Introductory Through Advanced Shotgun Courses

Course Brief:  This class is designed as a simple hands-on introduction to the safe and efficient handling of the shotgun system. A great introduction that covers all aspects in the selection and operation of the very versatile and mostly underused system. The class is perfect for shooters with little to no knowledge of shotguns, or for those that are thinking of buying one for defense or for sporting use. This is also a recommended prerequisite to our Advanced Defensive Shotgun class.  

Course Level: Introductory 

Cost: $175  

Length: 4 Hours 

Skills that will be worked on and Topics Discussed in this Class: 

- Firearm Safety 

- Types of Shotguns 

- Varieties of Ammunition 

- Nomenclature 

- Parts and Accessories 

- Sighting Systems 

- Marksmanship Fundamentals 

- Shotgun Operation 

- Cleaning and Maintenance 

- Recoil Management 

- Firearm Selection 

Ammunition Required: 

25 rounds of buckshot and 5 rounds of shotgun slugs minimum. 

Equipment Required: 

Shotgun rental is available, if needed, for $25. Must request rental at time of booking. 

Prerequisites: 

Students must be 18 years or older 

Maximum Student to Instructor Ratio: 6:1 

Maximum Number of Students: 6 

Course Brief:  Students should enter this course with a basic understanding of the mechanics of your shotgun such as loading and clearing. With the correct choice and application of the different types of ammunition, a shotgun is one of the most versatile defensive tools ever created. We will begin with a refresher in safety issues specific to shotguns. Then not only do we discuss when and where buckshot, slugs and birdshot are appropriate, but also build a knowledge base of less lethal ammunition as well. You will learn ranging & patterning of both buckshot and slugs. Running a shotgun effectively requires a lot of manual dexterity so we will focus heavily on loading/reloading techniques both in an administrative environment and under stress. Shooting on the move, improvised positions, recoil management and using cover are all addresses. This is not a course for the inexperienced nor the faint of heart or shoulder. 

Course Level: Advanced 

Cost: $300 Includes Range Fees, Targets, Lunch, Drinks, and Merchandise 

Length: 7.5 Hours 

Skills that will be worked on and Topics Discussed in this Class:  

- Nomenclature and Functions 

- Sling Set-up 

- Stance & Grip 

- Low Muzzle / High Muzzle 

- Presentation / Mounting 

- Explanation of Loading, Unloading and Malfunctions 

- Recoil Reduction Techniques 

- Basic Ballistic Issues 

- Patterning  

- 25 Yards & Under 

- 25 Yards & Over 

- Shooting from Different Positions 

- Moving & Shooting 

Skills and Requirements Needed Coming Into this Class: 

- Students must be familiar and competent with basic loading, firing and manipulation of his/her shotgun of choice. If you would like help with any of the above, we recommend the course below or booking a Private Training Session with one of our instructors prior to attending this class.  

- Must have a valid concealed weapons license and present it to the instructor upon check-in. If you do not have a valid Concealed Weapon License from a US State, let us know at booking and we will provide directions on how to provide a background check in lieu of this requirement. Background check reports must be received no later than 3 business days prior to the class. 

Prerequisite Course which will Help You Obtain the Above Skills but is Not Mandatory:  

- Introduction to Shotgun 

Equipment List:  

- Your Chosen Shotgun 

- 150 rounds of birdshot, 25 rounds of buckshot and 25 rounds of shotgun slugs (specific guidelines will be provided in course confirmation email) 

- Sling  

- Shell Carriers 

- Full-wrap Eye and Ear Protection (May be rented from the range.) 

- Baseball Cap 

- Elbow and Knee Pads 

- Pen and Paper 

Maximum Student to Instructor Ratio: 5:1 

Maximum Number of Students: 15 

Course Brief:    

A high‑intensity program that picks up from our Advanced Defensive Shotgun Course. It is designed to push students beyond basic proficiency and into the realm of adaptive, judgment‑based shotgun employment with transition to pistol. The curriculum blends technical understanding, physical skill, and decision‑making under pressure. This course is ideal for experienced Shotgun and Pistol shooters, tactical teams, and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of shotgun performance in dynamic, stress-induced environments. Students should arrive with solid foundational skills in both Pistol and Shotgun use. This is an ADVANCED course that requires students be prepared for both a physically and mentally challenging training experience.

Course Level: Advanced 

Cost: $575 Includes Range Fees, Targets, Lunches, Drinks, and Merchandise 

Length: 2 Days

Skills that will be worked on and Topics Discussed in this Class:  

- Understanding Platform Characteristics & Configuration Choices.

- Strengths and Limitations of Buckshot, Slugs & Specialty Loads,

- Matching Ammunition to Mission Context.

- Zeroing Concepts. 

- Understanding Pellet Behavior at Varying Distances - Precision, Accountability & Pattern Control.

- Practical Shooting & Field Positions Such as Stability and Recoil Management across Standing, Kneeling, 

Prone & Improvised Positions.

- Mobility while Managing a High‑Recoil Platform. 

- Reloading Under Duress Vs Transition to Pistol.

-Use of Pistol with Shotgun - Where, When, Why, How

- Tactical Engagement of Single & Multiple Threats.

- Decision‑Making and Target Discrimination.

- Ballistic Considerations and Scenario‑Driven Decision‑Making. 

- Firing on the Move - Footwork, Balance, and Recoil Management.

- Point Shooting the Shotgun.

- Moving Targets.

- Maintaining Safe Muzzle Orientation while Dynamically Repositioning. 

Skills and Requirements Needed Coming Into this Class: 

- Must be comfortable with chosen Shotgun AND pistol while shooting in a dynamic environment.

- Must be competent with solid manipulation and use of chosen firearms.

- Must have a valid concealed weapons license and present it to the instructor upon check-in. If you do not have a valid Concealed Weapon License from a US State, let us know at booking and we will provide directions on how to provide a background check in lieu of this requirement. Background check reports must be received no later than 3 business days prior to the class. 

Prerequisite Course which will Help You Obtain the Above Skills but is Not Mandatory:  

- Advanced Defensive Handgun Level One

AND

- Advanced Defensive Shotgun

OR

- Proof of similar course completion from Clint Smith / Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, Tactical Response, LMS Defense / John Chapman, Sentinel Concepts / Steve Fisher or Sig Sauer Academy. FFT reserves the right to refuse training or service.

Equipment List:  

- Your Chosen Shotgun with a Stock. 12 or 20 gauge. 

- 450 rounds of LEAD ONLY (no Steel shot) birdshot, 25 rounds of buckshot and 25 rounds of shotgun slugs

- Shell Carriers 

- Baseball Cap 

- Elbow and Knee Pads 

- Pen and Paper

- Tactical Sling, 1 or 2 point or 2-1 convertible

- Your Chosen Handgun

- 250 Rounds Handgun Ammunition (This may be purchased at the range.)

- A Standard Strong Side Holster for your Chosen Handgun (*Holster Guidelines)

- Minimum of 3 Handgun Magazines 

- Sturdy Gun Belt and Pants with Belt Loops

- Magazine Pouches to allow carry of Spare Shotgun Shells and Handgun Magazines

- Weapon Cleaning and Lubrication Equipment

Maximum Student to Instructor Ratio: 5:1 

Maximum Number of Students: 15