Training defensive shotgun skills @ indoor range?

[NoirFan]

Hello, the range I shoot at is an indoor facility, 50 yard max distance. They allow all types of shotgun ammo: buck, bird and slugs. I've already done my patterning, and I'd like to build some more defensive shotgun skills but a single lane at an indoor range is kind of limited in what you can do there.

So far I've been just doing reloading and manipulation drills, moving shells from the saddle to the tube while keeping the gun on target. If I'm there with a friend, we take turns loading a random number of shells into the gun, then taking turns firing; that way you don't know when it's going to go empty and prompt a reload. I intend to take a class when I have the time but any other exercise suggestions for the time being are appreciated.

Thanks

 

[strambo]

Go to Amazon, buy about half a dozen (or more) dummy shells. Include the Magpul "Art of Dynamic Shotgun" DVD set in your cart (it is a steal at $16.94). Then, after confirming the SG is clear, load it with the dummy rounds and you can follow along with the DVD like you are in the class. Pause to get more reps in of any drill. Then, you'll have more to practice (and better practice) at the range.

 

[lemaymiami]

If your range facility will allow... use as big a target as possible with colored balloons mounted in various locations. Starting from the empty chamber with safety on...have your partner call out random colors at various time intervals (as well as combinations - in order...). After each response (at one shot, two or three shot intervals) return to high port and re-safety the weapon... Once you're comfortable working the various shot combinations - have your partner at random intervals ask for a round count (you must know, at all times how many rounds remain in your weapon..).

Once you're comfortable with this course of fire (using birdshot, low brass rounds initially at fairly close range, 7 meters or less...) then move to 00 buck rounds... After you've mastered the above drills -then make the transition to rifled slugs and start all over....

Learning to hit what you're aiming at with short notice (no shooting until your routine is called out by the partner each time whether one round or multiple rounds, re-loading as needed, always being dead certain of remaining rounds in weapon when asked )... You're ready to advance a bit. Practice loading without looking at anything but that target downrange, then add a few dummy rounds to your magazine - concentrating on how to respond when a round in the chamber doesn't fire...

The last exercises will probably never be allowed in an indoor range... Find someone to teach you the basics of skip-shooting (ricochet rounds) - where you need to aim and the practical result downrange. Anyone that can handle a popper with total confidence and also be able to hit a partially concealed target using skip shooting is a very accomplished actor out on the street where it counts...

 

[azrocks]

You can do A LOT in the comfort of your own home. I second Strambo.

 

[entropy]

Third that. Most indoor ranges aren't going to allow meaningful training.

 

[Zoogster]

Once you master rapidly hitting your target with multiple rounds there is not much you can do. A shotguns best attribute is speed in swinging fast and putting a lot of lead towards the target in that first shot.
But you lose the ability to train swinging a shotgun in a narrow indoor range. You end up having to shoot it like a carbine. If you already shoot rifles and carbines the only thing you get is familiar with the recoil.

Clays also teaches swinging, leading and getting used to how it feels to shoot from less than ideal angles.