Advice needed for training (newbie)

[dav]

First, I have never even fired a shotgun. The plus side of this is that I can truly claim I have no bad habits to break. Hmm, maybe that isn't true... I don't practice enough, obviously.

This will be a HD weapon. Not intending to progress to trap/skeet/clays. May happen, but that is for future consideration. For now, basics and how best to become familiar with using are the goal. Probably a Rem870 or Mossberg 500.

Anyway, I'd like your advice on where to turn for training. I can find a local instructor, but I don't know how to tell if they will be any good with a new student.

Or I could sign up for Awerbuck's course in Prescott in June. Level I, but probably still more advanced than I could readily absorb, and I might interfere with how quickly the class could progress. Not fair to others in the class, possibly.

Or I could just fake it and BA/UU/R! But I know I'll get into all kinds of bad habits if I try that.

All advice eagerly listened to.

Thanks.

 

[P95Carry]

My shotgunning is pretty small scale, compared with all else but ...... I'd say first that (and not knowing your other shooting experience) ... that your most important priority is to be TOTALLY familiar with the rules of firearm safety. I never remember the ''famous four'' .... at least not in a sequence.

But for me first and foremost is to NEVER point a weapon toward anything you would not wish to hit! Follow that and even if you screwed up on the others, no one will get hurt.

A firearm is ALWAYS loaded ...... and treated as such.

Finger off trigger until required otherwise.

As far as shotgunning itself ............ you would benefit from some help I am sure ........ and it would not be bad to even short term, sign up for some trap and skeet practice. You'd be with folk who are familiar for most part and it would sharpen your instinctive shooting skills IMO.

If I am ''preaching to choir'' .. sorry .. but have made assumption you are not yet a full time shooter.

Oh and ... I know many favor a shotgun for HD but ... you might equally consider a handgun ...... or two!

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

dav,

First of all, you are already doing something about your training. You're asking questions.

As for my training, I have done the BA/UU/R method with "decent" results. In other words, I hit my target(s). As far as reloading drills, carry positions, etc. I'm sure that a great video and/or book would do. However, I decided to take some formal training at West Coast Tactical in Torrence. I am halfway through completing the Level 1 Shotgun course and am quite pleased thus far. Keep in mind that this is my first paid training course, EVER. The class size is 14 with three instructors. Note that not everyone is on the dry-fire drills or live-fire drills at the same time, they break them up into relays, thus maximizing the student to teacher ratio. The instructors seem to be very attentive to students' needs and are friendly to boot. Like I said, I am halfway through finishing the course (broken into two consecutive sundays) and if you'd like, I can provide you with a more in depth review upon completion.

Jim

 

[dav]

P95Carry wrote:

I know many favor a shotgun for HD but ... you might equally consider a handgun

I just looked over my post. Thought I had included that, but you are right, I did not mention it...
My "usual" gun, for target and for HD, is a Kimber Compact .45.
I do agree, tho. Safety rules first, then all other training can be done without endangering anyone.
I'll be interested in your review, Duke of Lawnchair!
I considered heading north, thought visiting Arizona might be more fun, and this class would be a great excuse.
Dav

 

[BerettaNut92]

http://ftatv.com/fees.htm

There's a shotgun class this weekend. See that red spot on my shoulder?

 

[dav]

Skunk,

In another thread you mentioned you might go to Awerbuck's shotgun class in AZ. I was hoping to meet you there.

After all, you are only 80 miles away from me here in the PRK, it only makes sense we should each drive 400 or 500 miles to get together to shoot, doesn't it?

Dav

 

[MolonLabe416]

Run, do not walk, to Awerbuck's website and book the class!

He is an outstanding instructor, certainly in the top half-dozen.

You will be able to follow his level I class.

I'll be seeing him in June for a pistol class.

You might also check out Bill Jeans at Morrigan Consulting, Randy Cain at Cumberland Tactics, and Jim Crews at Marksman Enterprises. They all travel and you will learn from each one.

BTW, if you're not used to shooting a shotgun, and even if you are, I recommend you get on of the strap on sissy pads. You'll learn a lot more if you aren't sore.

If you've never been to a class with one of the guys above, you are in for possible the best 3 days of your life. Universally good folks.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Dav, the guys here are right on the money. I know a couple of folks who have done shotguns with Awerback. They sing his praises and consider the money well invested.They shoot pretty darn good, too.

NOTHING beats competent instruction combined with BA/UU/R.

For now, get a nice short barreled Big Four Pump and get it fitting you.

Use the lightest loads you can find, and shoot some trap, skeet, SC, Wobble, bunker, etc. Practice your mount at home, and your form. The Floater about Proper Mounting Techniques may help.

HTH....

 

[riverdog]

Start with American Skeet. As you improve start shooting the other games as well. Don't start with Trap.

 

[El Tejon]

Herrre's a cluuue for youuu--take the Awerbuck class.

 

[riverdog]

...I have never even fired a shotgun. ...

I might be getting to the point where a Louis Awerbuck shotgun course wouldn't be a waste of money; there is a minimum skill level required for the course to be beneficial. Sure, he'd learn some but it would would be very frustrating for ALCON. ITTS in L.A. offers a one day prerequisite course in May for the three day Awerbuck course in July. Even ITTS seems to think you shouldn't start out with Awerbuck.

My recommendation would be to start out with an instructor shooting Skeet and develop some basic shotgun skills. Once you feel comfortable with Clay games, thnik about taking an Awerbuck shotgun course. You may have some bad habits to be corrected, but you'll feel much more comfortable and may take more away from the course than you would starting in an advanced level class.