The NRA Basic Shotgun course is an introductory course in the safe handling, storage and cleaning of shotgun using an approved NRA curriculum. The length of the course is two days - one class day and one day at the range. The course is taught by NRA certified shotgun instructors following an NRA approved course curriculum. The course features high levels of student participation both in the classroom and on the range. SAFETY:. Students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with and shoot a variety of shotguns. The segments of the course follow.
Rules of Safe Firearms Handling:
Nearly all accidental injuries and deaths from negligent firearm discharges violate one or more of the rules of safe gun handling. Safe gun handling involves knowing the safe gun rules, developing a safety attitude, and integrating habitual safety awareness every time you pick up a firearm. Safety is paramount and this is why it is the first segment taught. It doesn't end here - AFT instructors reinforce safety concepts throughout the course in order to help you habitualize firearm safety practices. Throughout the course students will be expected to practice safe firearm handling skills.
Shotgun Construction and Design:
There are many different shotgun designs on the market and each has its unique characteristics, function and design purpose. Understanding how the various designs function is crucial to safe firearm handling. This segment thus overviews the different designs of shotguns, their common major components, and how each type of shotgun functions. You will learn the function and features of single shot and semi-automatic shotguns. Hands on practice with each shotgun type is integral to this segment. At the end of this segment students will be expected to demonstrate the function of each type of shotgun and how to properly break down shotguns for storage or transportation.
Ammunition Types:
Put the wrong type of ammunition in your firearm, pull the trigger and you just may be getting a very expensive ride to the emergency room. Familiarization with the various types of shotgun ammunition is critical for safety and for effectiveness of the planned use of the cartridge. Even within the same size and caliber of ammunition one can find a wide variety of options for purchase and use. This segment overviews shotgun cartridge design, components, gauges, types and uses. Shooters will occasionally experience malfunctions of shotgun cartridges. Knowing how to recognize and handle these malfunctions is crucial for your safety. In this section AFT instructors will teach you how to safely handle these malfunctions. At the end of this segment, you will be expected to select various ammunition boxes, match those boxes to appropriate firearms, and identify the components of a typical shotgun cartridge and their uses.
Fundamentals of Shotgun Shooting:
Here AFT instructors take you through the fundamental skills for safe and accurate shotgun shooting. The fundamental skills of grip, breath control, sight picture, trigger press, and follow through will be overviewed and practiced by the students with one-on-one attention from the instructors.
Firearm Cleaning and Storage:
Gunpowder residue builds up in nearly every nook and cranny of the firearm. Even modern, smokeless, non-corrosive cartridges leave residue in the barrel and in the action. If the firearm is not cleaned, over subsequent range sessions these deposits not only begin to hamper the functionality of the firearm, in some firearms they can cause major malfunctions that can be dangerous to the shooter. Proper firearm maintenance is critical to ensure the continued accuracy, reliability, and safety of your firearm. This segment overviews proper firearm cleaning materials and the proper procedure for cleaning a shotgun. You will have an opportunity to clean a shotgun under supervision. Once cleaned you will want to store your shotgun so that only authorized users have access to both the shotgun and ammunition. AFT instructors will overview safe gun storage practices, tools, and equipment so you can make an intelligent choice in firearm storage options.
Shotgun Sports and Activities:
If you are a current or future shotgun owner why not have fun with it? Engaging in shotgun sports not only helps maintain your comfort level with your firearm, it develops and maintains your proficiency with your firearm. There are a range of shooting activities for shotgun owners to engage in from target shooting within the NRA Marksmanship Program, to trap and skeet shooting, to combat and cowboy games using shotguns. In this segment AFT instructors will overview the available shotgun activities and provide contact information for the various organizations and ranges sponsoring these activities. Atlanta is fortunate in having a number of ranges in the metro area supporting many of these shooting activities.
Firearm Selection Considerations:
If you don't currently own a shotgun, no doubt you are concerned regarding what type of shotgun is appropriate for your purposes. Considerations of type, size, and caliber all should figure into your selection process. In this segment AFT instructors will overview the available firearms, and give you an accurate perspective on which type and size of firearm will be appropriate for your purposes.
Range Day:
The skills learned on class day will be put to practice on range day. you will receive individual attention as you learn to fire both single shot, semi-automatic, and pump shotguns. Your instructor will work with you until you are able to demonstrate basic proficiency in the fundamental skills in accurate shooting shooting. You will start out shooting at blank cardboard, concentrating on grip, sight picture, trigger squeeze and follow through. Once these are practiced with the various shotgun types, the student will be able to sample trap, skeet, and sporting clays shotgun shooting.
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