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Shotguns and Training

Shotguns have long been the choice of weapon for close-range self-defense and tactical use. According to Clint Smith, the director and chief instructor at Thunder Ranch, "The shotgun you have is the right one ... As long as you know how to use it."

Schools
- Formal shotgun training is offered at a number of schools that are available to military, law enforcement officials and citizens. Examples of some well-regarded schools are Thunder Ranch, Gunsite and Front Sight.
DVDs and Videos
- Do-it-yourself training is available from many videos and books. Some, such as "The Tactical Shotgun: The Best Techniques and Tactics for Employing the Shotgun In Personal Combat," by Gabriel Suarez, focus on self-defense. Others, such as "The Shotgun Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Reference Work on All Aspects of Shotguns and Shotgun Shooting," by John M. Taylor, are more comprehensive.
Course of Study
- Typical knowledge learned in shotgun training includes understanding the difference between pump, break and semiautomatic actions, and how a slug acts differently from case shot. Skills learned are safe handling, firing from different positions and accuracy.

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