SAFETY AND ORIENTATION: SHOTGUN
IPSC SHOTGUN SHOOTING COURSE
By now you should have a good knowledge of:
* What is IPSC shooting
* Where it started
* Basic overview of the rules of IPSC
* Basic overview of the Shotguns, ammo, and equipment
* Basic range safety and the use of Safety Areas
* Basic range commands and procedures
* Basic shouldering of the Shotgun and basic shooting stances
The following exercises should be handled by at least two instructors. One to explain, while the other demonstrates and watches.
Carrying a Shotgun on the Range
The Shotgun is always carried barrel pointed skywards, hammer down, magazine out or magazine tube empty, and chamber flag fitted. Preferably slung from the shoulder or in slip or gun case. We strongly recommend using a sling; this will make life on the range much easier and safer for all. Good one- or two-point sling designs are easily obtained at relative low cost. Get one! The competitor is not allowed to handle the Shotgun for any other purposes than transporting it in the prescribed manner to and from the firing line, the gun rack or the Safety Area, unless in a Safety Area or ordered to do so by a Range Officer on an active firing line. It must be stressed that since a Shotgun is not holstered, but often carried openly, the chamber flag must be fitted as this is the only visual indication that the Shotgun is made safe and cannot be fired.
Correct Techniques
On the range, correct instructional techniques require instructors to introduce, explain and demonstrate a skill. Having been exposed to the techniques you will then practice with unloaded (empty and proved) shotgun while the Range Officers coach.
Listen, Learn, and Ask Questions
This is the time for students to ensure they have a good understanding of each technique. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this stage to ask questions, seek assistance and listen to the advice given by the Instructors and Range Officers.
DRY FIRE DISCIPLINES
Now is the time to go to the range.
For this dry fire exercises, NO ammo present under any circumstances.
This following exercise is done repeatedly to become comfortable with loading and unloading commands and procedures.
Simulations Facing Downrange with No Ammunition
On the command, “Load and Make Ready” (no ammo) simulate loading and assuming the prescribed starting position when finished.
On the command, “If You are Finished, Unload and Show Clear” simulate unloading and showing clear.
These exercises should be repeated and repeated enough times to begin feeling comfortable with the process.
Once comfortable with the loading and unloading procedures, follow the “Load and Make Ready” (no ammo) with the Standby command and then a simulated signal to fire.
This will allow the loading procedure with the stance, grip, safety, sight alignment, and smooth trigger press followed by “If You are Finished, Unload and Show Clear”. The entire exercise should be done smoothly in slow motion. It should never be rushed.
At some point during this exercise when in the prescribed starting position and after the loading procedure, the competitor may be asked to present the Shotgun for inspection. This will allow the Range Officer to check if the safety catches have been applied.
Repeat and repeat the above enough times to begin feeling comfortable with the loading, shouldering, and unloading procedures.
Shouldering and Stance
When shouldering, the competitor should always try to assume a good, solid, offhand stance with as little body motion as possible. Shouldering the Shotgun from both a two handed, stock touching the hip starting position as well as others should be practiced. Practice slowly. You should strive for economy of motion. As you become more proficient, natural speed will develop.
From a two handed start the competitor brings the Shotgun slightly forward and up before bringing it into the shoulder. The strong side elbow moves out creating a triangular brace to keep the Shotgun in place, and the weak side foot simultaneously takes a small step forward as the competitor leans into the Shotgun to assume a solid stance.
For a trailing start the strong arm lifts the Shotgun so that the weak arm can grip the forearm carrying the weight of the Shotgun while the strong hand moves to the grip and pulls the Shotgun to the shoulder.
For offhand shooting your weak hand should grip the forearm as far forward as possible while maintaining a comfortable stance. Your trigger finger should remain outside of the trigger guard.
Remember to pull the Shotgun firmly into your shoulder.
LIVE FIRE DISCIPLINES
Eye and hearing protection must be worn on the firing range.
Safety Rules
Adhere to all safety rules. The Shotgun should remain in its case until it can be removed in either a designated Safety Area or on the line under the command of a Range Officer.
Obey Range Officers
All commands from a Range Officer must be obeyed immediately. Failure to comply may result in a competitor being asked to leave the range.
Pointing Downrange
During and after the loading process the Shotgun must remain pointed straight downrange at all times.
Off Target, Off Trigger
When not engaging a target the finger must remain off the trigger.
Safe Muzzle Direction
Never let the muzzle of the Shotgun point in any direction which would let a round exit the range.
Safe Handling
If you are not on the firing line under the command of the Range Officer, Shotguns may only be handled in a designated Safety Area.
Ammunition in Safety Area
Do not handle ammo or loaded magazines in Safety Area.
Load Only on Command
Load the Shotgun under the control of a Range Officer at the command “Load and Make Ready”. Do not load at any other time.
Eyes and Ears
All instructors and students must wear appropriate eye and ear protection at all times while on the shooting range.
NOW THE FUN STARTS
From this point on, all magazines and speed loaders should be fully charged, except for one stripper magazine which should have only one round.
Never handle ammunition or loaded magazines in any Safety Area. If you handle ammunition in the safety area it will result in immediate match disqualification.
The following exercises must take place on a shooting range under the supervision of an instructor or range official. Competitors must always wear eye and ear protection while on a shooting range.
Repeat the above Dry Fire Exercises with live ammo. Do not fire any rounds and do not put your finger on the trigger.
“Load and Make Ready”
A) Shotguns with removable magazine:
1. Smoothly move the Shotgun from the carrying position to a position where the barrel is parallel to the ground with a straight trigger finger, muzzle pointing straight downrange. Open the action and remove the chamber flag.
2. Cant the Shotgun so the magazine well can be seen. Fully insert the stripper magazine (the magazine with only one round). Alternatively, insert one cartridge in the chamber, without using magazine.
3. Close the action and apply the safety catch.
4. If a stripper magazine was used, release the magazine into your weak hand and visually check that the magazine is empty ensuring a chambered round. Put your stripper magazine in your pocket and replace with a fully charged magazine. Muzzle always pointing downrange and trigger finger always straight and well clear of the trigger guard.
5. Now assume the prescribed starting position with the fully loaded Shotgun. The safety must always be applied.
B) Shotguns with fixed magazine tube:
1. Smoothly move the Shotgun from the carrying position to a position where the barrel is parallel to the ground with a straight trigger finger, muzzle pointing straight downrange. Open the action and remove the chamber flag.
2. Cant the Shotgun so the loading/ejection port well can be seen. Fully insert one cartridge in the chamber.
3. Close the action and apply the safety catch.
4. Cant further the Shotgun so that the loading port can be seen. Insert the cartridges in the magazine tube, either one by one or with the use of a speedloader, depending on what’s applicable by the type of the Shotgun (i.e. Open, Standard, Standard Manual).
Muzzle always pointing downrange and trigger finger always straight and well clear of the trigger guard.
5. Now assume the prescribed starting position with the fully loaded Shotgun. The safety must always be applied.
“If You are Finished, Unload and Show Clear”
6. Lower the Shotgun as in Step 1 above.
7. Remove the source of ammo as in Step 4A or 4B above.
8. Remove the round in the chamber by working the action. With the bolt held or locked back present the Shotgun to the Range Officer for inspection.
“If Clear, Hammer Down, Open Action”
9. After the Range Officer has visually inspected the chamber and magazine well, and issues the above command.
10. Close the bolt, fire the action by pulling the trigger and open the bolt again. This is the ultimate check of empty chamber. At this point insert the chamber flag, usually assisted by the Range Officer. Always pointing downrange.
11. Sling the empty and unloaded Shotgun, and move it to a carrying position.
Since in IPSC Shotgun one makes use of mainly three shooting stances, standing offhand, kneeling and prone, dry fire exercises and the repetition of these with live rounds should include moving directly into and from these shooting stances. The competitor must be able to safely and smoothly move from a standing start position and directly to prone or kneeling while at all times maintaining safe gun handling.
“Range is Clear”
Not until the Range Officer issues the command “Range is Clear” may you move from the line, pick up brass, bend down, or move downrange.
Stand easy, until you hear this command.
The above exercises should be done enough times so that the competitor becomes comfortable with the live loading and unloading sequences.
At some point during this live exercise, after the loading procedure, the competitor may be asked to present the Shotgun for inspection allowing the Range Officer to check if the safety catches have been applied.
LIVE FIRE DRILLS
Competitors must always wear eye and ear protection while on the range. IPSC targets must be used for the following exercises.
Competitors may not, under any circumstances, handle the Shotgun, other than in the Safety Area or on the firing line under the command of the Range Officer. This safety procedure will be strongly enforced.
All the following exercises must have all shots on the target, with at least 50% A-zone hits on paper target with slug ammunition, in order to advance to the next level. Concentrate on a smooth shouldering, safe muzzle control, and keep checking the correct hold and stance. Score and patch between all stages.
The distances for all stages are short, allowing the use of pistol ranges if available and approved for Shotgun. The main object here is not precision as such, but safe gun handling. This also allows for quick resetting of stages.
Stages 1 – 9 must have all shots on the target and at least 50% A zone hits on paper target with appropriate ammo, before proceeding to the next stage. Stages with overtime shots also need to be repeated.
Exercise 1
Distance: 10 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 plates
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: Fire 1 round. Done X6 times.
On the start signal, fire one round at the IPSC plate, in your own time. Re-apply the safety each time and lower the Shotgun to the start position. This will be done six times. When completed, reset the targets.
Tip
Sights on the target ~ finger on the trigger
Sights off the target ~ finger off the trigger
Exercise 2
Distance: 15 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 poppers
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: From kneeling fire 1 round. Done X 6 times.
On the start signal, assume a kneeling stance and fire one round at the IPSC popper, in your own time. Re-apply the safety each time, stand up, and assume the start position. This will be done six times. When completed, reset the targets.
Tip
Moving to kneeling and shouldering the Shotgun can be done in one smooth move. Move your weak side foot forward as you drop down on your strong side knee and at the same time bring your Shotgun to the shoulder. Wear knee-pads or trousers with padded knees!
Exercise 3
Distance: 25 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 3 poppers
Rounds: 3 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: From prone fire 1 round. Done X 3 times.
On the start signal, go to prone and fire one round at the IPSC popper, in your own time. Re-apply the safety each time, stand up and assume the start position. This will be done three times. When completed, reset the targets.
Tip
Going prone in a hurry can hurt if you get it wrong! At the signal go to a kneeling position as in Exercise 2 but as you lean forward to go prone let go of the Shotgun with your weak hand and use it for support. As soon as you achieve balance kick out your legs and let yourself fall into prone.
At some point during these exercises, the competitor may be asked to present the Shotgun for inspection allowing the Range Officer to check if the safety catches have been applied.
Exercise 4
Distance: 15 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 3 Paper IPSC
Rounds: 6 Slug
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: Fire 2 rounds on one target. Done X 3 times.
On the start signal, fire two rounds at the IPSC paper target, in your own time. Re-apply the safety each time and lower the Shotgun to the start position. This will be done two more times, engaging the other two IPSC paper targets, one each time. When completed, score and restore the targets.
This exercise requires 50% A Zone hits.
Tip
Even for Shotgun moving to 15 meters requires a much more deliberate sight picture.
Exercise 5
Distance: 25 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 3 Paper IPSC
Rounds: 6 Slug
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: From kneeling fire 2 rounds on one target. Done X 3 times.
On the start signal, fire two rounds at the IPSC paper target, in your own time. Re-apply the safety each time and stand up, resuming the start position. This will be done two more times, engaging the other two IPSC paper targets, one each time. When completed, score and restore the targets.
This exercise requires 50% A Zone hits.
Exercise 6
Distance: 25 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 Paper IPSC
Rounds: 6 Buckshot – 9 pellets
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: Fire 2 rounds on the first two targets (one on each), reload, fire another 2 rounds at the next two targets, reload, fire another 2 rounds at the last two targets. The reload should be smooth and unhurried. When completed, score and restore the targets.
This exercise requires 50% A Zone hits. Two best hits count on each paper target.
Tip
Shotguns vary in the way they are reloaded. There are basically two systems, the box-type magazine and the fixed tube magazine system, with a few variants (e.g. removable tube). Insertion will be mainly straight in (AR) or mainly with a rocking motion (AK) in the box-type magazine system and simple insertion of individual cartridges in the fixed tube magazine system. Whatever system, familiarisation is the key to success. Know your Shotgun! The same goes for operating the magazine catch. AR style Shotguns will allow you to just push the magazine catch with your trigger finger and the magazine will drop free, and while holding the Shotgun by the pistol grip your weak hand can go straight down to retrieve a fresh magazine. Much like on a handgun. For non modified Shotguns with AK style magazine catches the process requires the competitor to push the magazine catch forward with the weak hand thumb and pulling the magazine from the Shotgun with a forward rocking motion and dropping it manually before retrieving and inserting a fresh magazine with the weak hand. For fixed tube magazine system one might have to cant the shotgun to access the loading port, usually at the bottom of the main frame of the shotgun. No matter what system, move the trigger finger outside of the trigger guard before you start the process! Watch your muzzle!
Once the empty magazine is free of the Shotgun grab the fresh magazine with your weak hand. Use a solid grip with fingers around the magazine about two thirds up on the magazine, fingers pointing in the same direction as the bullets. Cant the Shotgun slightly so that you can see the magazine well. Insert the magazine firmly and make sure it is positively seated.
Your weak hand moves immediately back to grip the forearm. Ideally, the Shotgun should never leave the shoulder.
Your trigger finger can now move inside the trigger guard.
Your trigger finger cannot be inside of the trigger guard at any time during the reload procedure and the Shotgun must be pointed in a safe direction at all times.
Exercise 7
Distance: 25 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6
Rounds: 6 Buckshot – 9 pellets
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: On the start signal, go to prone and fire 2 rounds on the first two targets (one on each), reload, fire another 2 rounds at the next two targets, reload, fire another 2 rounds at the last two targets. The reload should be smooth and unhurried. When completed, score and restore the targets.
This exercise requires 50% A Zone hits. Two best hits count on each paper target.
Exercise 8
Distance: 25 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 Paper IPSC (different heights, in sets of 2 targets)
Rounds: 6 Buckshot – 9 pellets
Start position: Facing up range (back to targets), hands at shoulder height. Gun placed on a table, pointing downrange. Chamber empty, action closed, magazine inserted or magazine tube filled and fitted. Loaded (Option 2)
Procedure: Turn, retrieve and shoulder the Shotgun, fire 2 rounds, one on each of the highest target pair standing, reload, fire another 2 rounds, one on each of the middle height target pair from kneeling, reload and fire 2 rounds, one on each of the lowest target pair from prone. When completed, score and restore the targets.
This exercise requires 50% A Zone hits. Two best hits count on each paper target.
Exercise 9
Distance: 25 and 15 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 Plates
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: From area A engage MP1, MP2 and MP3 with 1 round each, proceed to area B and engage MP4, MP5 and MP6 with 1 round each. The trigger finger must always be outside trigger guard during movement and the muzzle must always be pointed downrange.
Tip
Stages 9 through 15 are for technique and not timed. Watch for muzzle control, safe muzzle direction and finger well out of the trigger guard when moving.
Exercise 10
Distance: 25 and 15 meters
Time: Not Timed
Targets: 6 Plates
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: Same as Stage 9 with a reload between area A and area B.
Tip
When reloading on the move you need to ensure that your trigger finger is outside the trigger guard and that the Shotgun is always pointed in a safe direction. Initially when you start practising this technique take your time and do not rush. Once you are comfortable with this technique, progressive speed will develop.
During movement, when not engaging a target, the trigger finger must be outside the trigger guard. The best position for the trigger finger during movement is to have it anchored alongside of the receiver. This allows the competitor to maintain better control of the Shotgun and a more reliable control of the muzzle direction. Another advantage of this technique is that the trigger finger can be clearly seen outside of the trigger guard. It is also recommended that the safety be engaged during movement.
Exercise 11
Distance: 25 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 Plates
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: From area A, engage MP1, MP2 and MP3 with 1 round each, standing, proceed to area B and engage MP4, MP5 and MP6 with 1 round each, kneeling. The trigger finger must always be outside trigger guard during movement and the muzzle must always be pointed downrange.
Exercise 12
Distance: 25 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 Plates
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Kneeling with both knees on the ground facing downrange, hands above shoulders. Gun placed on ground on the competitor’s strong side pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: Stand up and fire 2 rounds. Apply safety and resume the previous start position.
Done X 3 times.
Exercise 13
Distance: 25 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 Plates
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: Go prone and fire 2 rounds on the first 2 plates. Stand up and fire another 2 rounds on the next 2 plates. Go kneeling and fire the last 2 rounds on the last 2 plates.
Tip
Make sure that the Shotgun is always pointed in downrange in a safe direction and that your finger is outside of the trigger guard when you are changing shooting stance.
There most commonly employed prone positions is:
Step forward with the weak foot, then bend at the waist until you touch the ground with your weak hand. Then punch the Shotgun forward in front of you and kick your legs out straight behind you. Spread your legs as you kick back and use your toes to land on, your body prone, as if doing a one handed push-up. Pull up your strong side leg and bend it at about 90 degrees at the knee. This will allow you to rest mainly on your weak side preventing your diaphragm to be in direct contact with the ground. With the strong side arm bring the Shotgun to the shoulder and your weak hand to the forearm as close to the magazine as comfortable. With both elbows now supporting the Shotgun, take the safety off and you are ready to shoot.
Exercise 14
Distance: 15 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 Plates
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: From standing, fire 3 rounds on the 3 right side plates from the right side of the barricade, reload and fire 3 rounds left on the left side plates from the left side of the barricade. Done once.
Tip
Barricade shooting in IPSC Shotgun is quite different from IPSC handgun. In HG you try to pretend there is no barricade, in SG you try to use the barricade to your advantage. With any distance of say 40 meters or more, any support you can get will be to your advantage. Just watch where your ejection port is! If in the wrong place, spent shotshells can be knocked back off the barricade into the action and cause malfunctions.
If you are going around to your weak side of the barricade, transferring the Shotgun to the weak shoulder can be beneficial.
When shooting IPSC Shotgun wear a glove on the weak hand! You’ll be glad you did. Not only can the forearm get rather hot. Your weak hand is also what you use for support when going prone, and what knocks into barricades when you try to get into the most advantageous position.
Exercise 15
Distance: 15 meters
Time: Not timed
Targets: 6 Plates
Rounds: 6 Birdshot
Start position: Shotgun held in both hands, stock touching the competitor at hip level, muzzle pointing downrange. Loaded (Option 1).
Procedure: From standing fire 3 rounds, right side barricade, reload, transfer the Shotgun to the left shoulder and fire 3 rounds left side barricade kneeling. Done once. Note: left handed competitors start from the left and transfer the Shotgun to the right shoulder, kneeling on the right side.
Tip
Transferring the Shotgun from shoulder to shoulder while in transit between shooting positions is accomplished as follows. A transfer from strong to weak shoulder can be done smoothly end easily as follows. With your weak hand support the Shotgun approximately at the balance point. Let go of the Shotgun with your strong hand and move to the same point. As soon as the strong arm are in control of the Shotgun, push the Shotgun slightly away from your body with the strong arm and let the barrel slightly drop and the butt-stock slightly rise as you transfer the Shotgun to your weak side. Move the weak hand back and complete the transfer by gripping the pistol grip and pulling the Shotgun into the shoulder.
Congratulations! We hope you had fun and enjoyed the shooting.
If you did not enjoy the challenge or if you got stuck on some of the exercises (could not complete after three attempts), let it go for a while and think about doing the entire course again. It’s fun!
Tip
On top of the above exercises, some test shots on plain white cardboard 2m X 2m could be taken, from various distances, with birdshot and buckshot ammo, in order to familiarize, even for safety reasons, with the shot pattern and spread of each type of ammo. As Slug is one single projectile, there is no need to do this test-shooting with slugs.
This is not a safety training exercise, it is merely a skill and knowledge developing exercise, but it should be performed under supervision of an Instructor or a Range Officer.
Now, put the Shotgun away (at the designated Safety Area) and find a pencil for the written quiz.
