Shotgun Actions | Shotgun 101 with Top Shot Chris Cheng

This guide, presented by Top Shot Champion Chris Cheng, covers the essential safe handling and transport techniques for various shotgun types: break-action, pump-action, and semi-automatic. It emphasizes ensuring firearms are unloaded and chambers are open when moving them, offering specific carry positions and crucial reminders for magazine tube safety on semi-automatic models. The instruction highlights the importance of adhering to range-specific rules for firearm carriage.

This expert-level guide, presented by Shari LaGate, breaks down the fundamental types of shotguns: Over-and-Under, Semi-Automatic, Pump-Action, and Side-by-Side. It details their unique operational mechanics, loading procedures, and suitability for various shooting disciplines and hunting applications, emphasizing safety and beginner-friendliness.

This video segment highlights 12 gauge as a top survival caliber due to its exceptional versatility. It can effectively be used for hunting small game with bird shot, larger animals with buckshot, and for self-defense against both human and animal threats with slugs. The discussion also touches on the reliability of manual actions like pump-action and double-barrel shotguns compared to semi-automatics, though acknowledging the trade-off in ammunition capacity.

This video compares the performance of a $400 pump-action shotgun (Remington 870) against a $2,000 semi-automatic shotgun (Beretta 1301) through various drills. The instructor emphasizes that while the semi-automatic is initially faster, proficiency with either platform heavily relies on training. The video highlights the importance of consistent practice for effective manipulation and speed, concluding that the choice between the two depends on individual budget, training commitment, and specific use cases like home defense or high-volume engagement scenarios.

This guide, drawing on decades of firearms experience from Hickok45, addresses the trustworthiness of semi-automatic shotguns. It contrasts their reliability with pump-action models, highlighting how user error, like short-shucking, is a more common failure point than mechanical issues in modern semi-autos. The video emphasizes that quality semi-automatic shotguns, like the Beretta 1301, are now dependable choices for defense.

This video strongly advises against purchasing a 12 gauge shotgun as a first firearm for new gun owners. It debunks the myth that 12 gauges require no aiming, explaining that buckshot spread is minimal at typical engagement distances. The instructor highlights the substantial recoil and the operational complexity, particularly the need to manually cycle pump-action models, which can be challenging for beginners.

This drill, demonstrated by Adam Painchaud from SIG SAUER Academy, focuses on improving pistol accuracy by isolating trigger anticipation. By firing a single live round and immediately following with a dry fire reset, shooters can identify and correct muzzle movement caused by flinching or anticipating recoil. Practicing this at distance, like 40 yards, provides clear feedback on accuracy and trigger control.

This guide, presented by former sniper Ryan Cleckner, breaks down the critical concept of Minute of Angle (MOA) for long-range rifle shooting. It explains how MOA is an angular measurement that increases in linear value with distance, crucial for understanding bullet drop and making accurate scope adjustments. The instruction emphasizes calculating MOA at specific ranges and converting these to scope clicks for precise zeroing.

This guide synthesizes expert instruction from Ryan Cleckner on fundamental long-range rifle shooting techniques. Key areas covered include achieving stability in the prone position, proper scope alignment to avoid 'scope shadow,' focusing on the reticle for sight picture, and executing precise trigger control with follow-through. Cleckner, a recognized industry expert and former Army Ranger sniper, emphasizes these core principles for accurate long-range engagement.

Ryan Cleckner, a former Sniper Team Leader, provides expert instruction on mounting a rifle scope. This guide covers essential steps from safety checks to final adjustments, emphasizing personalized fit for optimal performance. Key takeaways include proper ring placement, achieving correct eye relief and cheek weld, leveling the scope, and focusing the reticle for individual vision.