DEFENSIVE SHOTGUN
3 DAY COURSE
This course includes 24 hours of instruction in the fundamentals of using a pump or auto-loading tactical shotgun for personal defense. Topics to be covered include:
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The purpose and functions of a shotgun in relation to other weapons systems.
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Myths and misconceptions.
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Ammunition types, how to select proper loads, combat loading and combat load selection.
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Safe manipulation of a tactical shotgun.
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Stocks and accessories, and how they fit.
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Methods of carry and transportation.
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Manual of arms for tactical shotguns.
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Proper mounting, recoil control and weapon retention.
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“Patterning” a defensive shotgun.
Students will “pattern” their guns on paper at various ranges with buckshot, and zero the guns with slugs at 25 and 75 yards, with emphasis on a “working zero.”
Practical drills at various ranges will be conducted to enable the students to understand the patterning characteristics of their specific gun and ammunition, learn the zones of application, and train them to be able to maintain continuity of fire, managing their ammunition as they go.
Mr. Cain describes his course as follows:
Our concept of this ubiquitous and often misunderstood weapon is entirely devoted to its use in the antipersonnel mode. We do not teach "wing shooting". Our training is designed to clarify both the versatility and the limitations of the weapon. The syllabus covers tactical manipulation, patterning characteristics, the mount, deployment in both indoor and outdoor situations, use of the sling or carry strap, ammunition selection, and transition from shoulder fired weapon to handgun. A 3-day course.
Equipment Requirements
Ammunition requirements: 250 rounds of Birdshot, 50 rounds of Buckshot, 125 Slugs, 50 rounds for one’s Handgun.
Recommended Shotgun: A proven brand and of simple configuration, smooth bore (not rifled) with no added choke devices. The stock should be FIXED, with a length of pull (distance from the face of the trigger to the center of the recoil pad) at 13” or less. Barrels of 14 to 20 inches are best. Rifle sights are recommended, although an Aimpoint red dot sight is also acceptable for this course.
Other required equipment: There is certain equipment which is REQUIRED. One may not proceed in the course without the following:
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Ear protection and Eye protection.
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Cap or hat with baseball-style bill.
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A sling or carry strap. We run a "hot" range and shotguns must be slung unless they are racked, grounded or in the shooter's hand on line. Any type sling which allows the rifle to be carried muzzle up or muzzle down is fine. No slings which hold the muzzle in a horizontal position while being carried (M60 style) are permitted.
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A ground cloth, shooting mat or other cover (such as an old blanket), to cover the ground upon which you will be periodically sitting or lying.
There is other equipment that is not required, but which we know from experience will enhance your experience of the course. We therefore recommend you bring the following:
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Soft drinks or water to drink while down on the range. There is no water on the range itself, and the clubhouse is too far to run back and forth. No alcohol of any kind is to be consumed within eight hours of the start of any course session or at any time during the course.
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Gloves (either shooting gloves or light work gloves).
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Wear substantial shoes and "work clothes" or fatigues. You will be on the ground and get dusty or muddy.
This training is provided as a public service by the Firearms Instruction Research & Education (FIRE) Institute, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This course is sponsored as a public service by the Firearms Instruction Research & Education (FIRE) Institute, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation.
“HAVING A GUN AND THINKING YOU ARE ARMED IS LIKE BUYING A PIANO AND THINKING YOU ARE A MUSICIAN”
Col. Jeff Cooper (U.S.M.C. Ret.)