Basics of shotgun shooting
The Basics of Shotgun Shooting course teaches safe handling, proper mount and swing, and the foundational marksmanship skills that make shotgun shooting rewarding — whether you're shooting trap, skeet, sporting clays, or heading into the field for hunting season.
CERTIFICATION
NRA-Aligned Basics of Shotgun Shooting
FORMAT
In-person, Hands-on Instruction
WHO'S IT FOR
Beginners, new shotgun owners, hunters, and sport shooters building their foundation
NRA
ALIGNED
CURRICULUM
100%
HANDS-ON
RANGE PRACTICE
0
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED
LA
BASED IN
LOS ANGELES
ABOUT THIS CERTIFICATION
Confident, Accurate shotgun shooting starts here
Shotgun shooting is one of the most rewarding firearm disciplines — and one where proper technique from the start makes all the difference. The Basics of Shotgun Shooting course gives new and developing shooters the safe handling skills, mechanical understanding, and marksmanship fundamentals that apply across all shotgun disciplines — from trap and skeet to sporting clays and wing shooting in the field.
What sets shotgun shooting apart from other firearms is the emphasis on movement, mount, and target acquisition. ERE's experienced instructors teach you how to develop a consistent, natural mount, understand lead and swing, and build the muscle memory that makes breaking targets feel instinctive rather than accidental.
Whether you're picking up a shotgun for the first time or you've been shooting casually and want to actually understand what you've been doing — this course builds the foundation that everything else is built on.
Course callout: NRA-Aligned Basics of Shotgun Shooting Hands-on range instruction · Safe handling to live-fire target acquisition · No prior experience required
CURRICULUM
what you'll learn
What the Basics of Shotgun Shooting Course Covers
01
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
Every course starts here — the four fundamental rules of firearm safety that apply to every shotgun, every range, and every situation. You'll know them, understand them, and apply them automatically.
02
Shotgun Types, Actions & How They Work
Break-action, pump-action, semi-automatic — how different shotgun configurations operate mechanically, their advantages for different applications, and how to safely operate each type.
03
Safe Handling, Loading & Unloading
How to safely handle a shotgun at home, at the range, and in the field — loading, unloading, verifying the chamber is clear, and carrying a shotgun safely in every environment.
04
Gun Fit & Consistent Mount
Gun fit is fundamental to shotgun shooting in a way that's unique among firearms. Learn how fit affects your shooting, what a proper mount looks and feels like, and how to develop a consistent, repeatable mount that puts you on target every time.
05
Ammunition, Shot Sizes & Choke Selection
Shell lengths, shot sizes, choke tubes, and how your ammunition and choke choice affect your shot pattern and effective range. Learn to select the right combination for your application — clays or game birds.
06
Swing, Lead & Target Acquisition
Sustained lead, swing-through, and pull-away — the three primary target acquisition techniques used in shotgun shooting. Learn when each applies and how to develop the hand-eye coordination to connect with moving targets consistently.
07
Shooting Positions & Field Awareness
Safe shooting positions for clay target sports and field hunting, situational awareness on a shared range, and how to shoot safely when targets and other shooters are in your environment.
08
Malfunction Recognition & Safe Handling
How to recognize and safely address common shotgun malfunctions — misfires, failures to eject, and other range situations — and the correct procedure for each.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE
Built for anyone starting their shotgun journey
First-Time Shotgun Shooters — Never fired a shotgun before? This course starts from scratch in a safe, structured environment designed to build your confidence and skills progressively.
New Shotgun Owners — You've bought your first shotgun. Learn how to handle it safely, understand how it works, and shoot it accurately before you head to the range alone.
Hunters Preparing for Bird Season — Wing shooting requires specific technique that develops with proper instruction. This course builds the fundamentals that translate directly to the field.
Clay Target Sport Beginners — Interested in trap, skeet, or sporting clays? The fundamentals in this course are exactly where every successful clay shooter starts.
Returning Shooters — Whether you haven't shot in years or you've been self-taught and want to fix your technique, this course rebuilds your foundation correctly.
Families & Youth Beginners — Shotgun sports are a popular family and youth activity. ERE creates a safe, welcoming environment for new shooters of all backgrounds to learn together.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
What to bring to class
A valid government-issued photo ID
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for outdoor range conditions
Eye protection and ear protection (if you have your own — we can advise on what's available)
A willingness to learn — everything else is provided
Contact us when you register and we'll send you a complete preparation checklist before your class date.
UPCOMING COURSES
Ready to start shooting?
Try a free intro class first - or jump straight into the full Fear to Fire Weekend experience.
FREE · NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
"BE READY" FREE INTRO CLASS
FREE
Location: Hollywood Production Center · 1149 N. Gower St., Hollywood, CA
Duration: 60 minute class · 45 minute instruction + 15 minute Q&A session
Covers: CPR, Stop the Bleed, AVIRT, Pistol Safety & FSC Overview
Dates: Saturday, November 14th from 11am-12pm
LIMITED SEATS · December 12 - 13, 2026
FEAR TO FIRE WEEKEND - SHOTGUN
$695
Location: Oaktree Gun Club · 9am-5pm · Both Days
Day 01: Red Cross, CPR / AED / First Aid · Stop the Bleed · AVIRT + FAK Kit included
Day 02: NRA Basics of Shotgun Shooting + California FSC Test
Included: Over $480 in certifications and gear · Gun rental & ammo extra
$150 non-refundable deposit reserves your seat. Balance will be split into two equal payments. Deposit applicable to future courses in the same calendar year if you need to reschedule.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got questions? We've got answers
Do I need prior experience to take this course?
No. The Basics of Shotgun Shooting course is built for complete beginners. We start with safety and build progressively — no prior shooting experience is assumed or required.
Will I actually shoot during the course?
es. Live-fire practice at moving targets is a core part of the course. You'll apply every concept covered in the classroom with hands-on shooting under direct instructor supervision.
Do I need to own a shotgun to take the course?
Contact us in advance and we can advise on firearm availability for the course. If you own a shotgun and want to bring it, let us know when you register so we can confirm it's appropriate for the course format.
Is this course relevant for hunting — specifically bird hunting?
Absolutely. The swing, lead, and target acquisition techniques covered in this course are the same fundamentals that apply to wing shooting in the field. Many hunters take this course specifically to build the technique needed for an effective and ethical hunt.
Is this course good for clay target sports like trap and skeet?
Yes. The Basics of Shotgun Shooting course covers the techniques and fundamentals that apply directly to trap, skeet, and sporting clays. It's the ideal starting point for anyone new to clay target shooting.
What is the NRA alignment of this course?
ERE's Basics of Shotgun Shooting course follows NRA-aligned curriculum standards, providing structured, comprehensive instruction built on nationally recognized firearms education principles.
Can I book a private session for my family or group?
Yes. ERE offers private group sessions for the Basics of Shotgun Shooting course. Contact us for pricing and to schedule a date that works for your group.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Eye and ear protection are required during all live-fire exercises — bring your own or let us know in advance.
Ready to learn to shoot a shotgun with confidence?
The Basics of Shotgun Shooting course gives you the safe handling skills, proper technique, and live-fire practice to shoot accurately and responsibly from day one.
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