Live-fire course
Intro To: Shotgun
Learn to handle, load and shoot a shotgun safely, from stance and mount through to patterning and recoil management.
At a glance
Everything you need to know before you book
Length
3 Hours
Class size
Maximum of two shooting students per instructor, with a typical cap of six per session (shooters rotate).
Prerequisites
None. You do not need to have taken the CFSC or CRFSC.
Format
Live fire, outdoors at the range.
Ammunition
Typically 50 rounds of target shot (#7 to #9), 5-10 rounds of buckshot, 5 round of slug.
Language
Taught in English.
We know shotguns
The most versatile firearm of all
Shotguns are arguably the most versatile of firearms, from the petite .410 to the 10 gauge, and from #8 shot for upland game, to the one-ounce rifled slug for big game.
Our Introduction to Shotgun course is designed for beginners and for those looking to build a solid foundation in shotgun handling and shooting technique. This live-fire course takes place at the range and covers everything from safe handling practices to proper shooting technique.
By the end of the course, students will feel confident operating a shotgun safely and effectively, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to handle, load and fire a shotgun while understanding its unique characteristics and applications.
Safety is our top priority. Instructors guide you through every step to ensure proper handling and operation.
Where this fits
From your first shot to your own practice
A simple, modular path. You can start here without any licensing prerequisites.
1
Learn the range
Range Orientation covers the protocols and etiquette that make range days safe. Optional, but recommended.
2
Intro To: Shotgun
Build the fundamentals of shotgun handling, mounting, aiming and recoil control.
3
Practise and progress
Keep practising with the confidence that your habits are sound.
You do not need to own a shotgun. Firearm rentals and ammunition are available for an additional fee, by prior arrangement.
Course outline
What you will cover
Live-fire training at the range, including patterning at distance.
Firearm safety rules specific to shotguns
Understanding shotgun parts and operation
Ammunition types: birdshot, buckshot, and slugs
Configuration and purpose application
Proper stance, grip, and mounting techniques
Aiming and shooting fundamentals
Patterning a shotgun at different distances
Loading, unloading, and reloading procedures
Managing recoil effectively
Range etiquette and safety protocols
Live-fire practice
What to expect
A focused day on the range
Close supervision and plenty of repetitions. With a maximum of two shooting students per instructor, there is time to correct small errors before they become habits.
This course is for new and experienced shooters alike. It assumes no prior experience, and it is just as useful for the shooter who wants to start a journey of formal training.
This is an outdoor course. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and expect a small amount of walking around the range.
Firearms: bring your own if you hold the appropriate license, or rent one from us for an additional fee.
Ammunition: available for purchase; the cost of the course does not include firearm rental or ammunition.
PPE: bring your own eye and ear protection if you have it; it will be provided if you do not.
Waiver: liability waivers are required for all range-based courses.
What to bring
Come prepared for a day outside
Dress for the weather. The range is outdoors with no cover, and you will be outside for the length of the course.
Bring water and a snack, and a notepad and pen if you like to take notes. Taking notes is a key part of forming good habits.
You are encouraged to bring your own eye and ear protection, although PPE will be provided if you do not have any.
A suitable shotgun in any action and calibre, if you are licensed appropriately. Pump action or semi-automatic, in 20, 16 or 12 gauge, is recommended.
Interchangeable chokes or fixed choke.
Ammunition: 2 3/4 inch target (birdshot), #0, #00 or #000 buckshot, and slugs.
Eye and ear protection (electronic ear protection preferred).
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities (no open-toed shoes) and weather-appropriate gear.
Rentals available
Bring your own or rent ours
The cost of this course does not include firearm rental or ammunition. Shotguns can be rented at an additional cost by prior arrangement, and ammunition is available for purchase.
Other shooters may be present and shooting on the range while you shoot.
Where to next
Keep building your skills
No live fire
Range Orientation
The foundation course: protocols, etiquette and safety practices for the range.
Live fire
Intro To: Pistol
Handgun handling, grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control and live fire at the range.
Live fire
Intro To: Rifle
Rifle handling, shooting positions, sight alignment, trigger control and zeroing, with live fire at the range.
Questions people ask
Intro To: Shotgun questions
Do I need my own shotgun?
No. You can bring your own if you hold the appropriate license, or rent one from us for an additional fee by prior arrangement.
How much ammunition will I shoot?
It depends on what you want to take away from the course. Most students will use around 50 rounds of target (#7 to #9), 5 to 10 rounds of buckshot and up to 5 slugs.
Will I be assessed?
No. This is a skill-building course. There are no tests or exams.
Do I need my firearms license first?
No. Students do not need to have taken or passed the CFSC or CRFSC. You only need the appropriate license if you want to bring your own firearm.
How many students per instructor?
No more than two shooting students per instructor, with a typical cap of six students per session.
Is the course indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors, at the range, with a small amount of walking. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Will other people be shooting while I am there?
Possibly. Other range users may be present and shooting, so be prepared.
Can I book this privately?
Yes. This course is available as both a public and a private offering. Contact us for details.
Do I need to sign anything?
Yes. Liability waivers are required for all range-based courses.
Upcoming firearms courses
All courses are pre-booked, so secure your seat ahead of time.
Events
Proudly supporting
Proud business members of the CCFR
We are proud business members of the CCFR, and we credit them as the primary organisation responsible for opposing the continued constraints on Canadian firearms owners pushed by the federal government.
We strongly urge all firearms owners and enthusiasts to support the CCFR through membership and to purchase the legal insurance available to all members.
Ready to shoot your first rounds?
Book your Intro To: Shotgun seat, or ask us about the other live-fire courses.