This course is specifically designed for new shotgun owners seeking to master the operational and defensive employment of this platform. The module provides essential skills for the safe handling, tactical loading, and effective deployment of both pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns.
Participants will analyze various equipment configurations optimized for defensive purposes, integrating theory and practice within a controlled environment. Particular emphasis is placed on biomechanics and recoil management, transforming the shotgun into a versatile, manageable, and highly effective tool for personal and home defense.
Prerequisites
- Licensing: Possession of a valid Personal Firearms License.
- Vetting: Background checks are mandatory, unless the student is a sworn Law Enforcement Officer, Corrections Officer, Licensed Private Security, or Military personnel.
Learning Objectives & Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be proficient in:
- Responsibility & Ethics: Fully understanding the legal and ethical implications associated with shotgun ownership and use.
- Anatomy & Mechanics: Identifying structural components and mastering the cycles of operation (pump/semi-auto).
- Safety & Logistics: Managing all phases of handling, transport, and storage with total safety.
- Ballistics & Ammunition: Correctly selecting ammunition types (Birdshot, Buckshot, Slug) based on the operational scenario.
- Customization: Configuring the firearm (stock, sights, accessories) according to individual ergonomic requirements.
- Operational Manipulation: Precision execution of emergency loads, tactical reloads, and status checks.
- Marksmanship Fundamentals: Applying the pillars of long-gun shooting: stance, recoil management, and trigger control.
- Technical Maintenance: Performing field stripping, cleaning, and functional checks to ensure system reliability.
Required Equipment & PPE
To ensure maximum safety and training effectiveness, the following gear is required:
- Weaponry: A mechanically sound smoothbore shotgun (pump or semi-auto) equipped with a sling and an ammunition side-saddle.
- Footwear: Technical boots or tactical non-slip footwear suitable for variable terrain.
- Apparel: Durable clothing designed for dynamic training, layered for all weather conditions.
- Hydration: Individual hydration system (water bottle or hydration bladder).
- Eye Protection: Wraparound ballistic eyewear with certified impact-resistant lenses.
- Hearing Protection: Active electronic earmuffs (recommended) or passive earmuffs combined with earplugs.
- Body Armor: Optional unless required by your agency during firearms training.
Ammunition Specifications
- Estimated Round Count
The following minimum quantities are recommended for the training exercises:
- 100 rounds: Birdshot.
- 5 rounds: Buckshot.
- 5 rounds: Slugs.
- 100 rounds: Birdshot.
- Safety Standards & Restrictions
- Steel Engagement: For engaging steel targets, the exclusive use of lead-core ammunition is mandatory.
- Strict Prohibitions: The use of reinforced-core ammunition (Green Tip/M855, Brown Tip), Armor Piercing (AP), or surrogate rounds on steel targets is strictly forbidden. This restriction is in place to prevent dangerous ricochets and to preserve range integrity.
- Handloads: Absolutely no reloaded or remanufactured ammunition is permitted.
- Steel Engagement: For engaging steel targets, the exclusive use of lead-core ammunition is mandatory.
Course Details
- Student Limit: 8 participants
- Price: € 250.00
