During the COVID-19 pandemic, we watched millions of Americans purchase their first firearm. Of the three basic types, a disproportionate amount of shotguns made the journey from the gun counter to the home. Many were under the guise that shotguns are simple to use. However, they are more complicated than most think, and courses like the Gunsite Team Tactics Defensive Shotgun course demonstrate that.
The Gunsite Team Tactics Defensive Shotgun Course
There are few concepts that irritate me as much as the notion that shotguns are simple to use. Despite popular belief, shotguns take a fair amount of skill to wield effectively. Introducing one into an occupied space only exaggerates this claim.
Gunsite Academy has been teaching a Team Tactics course for decades. I was able to take the handgun-based version just a few years back. This course covers basic marksmanship and handling skills before pairs of participants learn to work together to solve problems as a unit.
Since the populace has recently been flooded with scatterguns, Gunsite determined that it would be prudent to offer the same style of training with this type of firearm. With that, I was invited to the pilot run of this defensive shotgun course. As luck would have it, it was timed for an upcoming release from Mossberg.
Our three-day course started with a briefing from CEO Sheriff Ken Campbell (Ret.). I was pleased to learn that many new gun owners were indeed seeking training. This year marks the 9th consecutive year of growth with regard to attendance.
This has also led to tremendous growth of the facility itself. Expansions include more classrooms, larger ranges, on-site lodging, and the enlargement of its most dangerous amenity—the Pro Shop.
Meeting the Gunsite Training Team
Shortly after, we were introduced to our instructors, Mario Marchman and Il Ling New. Mario and Il Ling began the course by reminding us of Cooper’s famous 4-step gun safety model. Then, in a display of proficiency in these rules, they introduced us to the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX.
This shotgun represents the latest in the company’s semi-auto line. Technically, it was a line extension, and our instructors pointed out enough features to make us take notice and change how we do things. Shortly after, I found out that I’d be paired with my Arch Nemesis, Larry Case. Our first task was to pattern our newly issued shotguns.
The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX
Mossberg’s release of the 940 platform shook up the industry in a way we haven’t seen in decades. Building on the feedback from the 930, this new semiautomatic is more adaptable than ever. Likewise, it is designed to cycle a wide variety of shotgun shells.
The company’s latest incarnation, the Pro Tactical SPX, denotes the company’s dedication to relentless improvement and loyalty to its customers. This latest generation retains the already well-regarded gas system while offering a ruggedized forend clad with quick-detach sling swivel cups.
The SPX delivers Mossberg’s patented receiver cut, which mounts an optic at the same level as the front bead for a naturally rapid sight acquisition. Iron sight purists will rejoice in the inclusion of a rear-ghost ring sight. This helps with precise slug placement and retains a familiar aiming system for those accustomed to it.
Feeding it is easier than ever, thanks to the onboard, removable shell caddy used ad nauseam in this training course.
Mossberg is offering these in a solid-black finish, OD green, and Flat Dark Earth. Options are also available, including a pre-mounted Holosun HS407K optic, which will get you to the range when it arrives.
All of us enjoyed trouble-free performance for the duration of the course with no alterations other than a length of pull adjustment using the included hardware. Overall, we found the gun capable of long-range slug precision, close-range agility, and uncanny reliability with some of the lightest loads on the market.
For more information, please visit Mossberg.com.
Getting Outfitted for the Class
As the group reassembled on the Shot-Quad shooting range, we were outfitted with dump pouches and the full complement of shotgun shells. These included Federal’s Flight-Control buckshot, its lightweight Top Gun target load, and its Power-Shok rifled slugs.
We began patterning at seven yards. This was done to teach us nothing more than tight-grouping shells offer little to no spread inside of this distance. I was rather fond of this teaching technique, as it addresses another shotgun fallacy perpetrating their use. The blanket statement of “shells spread out,” typically paired with “you don’t have to aim,” isn’t only false but dangerous.
Additionally, our instructors clarified that shotguns gain their effectiveness by putting multiple pellets on target simultaneously and not by aiding those who lack skill or refuse to practice. I was also happy to hear something echoed that we teach at Renaissance Firearms Instruction. Specifically, you are responsible for every pellet that leaves your gun. In other words, large patterns aren’t a substitute for proper training.
We made some small adjustments at 15 years before stepping back another ten and switching to slugs. During this stage, I used a Blue Force Gear sling to stabilize my gun and put together a few excellent groups that were well inside minute-of-head. Using the Holosun optic, we were all able to quickly clean up our zeros before moving on to the next lesson.
Loading the 940 Pro Tactical SPX
Shotguns have a lot of benefits, but ammunition capacity is not one of them. Although Mossberg’s offering yields a 7+1 capacity, our training included an extended amount of time working on feeding it.
The 940 series is built with an enlarged loading port, making the process faster. So, time-honored techniques only serve it better. Our first lesson here was simply “load what you shoot.” This saying implies that anytime you engage a target and have an opportunity to top off, replace every shot you fired.
The SPX includes a detachable shell caddy, which lets you keep six extra rounds on deck. Being detachable, I liked that I was able to replenish it without having to handle the firearm itself. This was handy during ceasefires.
Right-handed shooters were taught to use their support side to pull from here. This left their firing hand in place should they need to rip shots off in an emergency. Lefties can do the same, but I found it faster to use my shooting hand. It drastically cut down the travel distance from the caddy to the magazine.
This course also covered bypassing the mag for a rapid single shot by simply dropping a shell in through the ejection port and smacking the bolt release. During the course, we also learned how to transition from a shotgun to a handgun. This can ultimately be the fastest way to reload.
Again, I found the value of the Blue Force sling and Mossberg’s well-conceived attachment system. Together, they allowed me to safely and comfortably hang the gun across my body as I drew my pistol. With handling looking smooth, it was time to address movement.
Movement and Communication
Mario and Il Ling took some time to teach us the concepts of moving latterly, advancing, and retreating. From here, we concentrated on the most important concept of teamwork: communication.
Each group was instructed to come up with phrases to let the other know when they were reloading, if they had a gun issue, when they were moving, when they were providing cover, when they were ready to jump back in, and when they were out of ammunition.
After a few live-fire drills, Larry and I had some decent phrases worked out and were ready to test what we learned in a more realistic environment.
We ended our day at one of the facility’s shoot houses, where we worked on clearing rooms using inert firearms. Here, we received feedback from our instructors on where we could improve and what we did well throughout the experience.
We retired for the evening over drinks, dinner, and cigars before getting a good night’s sleep. We all knew we would need it for the next day’s activities.
Gunsite Team Tactics Day Two
Day two started at the shoot house, except this time, one participant was armed with a fully loaded 940 SPX. Working as a team, Larry and I cleared two different buildings while addressing hostile targets who had taken tactical positions.
The experience was eye-opening as it taught us the pitfalls of working in real-life environments. Likewise, it stressed the importance of talking through our steps and not rushing in too fast. On the other hand, we learned how unrealistic it can be to choreograph movements and that it’s better to feed off of each other’s decisions.
Confident in each team’s movements, we reconvened at the urban scrambler, a dynamic range designed to teach shooters how to use cover. Here, each team member was issued a live 940 and covered the other as they hopscotch from one structure to the next.
At each stop, a variety of targets needed to be engaged, many from awkward positions. Here, we got to use our “big boy” voices, as commands and requests had to be delivered loud enough to be heard from several yards away through the commotion of 12-gauge reports and ringing steel.
Exhausted, we debriefed and headed home in preparation for the most stressful portion of the class—force-on-force training.
Wrapping Up the Gunsite Team Tactics Defensive Shotgun Course
Our final day began with being fitted with protective gear before being introduced to Simunitions. This semi-inert system involves realistic firearms that propel rather painful paint pellets. Using these, Gunsite creates scenarios with participants that you have yet to meet. This makes things much more genuine.
As a service to all those interested in this course, I won’t delve into these situations. It is the unknowing that makes them as authentic as they are. However, I will credit Gunsite for its commitment to realism as it included a scenario I have found myself involved in in real life.
Each stage ended with a thorough debriefing, which we found both critical and thought-provoking. After each team finished their three scenarios, we returned to the live-fire range for a friendly shoot-off and a bit more slug training.
This course marks the third time I’ve been to the Gunsite Academy. As with the others, I departed with some valuable information. Overall, I found the instruction style thorough without being overwhelming.
I am also enjoying a more personal touch, as I’ve worked with a larger cross-section of instructors by now. Each is excellent at recognizing and remembering a student’s tendencies. This goes a long way in helping to break old habits.
Under their guidance, I left with a better understanding of how to operate a shotgun inside of the home. Not to mention how to involve my spouse in the home defense plan effectively. I give this course my highest endorsement to those who have just bought a scattergun.
Remember, a firearm is just a tool; It’s only in the hands of a trained individual when it becomes a weapon.
For more information, please visit Gunsite.com.
Traveling to Gunsite: 5.11 Load Up Carry-On Suitcase
Firearms training ought to be taken seriously, which indicates the willingness to travel. Getting to Gunsite is typically a trip, and packing enough gear for a multi-day course takes a coordinated effort.
I used the 5.11 Load Up Carry-on suitcase to haul my typical range load out, ensuring I had everything needed for success that week. The polycarbonate shell helps to guard it against TSA gorillas. Likewise, its compact size allows it to be carried on when it’s packed with extra fragile contents.
I really enjoyed the integral dividers. They helped me stay organized for the trip and got me out the door quickly each morning. I was also fond of the fact that the wheels are replaceable. This is the known Achilles heel of roll-aboard luggage.
For more information, please visit 511tactical.com.
