Participants begin with a thorough check-in process, including completion of required releases and a safety briefing tailored to the specific range and course structure. Safety is paramount: students are required to follow strict range protocols, including emergency contact procedures, clear commands for “down range” activities, and rigorous firearm handling rules. No firearms are loaded or handled except under direct instructor supervision and only on the firing line.

The course emphasizes the difference between competitive “gaming” and real-world defensive shooting, prioritizing combat-effective hits, consistency, and efficiency. Instructors demonstrate all techniques using snap caps before student’s practice. Key fundamentals covered include grip, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger and breath control, and follow-through. Students are taught to perform all manipulations in their “workspace”—the natural area in front of the body for optimal awareness and control.

● Review and practice of basic shotgun fundamentals● Loading and reloading techniques (competition, administrative, and tactical)● Shotgun patterning and understanding shot spread at various distances● Malfunction management and ammo readiness● Live-fire drills, including timed events and progressive skill assessments● Shooting from various positions (standing, kneeling), strong and support hand transitions, and barricade drills● Defensive scenarios such as home defense, deterrence, and confrontation● Advanced drills: driving the shotgun, multiple target engagement, turning and retention shooting

All exercises are instructor-led, with ongoing assessment of student capability and class pacing. Safety officers are present at all times, and students rotate through drills to ensure individualized attention. The course concludes with practical applications, reinforcing the importance of training to the failure point in a safe environment rather than in a real-world environment.

Upon successful completion of Defensive Shotgun 1, participants will be able to:● Demonstrate Safe Firearm Handling: Consistently apply all range safety protocols, including proper loading, unloading, and handling of shotguns under instructor supervision, and respond appropriately to range commands and emergency procedures.● Understand Defensive vs. Competitive Shooting: Distinguish between bullseye (target) shooting and defensive shooting, focusing on combat-effective hits and real-world application rather than gaming or competition.● Master Shotgun Fundamentals: Exhibit proficiency in grip, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, breath control, and follow-through, including the ability to reset and reacquire sight pictures during multiple-shot sequences.● Perform Efficient Manipulations: Conduct all reloads, malfunctions, and administrative tasks within the “workspace” for maximum control and situational awareness.● Execute a Variety of Reloads: Demonstrate competition, administrative, and tactical reloads, and practice loading from different positions and with various techniques.● Manage Ammunition and Malfunctions: Understand and apply best practices for ammo management, readiness, and malfunction clearance, training to the failure point in a safe environment.● Engage in Live-Fire Drills: Safely participate in progressive live-fire exercises, including timed events, multiple target engagement, and drills simulating defensive scenarios such as home defense, barricade use, and retention shooting.● Adapt to Dynamic Situations: Transition between strong and support hands, shoot from standing and kneeling positions, and respond to changing threats and target locations with appropriate techniques.● Apply Defensive Mindset: Integrate principles of deterrence, fortification, early warning, and confrontation into defensive shotgun use, preparing for real-world encounters.

To ensure a safe and productive learning environment, participants enrolling in Defensive Shotgun 1 should meet the following prerequisites:● Basic Firearm Safety Knowledge: Students must have a foundational understanding of firearm safety rules and demonstrate responsible gun handling at all times. This includes familiarity with range commands, safe loading and unloading procedures, and the ability to follow instructor directions without hesitation.● Legal Eligibility: All participants must be legally permitted to possess and operate a shotgun in the training jurisdiction.● Physical Capability: Students should be physically able to handle a shotgun safely, including standing, kneeling, and transitioning between positions as required by the course drills.● Required Equipment: Each participant must bring a functional shotgun, appropriate ammunition (as specified by the course), hearing and eye protection, and any other gear outlined in the course registration materials.● Signed Release: All students are required to sign a liability release form prior to participating in any live-fire activities.
No prior competitive shooting experience is required, but students should be comfortable with basic firearm operations and prepared to engage in both classroom and live-fire exercises.