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Shotgun

Mount, swing, and pattern fundamentals for clay targets, home defense, or a first shotgun.

Who it's for
First-time shotgun owners, clay target shooters, and anyone choosing a shotgun for home defense.
Prerequisites
None
Length & format
Generally a single day, about 8 hours including a lunch break. NRA courses are objective-based, so the exact schedule can shift around the day's goals.

Overview

Shotguns reward a different set of fundamentals than pistols or rifles, mount, swing, and follow-through matter more than a static sight picture. This course builds those fundamentals from the ground up, whichever action type you're working with. Live fire happens outdoors rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

What you'll learn

  • The NRA's rules for safe gun handling
  • Pump, semi-automatic, and break-action operation
  • Proper mount and stance
  • Swing and follow-through on moving targets
  • Pattern testing and choke selection
  • Ammunition selection for the intended use
  • Shotgun inspection and maintenance

What to bring

  • The attitude to learn, the ability to remain patient, and the willingness to follow instructions. Everything else is taught during the course.
  • Eye and ear protection, minimum for any live-fire session
  • Your own shotgun if you have one; a limited number of loaner shotguns and equipment are available (loaner ammunition not included)
  • Expect to fire around a dozen shots per live-fire session, depending on the course schedule and how quickly you pick up the fundamentals. A minimum of 25 rounds is recommended for a full day of live fire (loaner ammunition not included and at additional cost, range availability may limit this).

What's included

  • NRA Guide: Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook
  • NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
  • NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
  • Basics of Shotgun Shooting Student Examination
  • NRA course completion certificate
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