Shotgun Series · Course 03 · Classroom + Range
Defensive Shotgun
Run It When It Counts · Governors Gun Club
Here at Governors Gun Club, we love for our customers to feel comfortable and empowered with their firearms. This 5-hour defensive shotgun course combines classroom discussion and live range time, taught by experienced civilian instructors. You'll leave with a solid understanding of your shotgun, your ammo, and how to use both confidently. No experience required.
5 hours
Classroom + range
$200
No experience needed
Kennesaw, GA
Governors Gun Club · Kennesaw, GA
5
Hours
6
Topics Covered
$200
Course Fee
0
Experience Required
What you'll learn
Safety & Responsibility · Shotgun Fundamentals · Action Types · Ammunition · Malfunctions · Accessories
01
Safety Rules & Firearm Responsibility
Every class starts here. You'll cover the 4 universal rules of firearm safety applied specifically to shotguns, the legal and ethical responsibilities of a firearm owner, and the mindset that separates a trained defensive shooter from an unprepared one.
4 universal rules
Firearm owner responsibilities
Safe storage basics
Defensive mindset
02
Fundamentals of Shooting
Stance, grip, cheek weld, sight alignment, trigger control, follow-through — you'll build a solid shooting foundation that applies whether you're running a pump or a semi-auto. Dry practice is integrated throughout so you're reinforcing technique even when not firing live rounds.
Stance and grip
Cheek weld and sight alignment
Trigger control
Dry practice integration
03
Shotgun Action Types
Break-action, pump, and semi-automatic shotguns each operate differently and suit different needs. This module covers how each action type functions, the pros and cons of each for defensive use, and what factors should guide your choice — so you can make an informed decision about which platform is right for you.
Break-action overview
Pump operation
Semi-auto operation
Choosing the right platform
04
Ammunition & How Firearms Fire
Understanding what's in your shell and what happens when you pull the trigger makes you a safer, better-informed shooter. You'll learn the components of shotgun ammunition, the difference between buckshot, birdshot, and slugs, what happens inside the chamber at the moment of firing, and how to select the right load for your defensive needs.
Ammo components
Buckshot vs. birdshot vs. slug
The firing sequence
Load selection for defense
05
Malfunctions & How to Clear Them
Malfunctions happen — the question is whether you're prepared to work through them. You'll learn the most common shotgun malfunctions (failure to feed, failure to eject, double-feed) and drill the correct response for each using dummy rounds, so the clearing process becomes automatic before you ever need it under pressure.
Failure to feed
Failure to eject
Double-feed
Dummy round drills
06
Accessories & Range Session
The right accessories make your defensive shotgun more effective and easier to use. You'll get instructor recommendations on lights, slings, side saddles, and sights based on your specific setup and needs. The class closes with live range time putting everything covered in the classroom into practice with your own firearm or a GGC rental.
Lights and slings
Side saddles
Sight options
Live range session
What to bring
Course Materials
Defensive Shotgun
Bring your own defensive shotgun — pump or semi-auto. Rentals available if needed.
Eye & Ear Protection
Required on the range at all times. Safety gear rental available at no extra cost
Ammunition — student supplied
50 rounds 00 buckshot + 10 rounds rifled slug (lead). Low recoil options recommended for new shooters. Ammo counts are flexible — drills are coupled with dry practice. Available in-store.
Course details
What to Know
Duration
5 hours
Format
Classroom + range
Cost
$200
Prerequisites
None
Ammo Needed
60 Rounds
Rentals
Included free
Upcoming class dates
Register for an Upcoming Class
Select a date below to register. New dates are added regularly — check back if no dates are currently listed.
No upcoming dates are currently scheduled. Check back soon or contact us at instructors@governorsgunclub.com to be notified when new dates are added.
Shotgun Series — Your Learning Path
Trap Shooting 101
→
5-Stand Sporting Clays
→
Defensive Shotgun
→
Shotgun Cleaning & Maintenance