NRA Basics of Shotgun Shooting Course
Course overview:
The NRA Basics of Shotgun Shooting Course is designed as a practical, hands-on introduction to the safe and efficient handling of the shotgun system. Students will gain a solid foundation in the selection, operation, and responsible use of one of the most versatile—yet often underutilized—firearm platforms available today.
Whether you're new to firearms, considering purchasing a shotgun for home defense, or looking to expand your skills for sporting applications, this class provides the knowledge and confidence needed to operate a shotgun safely and effectively.
Participants will learn essential safety principles, proper handling techniques, ammunition selection, loading and unloading procedures, and basic marksmanship fundamentals—all in a structured, supportive training environment led by experienced instructors.
This course is ideal for shooters with little to no prior shotgun experience and is strongly recommended as a prerequisite to our Advanced Defensive Shotgun course.
During this course, students will receive hands-on instruction and practical guidance in the following key areas:
-Firearm Safety — Understanding and applying the core safety rules for responsible shotgun ownership and operation.
-Types of Shotguns — Overview of pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action shotgun platforms and their common uses.
-Varieties of Ammunition — Identification and proper selection of birdshot, buckshot, slugs, and specialty loads
-Nomenclature — Familiarization with shotgun components and terminology to build confidence and safe handling
-Parts and Accessories — Understanding common accessories such as slings, lights, optics, and shell carriers
-Sighting Systems — Introduction to bead sights, ghost ring sights, and optic options for defensive and sporting applications
-Marksmanship Fundamentals — Proper stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through
-Shotgun Operation — Safe loading, unloading, chamber checks, and manipulation techniques
-Cleaning and Maintenance — Routine care procedures to ensure reliability, longevity, and safe function
-Recoil Management — Techniques to control recoil, improve comfort, and maintain accuracy during firing
Firearm Selection — Guidance on choosing the right shotgun based on intended use, experience level, and personal needs
Participants receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, the NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and a course completion certificate.
Whether you're new to firearms, considering purchasing a shotgun for home defense, or looking to expand your skills for sporting applications, this class provides the knowledge and confidence needed to operate a shotgun safely and effectively.
Participants will learn essential safety principles, proper handling techniques, ammunition selection, loading and unloading procedures, and basic marksmanship fundamentals—all in a structured, supportive training environment led by experienced instructors.
This course is ideal for shooters with little to no prior shotgun experience and is strongly recommended as a prerequisite to our Advanced Defensive Shotgun course.
During this course, students will receive hands-on instruction and practical guidance in the following key areas:
-Firearm Safety — Understanding and applying the core safety rules for responsible shotgun ownership and operation.
-Types of Shotguns — Overview of pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action shotgun platforms and their common uses.
-Varieties of Ammunition — Identification and proper selection of birdshot, buckshot, slugs, and specialty loads
-Nomenclature — Familiarization with shotgun components and terminology to build confidence and safe handling
-Parts and Accessories — Understanding common accessories such as slings, lights, optics, and shell carriers
-Sighting Systems — Introduction to bead sights, ghost ring sights, and optic options for defensive and sporting applications
-Marksmanship Fundamentals — Proper stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through
-Shotgun Operation — Safe loading, unloading, chamber checks, and manipulation techniques
-Cleaning and Maintenance — Routine care procedures to ensure reliability, longevity, and safe function
-Recoil Management — Techniques to control recoil, improve comfort, and maintain accuracy during firing
Firearm Selection — Guidance on choosing the right shotgun based on intended use, experience level, and personal needs
Participants receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, the NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and a course completion certificate.
Course Level: Introductory
Cost: $200
Length: 6hrs
Ammunition Required: 100rds of ammo for your shoutgun.
75 birdshot shell
10 slug shell
15 "00" Buck Shell
Equipment Required: Shotgun, Ammo, Hat, Eye and Ear protection. Hydration, Food and Light Snacks.
(firearms are avaialable for rent. Please contact the staff if a rental firearm is needed)
Cost: $200
Length: 6hrs
Ammunition Required: 100rds of ammo for your shoutgun.
75 birdshot shell
10 slug shell
15 "00" Buck Shell
Equipment Required: Shotgun, Ammo, Hat, Eye and Ear protection. Hydration, Food and Light Snacks.
(firearms are avaialable for rent. Please contact the staff if a rental firearm is needed)