Shotgun Basic
Shotgun Basic Training — Sable Arms
At Sable Arms we believe every responsible firearm owner should be confident, competent, and safe. Our Shotgun Basic Training course is a comprehensive, PFTC (Professional Firearms Training Council)-accredited program designed for new shooters and experienced owners who want to learn—or refresh—fundamental shotgun skills. The course focuses on safety, correct handling, marksmanship fundamentals, ammunition selection, and practical range work conducted in a controlled environment.
Course Overview
The Shotgun Basic Training course covers the knowledge and skills required to handle, operate, and maintain shotguns safely and effectively. Topics include:
The four universal firearm safety rules applied to shotguns.
Types of shotguns (pump-action, semi-automatic, break-action/over-under, single-shot) and their operating principles.
Shotgun anatomy: barrels, chokes, magazine/tubular feed, action types, sights, and stocks.
Ammunition basics: shot sizes, loads, slugs vs shot, and selecting the correct round for purpose.
Loading, unloading, and safe handling procedures for each shotgun type.
Recoil management, stance, mounting the shotgun, proper cheek weld, and follow-through.
Sighting and patterning—how to pattern a shotgun and interpret shot spread for real-world use.
Malfunction recognition and basic clearing procedures specific to shotguns.
Basic maintenance and cleaning to keep your firearm safe and serviceable.
Safe storage and transport, plus legal responsibilities under South African firearm law.
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for:
First-time shotgun owners or those considering purchasing a shotgun.
Hunters who want to understand shot selection, chokes, and patterning.
Individuals seeking PFTC-accredited training for licensing or employment.
Civilians wanting safe, practical training for home-defence or sport shooting.
Anyone wishing to refresh fundamentals or transition from rifle/pistol to shotgun.
No prior experience is required. Our instructors progress students at a comfortable pace, ensuring mastery of safety and handling before moving to live-fire exercises.
Duration & Format
Typically delivered over one full day (approximately 6–8 hours), the course combines classroom theory with practical range sessions. We keep class sizes small to ensure individual attention and immediate corrective feedback. Group bookings and customised courses for clubs or corporate teams are available on request.
Safety & Equipment
Safety is paramount. Training begins with an exhaustive safety briefing and range rules. Live-fire sessions are supervised by PFTC-certified range officers and assessors. Eye and ear protection are mandatory and can be provided if required. Shotguns and ammunition are available for hire—please request this when booking so we can prepare appropriate loads (birdshot, buckshot, slugs) depending on training objectives.
Certification & Outcomes
On successful completion, participants receive a PFTC-accredited Sable Arms Shotgun Basic Training Certificate. Graduates will be able to demonstrate safe handling, perform basic maintenance, select appropriate ammunition, pattern their shotgun, and apply shooting fundamentals in hunting, sport, or defensive contexts.
Why Choose Sable Arms
PFTC-accredited training ensuring compliance with national competency standards.
Experienced instructors with practical civilian and tactical backgrounds.
Modern, well-equipped range facilities with emphasis on safety and learning.
Personalised instruction suited to your skill level and training goals.
Book Your Training
Begin your shotgun training with Sable Arms—your trusted PFTC-accredited partner. Contact us via phone, email, or visit our training facility to book your place and receive course requirements and pricing. Train smart, stay safe—train with Sable Arms.
