Our Shotgun Training Courses at Arsenal Defender LLC focus on real-world needs and practical shooting applications taught by experienced shotgun instructors. These courses are designed to give you efficient, high-value training that reduces overall range time and ammo costs while building genuine competence.
Through classroom instruction, hands-on drills, and live-fire practice, you’ll be coached in all facets of shotgun operation — from safe handling, loading/unloading, and malfunction clearance to effective shooting positions, patterning, target transitions, and tactical movement. By the end of the course you’ll be a confident, capable shotgun handler ready to apply your skills for home defense, competition, or professional use.
Ammunition recommendation: 10 slugs, 10 rounds buckshot, and 20 rounds birdshot.
Note: Depending on shotshell availability, shooters may bring 30 rounds of any sized shot (bird or buck) in addition to the 10 slugs.
Safety: Hearing and eye protection are required. If you do not own them, protection packages are available for purchase at a discounted rate through Arsenal Defender LLC.
Waivers:
Complete the General Release of Liability Waiver (required annually) online before your session if you prefer.
Rental Firearm Use Waiver must be completed on the day of training if using an Arsenal Defender LLC rental shotgun. If using a rental shotgun, ammunition must be purchased from Arsenal Defender LLC and rental arrangements must be coordinated before the training date.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $79.00
Basic Shotgun is an introductory course covering the function, operation, and marksmanship fundamentals of the shotgun. You’ll learn how shotguns work, basic ballistics and patterning, and how to safely and effectively operate a shotgun in defensive environments. The class emphasizes practical, hands-on skill development so students can operate under stress with control and confidence.
What you’ll learn
Safe handling, loading, and unloading procedures
Malfunction clearance and basic shotgun ergonomics
Patterning and shot selection (slugs, buckshot, birdshot)
Foundational shotgun tactics for self-defense and practical use
Live-fire drills to evaluate accuracy and pattern
Includes: Targets and predominantly range-based, hands-on instruction.
Prerequisite: None
Arrival: Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to class start time.
Attire: Comfortable, range-appropriate clothing (long-sleeve crew-neck style shirt recommended) and closed-toe footwear. A brimmed ball cap is suggested but not required.
Equipment:
Students should bring their own shotgun.