Level 1 Beginner Shotgun Training

Duration: 5 Hours

Level: 1 (Beginner)

Prerequisites: None

Equipment: Shotgun (pump or semi-auto), eye & ear protection, 25 rounds of bird shot & 10 rounds of 00 Buck, closed toe shoes, warm clothing, carry case.

Course Overview

This class introduces students to the safe handling, operation, and basic shooting fundamentals of a shotgun. Emphasis is placed on safety, confidence building, and practical skills for sport, home defense, or general familiarity.

Training Schedule & Curriculum

Hour 1 – Safety & Fundamentals (Classroom)

Firearm safety rules (4 universal rules)
Shotgun-specific safety considerations
Safe loading, unloading, and transport
Range etiquette and commands
Types of shotguns (pump, semi-auto, break-action)
Ammunition basics (birdshot, buckshot, slug – overview only)

Outcome: Students understand safety rules and can safely handle an unloaded shotgun.

Hour 2 – Shotgun Anatomy & Operation

Parts of the shotgun and their function
How different actions operate
Proper stance and body positioning
Mounting the shotgun correctly
Sight alignment and point of aim
Recoil management fundamentals
Dry-fire and manipulation practice (dummy rounds)

Outcome: Students can correctly mount, operate, and manipulate their shotgun.

Hour 3 – Live Fire Fundamentals

Live-fire safety briefing
Patterning basics
Proper loading and unloading on the firing line
Single-shot and controlled fire drills
Trigger control and follow-through
Coaching and individual feedback

Outcome: Students safely fire and hit targets at close range with proper technique.

Hour 4 – Practical Skills Development

Multiple-shot strings
Reloading techniques (emergency & administrative)
Malfunction recognition and clearing
Target transitions
Managing recoil during extended shooting
Optional introduction to moving targets (clays)

Outcome: Students build confidence and consistency under live fire.

Hour 5 – Live Fire Skills Evaluation & Confidence Build

Range Session)

Shooting from ready positions
Timed and cadence-based drills
Introduction to movement (if range allows)
Optional moving targets (clays)
Ammunition selection discussion (training vs defensive use)
Safe storage and transportation considerations

Outcome: Students apply fundamentals in more realistic shooting scenarios.

What Students Will Learn

✔ Shotgun safety and operation

✔ Proper stance, mounting, and recoil control

✔ Live-fire accuracy fundamentals

✔ Reloading and malfunction clearing

✔ Practical shotgun handling skills

Level 1 Shotgun Training