I want to take some time to discuss the value of "Tactical Training" when it comes to using a shotgun.
I have been an avid shotgunner for most of my life. However my shooting was all hunting, and primarily Dove Hunting.
I was relatively safe most of the time, but looking back from where I'm at now, I was not really all that safe unless I was completely alone. Yes people didn't even know they were in danger while in my armed presence. To be fair I was in just as much Jeopardy from them, as they were from me, simply because none of us were really all that safe.
We were just lucky!
When I started going to Front Sight in 2006 everything changed. We started out with Pistols but I soon found out that it all translated to long guns as well, and when we went to rifle classes we didn't have to be told to keep our fingers out of the trigger guard cuz that had already been drilled into us.
The Shotgun classes are more like Rifle classes but are seriously more fun, because you soon find out that you have much more raw power in your hands than with a .223 carbine.
The thing that makes these classes worth while is that they not only teach you gun handling,,,
They drill it into you!
You would be surprised just how much there is to know about running the different styles of guns, and the different things you can do with them. But once you are familiar with the basics, and can actually perform them at will, the difference it will make in the field is amazing.
This is not something that you just go do, and Nirvana follows you home. It actually takes willingness to learn and practice to develop the Muscle Memory you need to be at your best.
I don't even want to hear about "I'm old and Set in my Ways and can't learn" Big Ship!, better than half the people (Men and Women) in our last Rifle and Shotgun Classes were as old or older than me. (69) Some people have a little more trouble getting up and down. (I don't do prone or sitting positions any more because it takes me longer to get back up than it does to assume the position.) I don't need to do it for a class, and I can do it if I really need to, but I do all my shooting from the offhand position in these classes. Mainly cuz I don't feel like rolling in the dirt.
The best reason why you should look seriously at getting trained is because it will make you a better shooter all around. It will also prepare you for the very real possibility that we need to defend our freedom here at home. Things are getting crazy in DC and you never know if they will pull off a coup or not. If they do, there will be a fight. This is something we all need to consider.
Being prepared for any eventuality is a good thing. Not having to use it is even better. Hopefully the insanity will dissipate soon.
There are several guys I know of here at Castboolits who have gotten this type of training and it would be a good thing if they could chime in and share their experiences and how they benefited from the experience.
Randy