Foundation Shotgun
FOUNDATION SHOTGUN
CLASS COST
$225.00
CLASS TIME
9am – 7pm
MCOLES REGISTERED COURSE
This course has been registered with the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) for use of PA 302 Law Enforcement Distribution funds and earns training credit within MITN.
PRE-REQUISITES
Valid CPL or Law Enforcement Credentials (if you do not have either, email us for instructions).
MUST KNOW, UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE FOUR LIFE RULES OF RESPONSIBLE FIREARMS HANDLING AT ALL TIMES. See video below.
DESCRIPTION
Class Flow: MODERATE (students can expect full day of shooting and weapon manipulation from a static line).
There is no other defensive firearm as versatile as the Shotgun. Foundation Shotgun is designed to stress the importance of proper weapon manipulation and shooting techniques. The goal of this MDFI Foundation class is to build a strong and efficient foundation regarding the proper use and manipulation of the Shotgun as a defensive tool. Without a strong foundation, any additional training is wasted time. This class will prepare students for our “Advanced” level classes and is a mandatory prerequisite to move on with the MDFI curriculum.
This class is for students who understand the fundamentals of marksmanship, live by the four rules of responsible firearms handling, and are looking to learn to use the shotgun as a defensive tool.
TOPICS COVERED
- In-depth Firearms Responsibility (safety) and Medical Briefing
- Inspection and Inventory
- Carry, Presentations, and Shooting Techniques
- Recoil Mitigation
- The Threat Engagement Process
- Shotgun Manipulation
- Ammunition Management
- Patterning a Shotgun for Defense
- Shotgun Ammunition Types/Uses
- MDFI Foundation Shotgun Qualifier
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED
- Pump or Semi-Auto Shotgun – bring it as you have it setup for defense. NOTE: First time MDFI students MUST use a traditional pump or semi-automatic shotgun (no KelTec KSG/IWI/S&W Bullpup types, Saiga or other detachable box-mag-fed shotguns) Shotguns MUST have a stock. (No birdshead-grip Shockwaves or shotguns designed not to be fired from the shoulder etc.) (If in doubt what category your shotgun falls in, shoot us an email.)
- 300 Rounds of lead Birdshot (NO STEEL SHOT) (We recommend the least expensive birdshot that will work reliably in your shotgun) We recommend the most inexpensive lead birdshot that you can find which works reliably with your shotgun.
- 10 Rounds of Buckshot (We recommend bringing the type of Buckshot you use/are considering to use as a defensive load)
- Body-Worn Pouch to Hold Spare Ammunition
- Eye + Ear Protection
- You must bring your CPL (or LE credentials) to class.
RECOMMENDED
- Appropriate Clothing for Weather
- Sunscreen / Insect Repellent
- Folding Canopy, Table and/or Chair
- Snacks + Drink for 8 Hours of Training
UPCOMING CLASSES
STUDENT REVIEWS
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This is hands down the best foundations class for any platform I have ever taken. Regardless of your experience level with shotguns you will walk away better than you were at the beginning. The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable, communicates the information clearly and concisely with an emphasis on safety that is well above and beyond what I have seen from other training institutions. I cannot recommend MDFI highly enough.
The drills are extremely practical, emphasize heavily mastering ammunitions management and recoil control. The weather was hot for the class and the staff gave students ample time to hydrate and hit shade as needed without wasting time.
If you are considering taking this class do it. I will be taking more classes despite the nearly 6hour drive.
Like many reviews on this class mention, the shotgun was the platform I had least experience in. I ran the class with a Mossberg 590, and I really get how the pump-action requires a lot of thinking and a need for constantly "managing" the weapon. Tim and Thomas ran the show as they always do with the perfect balance of rigor, fun, and humor. The students were almost equally divided between those running pump-actions and those running auto-loaders, and the instruction was well crafted for both platforms. In a time when shotguns are becoming somewhat of a lost art, MDFI is keeping the craft alive.
Two thumbs way up.
Honestly, I'm not sure where to begin. This class blew my mind. Of all the tools I have in my security bundle, "the gauge" is my weakest platform. Let me assure you, the MDFI cadre will go above and beyond to teach you more about the shotgun than you ever thought possible. There will be some gear validation, science of patterning, and manipulations that you may not have ever thought of. This class may even make you consider a shotgun for your primary security option because of how versatile it is. DO NOT be afraid of this class because of what you think of recoil and the round count. They quickly teach you how to mitigate the recoil, but it'll be something you will have to practice for sure. I was able to get a boat load of data from this course and I only shot about 120 rounds. I found out quickly that there is a lot to think about when trying to run a gauge efficiently, but MDFI gives you plenty skills to work it out. A fantastic course, and I couldn't have asked for a better group of alumni and new members to train with. Thank you Trek, Tim, and Thomas for the incredible knowledge transfer.
If you own a shotgun, whether it be a pump, semi auto, hunting, defense or sport. Take this class and bring it. You'll see shotguns of all sorts and people running them well and working past issues. Like Foundation Handgun and Rifle, you will learn about your shotgun, you will learn what it likes and what it doesn't, how to manipulate it. Great class, for sure will take it again.
DO NOT FEAR THIS CLASS! If you have not taken this class because of the round count, fear of recoil, or your lack of knowledge about shotguns then think again. I was an absolute beginner with a shotgun when the class started and by the end I felt completely competent. The recoil mitigation technique they teach you is like magic and you WILL enjoy shooting a shotgun forever afterward.