About our Idaho Beginner Shotgun Class 101

Idaho Beginner Shotgun Class

Our Idaho Beginner Shotgun Class 101 is an introductory class for beginner shotgun students. The class focuses on the essentials of shotgun concepts, safe shotgun handling, essential gun safety rules, the different available shotgun actions, choosing the correct ammunition, care and maintenance of the shotgun, Idaho Laws, and the proper way to secure a shotgun when not in use.

Using Modern Gun Training Techniques combined with old training techniques we can teach beginner shotgun students how to shoot more accurately in a shorter amount of time.

The classes are a fun learning experience for all young and old, experienced or not. The way of training shotgun students has changed and utilizing modern training techniques is a requirement in today’s shotgun world. Come join us for this informative class to learn about your shotgun options.

Types of Shotgun Actions

Semi-Automatic shotguns come in many styles and gauges. Some are designed specifically for sports shooting activities while others are designed specifically for home defense. Deciding the perfect shotgun requires a complete understanding of its purposes.

Regardless of intended use, semi-automatic shotguns perform the same action each time the trigger is pressed – they discard the spent shotgun shell and replace them without user intervention. In short, once a shell is shot a replacement shell is loaded automatically.

Shotgun Ammunition

16 gauge ammunition is primarily used for hunting small and upland game like pheasant, quail, dove, rabbit, and squirrel. While some would advocate 16-gauge is suitable for hunting beer, turkey, and duck, it’s not recommended.

Fundamentals of Shotgun Shooting

When it comes to shotguns, your stance must be relaxed and comfortable for you to get into. There are many stances available for the beginner shooter to model after to find the one that is just right for them.

A common shooting position consists of being balanced and stable. A popular stance is to face the shotgun field in what can be described as a fighting stance. Your dominant leg is shifted to the rear where your non-dominant leg is facing forward. The front leg is slightly bent while the rear leg remains straight.

Keep in mind the above stance is one of many and may not be appropriate for every shooting sport. We will examine which stance works best as we discuss the various shooting activities available for students.


Prerequisites:

  • NONE. This is a beginner shotgun class.

Adherence to the primary safety rules must always be followed.

  1. Keep the Firearm Pointed in a Safe Direction.
  2. Keep the Firearm Unloaded Until Ready to Use.
  3. Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Ready to Shoot.
  4. Know Your Target and Beyond.
  5. No Drugs, Alcohol, nor Cannabis are Allowed At The Range.

Equipment:

Day 1: Classroom – Saturday

  • Notepads, pens, paper.
  • personal shotgun of any caliber, cased, secured, and free of ammunition.

If you do not own a shotgun, we recommend taking this course before purchasing one. Shotgun rentals are available, including ammunition, during check-out.

  • Shotgun Case. Preferably lockable for transportation purposes.
  • Training Cartridges (Dummy Rounds): At least 5 Training Cartridges in the correct caliber are needed for this class.
    • Can be found at local sporting goods stores or online.
  • Two-point Shotgun Sling
  • Shotgun Cleaning Kit.
  • Length: 6 Hours

Day 2: Range Day – Sunday

Day 1: Classroom – Saturday

  • Notepads, pens, paper.
  • personal shotgun of any caliber, cased, secured, and free of ammunition.
  • Shotgun Case. Preferably lockable for transportation purposes.
  • Training Cartridges (Dummy Rounds): At least 5 Training Cartridges in the correct caliber are needed for this class.
    • Can be found at local sporting goods stores or online.
  • Two-point Shotgun Sling
  • Suitable Eye Protection. This can be wraparound eyewear, polycarbonate lenses, or non-shattering prescription glasses.
  • Suitable Ear Protection. We recommend electronic noise-canceling earmuffs, but earplugs are acceptable.
  • Check the weather report on the day of class and bring appropriate clothing.
  • Sunscreen or jackets when needed.
  • Beverages for Hydration.
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
  • Bug spray for the critters
  • No V-neck or similar shirts.
  • Suitable and Comfortable Footwear, no open-toed shoes are allowed.
  • Bring snacks for breaks. Snacks – Are allowed at the range – snacks are not allowed on the firing line.

Ammunition

  • 75 Rounds of #6-8 Birdshot
  • 20 Rounds of 00 Buck
  • 10 Rounds Slug
  • Knee Pads – for range day and private shooting drills afterward.
  • Small Personal Canopy during the summer season when temperatures are expected to be high.
  • Folding chair and a small folding table to create your own workstation (bench).
  • Estimated Length: 4 Hours.

NO LIVE AMMUNITION IN THE CLASSROOM

Additional Training Opportunities

Our Idaho Shotgun Classes 102 moves your training to the next level in shotgun development.

Now that you have learned the core essentials about shotgun shooting in the Shotgun Essentials 101 Class, we focus on improving your shooting skills. This course is taught entirely at the shotgun field allowing for the necessary time to refine your shooting fundamentals.