Defensive Shotgun (8 Hours)

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Overview

The shotgun is one of the most effective yet often misunderstood tools for personal defense. Whether pump-action or semi-automatic, using a shotgun responsibly and effectively in a defensive situation requires more than just basic familiarity.  It demands a solid understanding of its strengths, limitations, and proper handling. This intensive one-day course is designed specifically for civilians who want to build confidence and competence with the defensive shotgun. It serves as the next step beyond introductory training, bridging the gap between foundational skills and practical defensive use. Participants will learn essential techniques, efficient loading and manipulation methods, and the defensive mindset needed to respond effectively under pressure. Guided by experienced instructors, students will run a variety of realistic live-fire drills to reinforce their skills in safe, controlled conditions. By the end of the course, students will have a clear understanding of how to employ the shotgun as a powerful and reliable personal defense tool.

Experience Requirements

This is an advanced level class.  We require successful completion of SIG SAUER Academy’s Shotgun 104 and Handgun 103 or equivalent. The student MUST know and be able to demonstrate how to safely load, fire, and unload a shotgun as well as have demonstrated competence in working from a holster with their handgun.

Course Outline

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to…

• Recall how to load, unload, status check, and mount a shotgun.
• Engage targets using various ready positions.
• Discuss Use of Force as it applies to the responsible armed citizen
• Safely demonstrate how to transition from shotgun to pistol.
• Apply knowledge of shotgun ammunition ballistics to accurately engage targets at various distances.
• Discuss why communication and scanning is important in a defensive application. 
• Recognize and clear malfunctions.
• Safely and efficiently practice moving, stopping, then shooting.
• Differentiate between cover and concealment. 
• Apply knowledge of cover to engage a target.

Equipment List

• Reliable, mechanically sound shotgun equipped with a single- or 2-point defensive sling and ammunition side saddle (pump or semi-auto)
• Semi-auto pistol in one of the following calibers: .380, 9mm NATO, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP
• 3 minimum magazines
• Dominant side, hip-mounted holster or dominant side, belt-mounted holster
• Holster Requirements:
  • Must completely support the pistol.
  • Must not collapse once drawn.
  • Must fit properly to the belt. 
  • When holstered, the trigger guard must be completely covered. 
  • Must be oriented in a safe direction for drawing. 
  • “Trigger Finger” style retention devices are not permitted.
  • Must be able to draw and holster one-handed; Support hand cannot be utilized.
  • Holster compliance is at the discretion of the instructor. If a holster is deemed to not comply with safety requirements, a loaner SIG SAUER pistol and/or appropriate holster will be provided. Exceptions can be made for Agency or Department issued equipment. Questions? Please call us at 603.610.3400.
• Magazine pouches
• Sturdy belt at least 1.5” wide
• Footwear suitable for rapid movement and turning
• Clothing suitable for training in any weather
• Hat with a brim (optional)
• Knee and elbow pads
• Wraparound eyewear, polycarbonate lenses or non-shattering prescription glasses
• Earmuffs and earplugs

Tuition includes free loan of firearms, holsters, safety glasses and hearing protection at Epping, NH and New Smyrna Beach, FL locations.
 

Ammo

• Estimated round count:
  • 100 rounds buckshot
  • 50 rounds rifled slugs
  • 125 rounds birdshot
  • 100 rounds handgun
• Lead core ammunition to be used on steel only
• No green/brown tip, armor piercing, or surrogate rounds to be used on steel at any time
• Pre purchase ammunition is available for purchase from the Epping facility only