Shotgun Drills: Semi-Automatics

The shotgun is well suited to gunfights at close range, in fast moving situations of short duration. Pump-action shotguns have been the mainstay of both law enforcement and civilian shooters for many years. Automatic shotguns, such as the Remington 1100, Mossberg 930, and Browning Auto 5 have also been used by the military and police.

The Browning Auto 5 was recommended—in a study around 1931—for use by FBI agents. The shotgun, according to the study, should be an automatic, loaded with buckshot, and feature a 21-inch barrel. As it turned out most of the FBI shotguns were pump-action shotguns, but the Browning Auto 5 saw some use. The type was also used by railroad police and by special British units in Malaysia. My personal Auto 5 has proven completely reliable and handles well. Since the Auto 5 is recoil operated, recoil is more than the gas operated Remington 1100, but the piece is always reliable nonetheless.

The automatic shotgun (I know they are semi automatic, but automatic rolls so much easier) demands different drills for speed loading and keeping the piece in action than the pump-action shotgun. The self-loading shotgun uses a tubular magazine, the same as a pump-action shotgun, but the action—either recoil or gas operated—differs. When loading the shotgun, the shells are pressed into the magazine one shell at a time. Some shotguns require the bolt release be pressed in order to load the magazine.

Next, the bolt is racked in order to load the chamber. All that is required is to press the trigger and the shotgun fires and cycles without any manual manipulation. After the shotgun is fired, you may then load another shell into the magazine to keep the piece in action and topped off. This is done by reaching for the shells, while the firing hand keeps the shotgun steady.

The shell is held nose forward, and the thumb controls the shell and presses against the base to load the shotgun magazine. The forefinger is used to guide the shell into the magazine. In this manner, it isn’t difficult, if needed, to fire a couple of shells and then quickly reload the magazine.

Safety should be your prime consideration. The muzzle should be pointed downrange at all times. Practice not only loading the magazine but also practice unloading the magazine. This is accomplished by turning the shotgun upside down and pressing the bars that hold the shells outward. Never simply run the shells through the chamber, this is more dangerous and may even damage the shells.

If the shotgun is fired completely empty, there are fast drills for getting the shotgun back into action. With the pump shotgun, the standard drill is to open the chamber, and quickly reach over with the non-firing hand and drop a shell into the chamber. The action is then closed and the shell may be fired if needed.

With automatic shotguns the drill is even easier. The shotgun will lock open on the last shot queuing you it is empty. The shotgun is stabilized with the firing hand, as the support hand grabs a shell and drops it into the chamber. The fingers are curled around the shell as the shell is moved into the chamber, and the fingers lift the shell up and into the chamber. The support hand releases the bolt and the bolt slams forward. This is a very fast drill.

When firing the automatic shotgun for speed, it is important for the shooter to realize that you can fire the shotgun faster than you can hit. The advantage of the automatic shotgun is an instant second shot. It is easy enough to jerk the second shot and send a shot high or worse into the air. The shot must be controlled. The first shot is fired and then the second shot will be fired only if the shooter acquires the bead again and the shooter is on target.

I use a number of drills in training with any shotgun. The first is possibly the most important and may be the only action needed. I have the shotgun at low ready, magazine loaded, chamber empty—as it would be at home. I reach over the top of the receiver and rack the bolt. Then, I bring the shotgun to my shoulder. I do not lower my cheek to the shotgun but bring the shotgun to my cheek to fire.

The target is placed at seven yards. As soon as the bead breaks the plane between my eye and the target, I fire. If the load is not centered something is wrong. I use Winchester #1 buckshot at present, as a compromise between 00 and #4 buckshot. If I am traveling, or using the shotgun for area defense, I load Winchester 00 buckshot for its greater penetration. I recommend the shooter practice this drill before moving to another.

The next drill is firing at multiple targets. I place two targets at 10 yards about 10 feet apart. I begin working from right to left, then work left to right, firing at each target twice. I alternate speed loading the magazine and firing to empty, and running a shell into the magazine.

Firing while moving is difficult, and should be practiced, dry fire until you have a good idea of the step and cadence. With a target at 10 yards, begin stepping to the target and firing slowly, hitting the target in the center with each pull of the trigger. When you reach the target at two yards, it should be riddled with buckshot.

Do a speed load, dropping a shell into the chamber and loading the magazine as you back up. Load two shells in the magazine, firing as you back up and keep the target riddled and the shotgun firing. This type of drill makes for good familiarity with the shotgun. If there is any real problem beginning students have, it is a lack of familiarity with the firearm. These drills will build familiarity with the shotgun and may be a lifesaver.

Do you have a favorite shotgun drill? Share it in the comment section.