Sanctum 1791

Instructor: Guy Coursey

Defensive Shotgun 201 (DS201) moves beyond fundamental shotgun manipulation and introduces students to the practical application of the defensive shotgun in increasingly complex shooting problems.

Building upon the skills developed in DS101 and DS102, this course challenges students to operate the shotgun efficiently while incorporating movement, unconventional shooting positions, ammunition management, distance, and decision-making.

At this level, the focus shifts from simply performing individual skills to combining those skills under changing conditions.

Students should arrive comfortable with safe shotgun handling, loading and unloading, ammunition management, select-slug techniques, positional shooting, and basic malfunction clearance. DS201 will reinforce those abilities while introducing more demanding applications.

Throughout the course, students will work on:

• Maintaining safe and effective gun handling at an increased pace
• Efficient ammunition management and continuity of fire
• Applying select-slug techniques during more complex shooting problems
• Shooting from intermediate and unconventional positions
• Moving into and out of shooting positions while maintaining control of the shotgun
• Working from both the primary and support side when appropriate
• Manipulating the shotgun when normal operation is compromised
• Engaging targets at varying distances
• Applying appropriate ammunition selection based on the shooting problem
• Managing malfunctions and other unexpected problems during live-fire exercises
• Combining movement, positional shooting, ammunition management, and marksmanship
• Improving decision-making and problem-solving while operating the shotgun

Live-fire exercises will progressively combine previously learned skills. Students may be required to move, establish a shooting position, manage ammunition, solve a malfunction, change ammunition type, or engage targets at different distances while maintaining safe firearm handling and accountability.

A major emphasis of DS201 is developing the student's ability to think while operating the shotgun. Rather than relying solely on predetermined sequences, students will be presented with shooting problems requiring them to apply the appropriate skills based on the situation.

By the end of DS201, students should demonstrate greater confidence and independence with the defensive shotgun and an improved ability to apply their skills under more demanding conditions.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Defensive Shotgun 102 (DS102) or instructor-approved equivalent training.

This is an intermediate-level course and is not intended for students who are still developing basic shotgun handling skills. Students should already be comfortable safely loading, unloading, firing, and manipulating their shotgun before attending.

Please Bring

• A reliable defensive shotgun (pump or semi-automatic) capable of holding at least 3 rounds
  (No Shockwaves or similar platforms)
• Shotgun sling, if appropriately configured for the firearm
• Side saddle, butt cuff, belt-mounted ammunition carrier, and/or dump pouch
• Eye and hearing protection
• Knee pads recommended
• Hat and range-appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen
• Water, snacks, and any necessary personal items

Students should arrive with their shotgun properly maintained and ready for training.

Suggested Ammunition Requirements

• 25 slugs
• 25 buckshot
• 200 birdshot

Final ammunition requirements may be adjusted by the instructor based on the specific course format.

*No shows and late cancellations will be charged a fee.