This class is intended to begin transitioning attendees from someone familiar with the shotgun, to someone who is a master of the shotgun. We will refine critical aspects of running the shotgun like recoil mitigation and ammunition management, and begin to apply pressure to those skills to test their resilience. There will be additional focus on moving with the gun, shooting on the move, and learning how to approach the gun for a wider set of defensive uses.

Attendees will need to bring the following:

An open mind. Be open to learning a new way, evaluate its usefulness in class, then assess if it needs to go with you beyond class.

A reliable 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. Strongly recommend use of a 12 gauge shotgun, but 20 gauge will be allowed. This class is not designed for box/detachable magazine shotguns.

200 rounds of birdshot.

50 rounds of buckshot. Generic buckshot will be okay for this class.

50 slugs. I recommend a lower recoil slug as long as it is reliable in your shotgun. Most mainstream manufacturers make a suitable low recoil slug.

Appropriate eye and ear protection.

A camp chair or similar.

Snacks, water, sports drinks, etc.

Bring a lunch. We will be eating a quick lunch to maintain pace and cover as much ground as we can.

Weather appropriate clothing.

Defensive Shotgun: Basic Operator (Searcy, AR)