Master Shotgun Skills with Confidence Now
Join our Shotgun Fundamentals Course to build essential skills safely and effectively. Learn from certified instructors, engage in hands-on practice, and gain the knowledge needed for responsible shotgun use. Enroll today to start your journey.
Next Shotgun Class is Wednesday, May 27 2026
Course Overview
The AFT Basic Shotgun course is an introductory course in the safe handling, storage and cleaning of shotgun using an approved AFT curriculum. The length of the course is one day. This Shotgun course follows the NRA Basic Shotgun curriculum and is taught by NRA certified shotgun instructors following an AFT approved course curriculum. The course features high levels of student participation both in the classroom and on the range. SAFETY: For safety’s sake, NO live ammunition is allowed during the classroom segments. Students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with and shoot a variety of shotguns. The segments of the course follow.
- 1 day format provides a full but convenient introduction to the shotgun. You will spend around 2 hours shooting.
- You will shoot to basic proficiency rather than just the familiarity level minimum offered by other trainers.
- You will have the opportunity to fire higher powered shotguns for familiarity.
- Time permitting, Instructors will work with you on YOUR firearm after the NRA class.
- You gain a level of confidence that you can make a firearm purchase that is right for you.
- Excellent value for the money compared to other courses.
- Top rated by our customers – consistently rated 4 to 5 stars: See our testimonials below.
- All materials, firearms, and ammo except ammo for your personal firearm is provided for the price.
Safety and Basics
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 Parts
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.
Who Should Take this Course
Individuals not yet owning a shotgun will find this course an invaluable introduction to shotgun ownership and use and should definitely consider this course. Also current shotgun owners who either have never taken a formal course or feel the need for a refresher in shotgun skills will also find this course valuable. Corporate groups will find this a particularly appropriate course either as a service to their employees or as a group activity to provide a shared, fun experience fostering better teamwork.
Shooting Techniques
Gain familiarity of the common shotgun sports.. Learn the specifics of shooting in the shotgun sporting activities. Develop accurate shooting skills through guided hands-on practice with our certified instructors.
Maintenance & Care
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.
Participant Testimonials
Our clients’ testimonials speak volumes about our services and commitment. Get an insight into their experiences.