Defensive Shotgun Foundations

Defensive Shotgun Foundations

We invite you to join a two-hour class on using a shotgun for personal safety and self-defense. This class is for everyone, from beginners to experienced shooters who want to improve their skills. You will also learn why shotguns are a strong and reliable option for close-range defense. This will help you feel more prepared and informed.

The class starts with a look at the history of shotguns. You’ll see how they went from being hunting tools to necessary equipment for home safety and law enforcement. We will discuss the evolution of the shotgun stock dimensions.

Next, we focus on what makes shotguns so effective. You’ll learn about their strong “stopping power” and how they are easy to use in tight spaces. We’ll show you safe ways to handle a shotgun during the class and help you practice.

One key skill you’ll learn is the push pull method for controlling recoil. This technique, made popular by Rob Haught, helps reduce the kick when you fire. You push the shotgun forward with one hand and pull it back with the other. This keeps the shotgun steady, making it easier to aim and shoot again quickly.

At Red Dot Arms Training Academy, we teach this push pull method to help you get better control of your shotgun. It’s a skill that builds your confidence and prepares you for more advanced training.

This class is the first step in learning how to use a shotgun for defense. By the end, you’ll have the skills to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. We look forward to helping you start your training journey. Let’s begin today!

Section 1: Introduction and Safety Fundamentals

• Introductions: Student backgrounds, goals, and experience levels.
• Why Choose a Shotgun?
• Comparison to AR-15 in CQB scenarios.
• Discussion on the advantages of the shotgun’s power and versatility
• Safety Rules and Context:
• Four universal safety rules.
• Civilian application of defensive shotgun use.

Section 2: The History of the Shotgun

• Historical Evolution:
• Origin as a fowling gun.
• Early use in the Spanish War, and subsequent roles in WWI, WWII, and law enforcement.
• Key Milestones:
• Transition to shorter barrels for CQB.
• The discovery of shortened length of pull in the 1990s to improve handling.
• The push-pull recoil management technique, made popular by Rob Haught, is being adopted.

Section 3: Shotgun Mechanics and Practical Application

• Detailed Nomenclature:
• Identifying parts of a pump-action and semi-automatic shotgun.
• Understanding length of pull, stock dimensions, and the role of pistol grips.
• Accessories and Maintenance:
• Shell holders, slings, lights, and magazine extensions.
• Importance of regular maintenance and avoiding malfunctions.
• Basic Marksmanship and Handling:
• Mounting the shotgun and achieving proper stance.
• Why fixed stocks outperform adjustable stocks in defensive settings.
• Fundamentals of recoil management using the push-pull method.
• Understanding and managing the shotgun’s power at close range.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the class, students will:

1. Understand why the shotgun is a superior tool for home defense in close-quarters scenarios.
2. Identify important historical events that influenced the development of the defensive shotgun.
3. Identify and handle the parts of a shotgun confidently.
4. Apply basic marksmanship techniques, including recoil management.

Audience

This class is ideal for beginners and intermediate shooters looking to build a strong foundation in defensive shotgun use. It is the first step in a comprehensive training process aimed at mastering the defensive shotgun.