOID/CCL card, and be of legal age, 21 for handguns, and 18 for long guns. A FOID card is not required to participate in the class. Out of state residents need to follow the age requirements and have a valid ID.
We reserve the right to dismiss any student for unsafe behavior and/or failure to follow instructions. No refund will be offered.