Shotgun: Setting yours up for class

Since our Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced classes are designed for the defensive use of the shotgun, we often receive questions from students who are interested in taking our classes, but aren't sure their hunting shotguns are acceptable. With a little preparation, we can turn those bird guns into defensive shotguns suitable for our training program. Here's a guide to help you get ready for a fun and enjoyable class with us.

Pump or Semi-Automatic

Either a classical pump gun or a modern semi-automatic shotgun will work for our classes. The instructors are outfitted with pump shotguns, so don't feel out of the place with the old-school guns. We see a variety of makes and models on the range. For pumps, the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 series are common. Benellis and Berretas make up most of the semiautomatics. Regardless, if your pump or semiauto performs reliability and safely, it will work for the class.

Barrel Length, Choke, and Rifling

An 18.5" barrel is preferred for defensive shotguns as it allows better maneuverability in structures, but we will accept shotguns with longer barrels. However, if you have barrel 22" or longer, we suggest purchasing an 18.5" barrel and swapping it out. The barrel "choke" is not relevant. Smoothbore barrels are recommended.

Sling

A two-point sling is required for class. We recommend the Viking Tactics sling, but similar slings from other manufacturers are acceptable. Below is a Viking Tactics sling:

Although "tactical shotguns" have proper sling attachment points, most standard hunting versions require aftermarket parts for proper attachment. The two-point sling needs to attach to 1) the buttstock and 2) on or near the magazine tube cap. For standard shotguns, there is usually a sling attachment point at the bottom of the buttstock; however, for better manipulation of the shotgun, the sling should attach on the side or top of the buttstock. To address this, Viking Tactics makes a sling adapter which wraps around the buttstock and provides an attachment point for the sling.

For the front attachment point, there are a variety options. The easiest is to replace the magazine cap which has QD swivel attachment or a locking swivel.

Another option is to purchase a mounting plate which is installed behind the magazine cap.

Sights

We allow shotguns with a variety of sights - from red dot sights to a bead at the end of the barrel. That said, we suggest you outfit your shotgun with either rifle-type sights (front post and rear notch), ghost rings sights, or a red dot sight. If your shotgun doesn't have sights, you can purchase a new barrel with iron sights already installed.

Shell Holders

"Side Saddle" mounts have been a popular option for storing extra shells on the receiver opposite of the ejection port. Adding a side sadle usually requires some modification of the receiver. Instead, we suggest purchasing "Shotgun Cards" to store additional rounds. This system consist of one loop velcro piece which sticks to the receiver and/or the buttstock, and a "card" with hook backing which sticks to the loop velcro on the firearm. Cards have capacities of 5-, 6- or 7-shells. They are cost effective and very efficient on the range. My shotgun has the cards on both the receiver and the buttstock (opposite of my cheekweld).

We hope this blog post will assist you in preparing your shotgun. We are always available to answer addition questions as they arise: dan@paladin-tactical-us.com

We hope to see you in one of our shotgun classes soon.