Defensive Shotgun Class
 

As part of my ongoing efforts to better myself in general and to help prepare for whatever eventualities may arise, this weekend I took a two-day 8 hour course in using shotguns for self-defense. This was at Rangemaster in Memphis, TN, which isn't too far from where I live in North Mississippi.

Now to be fair I have fired a shotgun before, but it's probably been 25 years ago. And I did take a pistol marksmanship class in college, about the same length of time ago. But even still I consider myself a complete novice when it comes to using firearms. At least with this class I learned the basics about how to load and shoot, and a bit about basic tactics for using shotguns as a defensive weapon.

Of course the first thing I figured out was that the shotgun I happen to own, a well-used Mossburg 500 field model that I purchased for $125 from a friend-of-a-friend, is very impractical for a home defense gun. Not only is the stock is way too long for me but the 28 inch barrel is just too long and heavy. Oh it beats all he!! out of nothing, which is what I've had for all my adult life up until now, but next to the various tactical shotguns with 18 or 20 inch barrels that everyone else in the class had, I felt like I had stepped out of an old Western movie or something. But I'm happy to report that my gun is in good working order and goes BOOM when I pull the trigger and that I can put a pattern or a slug on target out to 25 yards if need be.

Now of course I have to buy at least some ammo, even if I will probably have to keep the shotgun in the attic to placate my wife, who is none too happy it's even in the house. And I am looking longingly at a better model of shotgun, and I'll have to make sure it has a ghost ring site, a modified high-capacity magazine, a custom shortened stock, and a butt saddle. And of course I'd be foolish not to take some handgun classes and start thinking about getting my concealed carry license since I have nothing in my background which would prohibit me from doing so. And of course if I do this then getting a membership at the Range so I can practice would be necessary. And of course a rifle needs to be considered at some point to round out a minimal set of firearms.

But at least I took a first step. Now if I can just keep the peace at home with my wife...she already thinks I'm a bit off because I started doing food preps!

:36_3_12:

Re: Defensive Shotgun Class
 

William, I prefer the short stock with a 12 1/4 inch length of pull on my 870. Seems to make it much easier to navigate around inside the house--down hallways and around tight corners, etc.--with the weapon drawn in tightly to my body. I am 6 ft tall with long arms, but it still feels faster to shoulder and shoot with the shorter (youth length) butt stock.

I am fortunate to have a wife who is with me on firearms, and other preps. I think it must be fear of even thinking about trouble that upsets people...ladies especially. Ask her how she would defend herself (and children) against a home invasion if you weren't around. Try building up her confidence and ease around firearms by teaching her how to handle, operate, and shoot defensively. If that doesn't work, see if she will take a womens' firearms class. Wives often respond better to professional (unbiased) instruction than from their husbands.

Best of luck, SC

Re: Defensive Shotgun Class
 

William, what about buying a 18.5" barrel and tactical stock for your Mossy, instead of a new shotgun?

It's great that you took the class! I would love to take one, if there was one available nearby.

Re: Defensive Shotgun Class
 

What exactly did you learn that you did not know before?
Be well.

Re: Defensive Shotgun Class
 

Well, a pistol grip is inexpensive, AND you can probably get a like-new 18'' barrel cheap somewhere. That puts you RIGHT BACK IN THE GAME at a moderate cost. The 500 is a proven gun, and parts abound for this great gun.

Re: Defensive Shotgun Class
 

:111::111::111::cry1::cry1:


ROFLMAO