The smoothbore shotgun is one of the most devastating and versatile platforms in the firearms landscape, yet it often remains one of the least understood. To unlock its true potential, the operator must master its handling dynamics, terminal ballistics, and inherent limitations.
This intensive course is designed to elevate your skills well beyond the fundamentals. Whether you operate a pump-action or semi-automatic system, you will acquire the technique and confidence necessary to transform this platform into an elite defensive tool. Under the guidance of our expert instructors, you will undergo a progression of dynamic live-fire drills focused on speed, surgical precision, and performance consistency. By the end of the program, you will have established a rock-solid foundation and a clear path for your professional evolution.
Experience Requirements
This is an Intermediate level course. Successful completion of a Basic Shotgun Course or a verifiable equivalent is mandatory for enrollment. Candidates must demonstrate:
- 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.
- Safe handling and proficiency with their specific weapon system.
- Mastery of marksmanship fundamentals.
- Proficiency in drawing and recovering the firearm from a holster.
Safety Note: Students who fail to demonstrate or maintain minimum safety requirements or the technical competencies necessary at the start of the course may be dismissed at the technical staff’s discretion.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the operator will be able to:
- Master loading, unloading, and status-check procedures.
- Apply correct posture across various “Ready” positions.
- Safely execute primary to secondary weapon transitions (Shotgun -> Pistol).
- Analyze ammunition ballistics to accurately engage targets at various operational distances.
- Engage targets from unconventional positions (various kneeling variations).
- Manage multiple target engagements with rapid transitions.
- Execute pivots, changes of direction, and shooting on the move with total safety and effectiveness.
Required Equipment
- Weapon Systems
- Shotgun: Mechanically sound, equipped with a tactical sling (1 or 2-point) and an on-weapon ammunition carriage system (side-saddle).
- Pistol: Semi-automatic cal. .380, 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. Minimum of 3 magazines. (Micro-pistols, pocket guns, revolvers, or .22 caliber platforms are prohibited).
- Holsters & Carry Systems
- OWB Holster: Strong-side hip mounted. Must be rigid, properly fit the firearm, and fully enclose the trigger guard.
- Safety Standards: Collapsible holsters or index-finger release retention systems (e.g., Serpa style) are not permitted. One-handed drawing and re-holstering is required.
- Accessories: Belt-mounted magazine pouches and a rigid tactical belt (minimum 1.5″).
- PPE & Apparel
- Clothing: Suitable for dynamic training in any weather conditions. Technical footwear with high grip.
- PPE: Wraparound ballistic eyewear and dual hearing protection (earplugs + electronic earmuffs).
- Optional: Knee pads, elbow pads, and a brimmed hat.
- Body armor is optional unless it is required by your agency during firearms training
Ammunition Specifications
To complete the projected course volume of fire, the following ammunition is required:
- Shotgun:
- 200 rounds Birdshot.
- 25 rounds Slug.
- Handgun (Secondary):
- 50 rounds of the corresponding caliber for the pistol in use.
Safety Protocols & Ballistic Standards
- Steel Engagement: The exclusive use of lead-core ammunition is mandatory when shooting at metal targets to prevent dangerous ricochets.
- Prohibitions: The use of Green Tip, Brown Tip, Armor Piercing (AP), or surrogate projectiles on steel targets is strictly prohibited at all times. Absolutely no reloaded or remanufactured ammunition is permitted
- Procurement: To ensure compliance with the facility’s ballistic safety standards, ammunition must be purchased exclusively at the OS ACADEMY.
Course Details
• Student Limit: 8 participants
• Price: € 400.00
