Anatomy of a Port Load

In the past I was a hardcore always port load over the top of the gun kind of guy. It seemed to work the best for me at the time. Then my technique was challenged. This video of Tim Chandler shooting a shotgun El Pres is what really challenged me to take another more critical …

The 2023 Defensive Shotgun Course Master List

Here we are again, the start of a new year, a new list. This is not an all inclusive list. These are the guys that I feel comfortable recommending to people. As time goes on and more people add more classes, I will try to add them to this list. Even if you think you …

The P3000 Stoeger Should Have Made

Of all the Turkish shotguns out there, Stoeger is about the only current manufacturer I would take a chance on. They have the parts support and aftermarket to make it potentially worthwhile. If something breaks, the parts are there to fix it. If something needs improved, the aftermarket is there with a solution. Plus, with …

Goldilocks is Dead: Federal’s LE132 1B (#1 Buckshot Flite Control)

Somewhere around 2012, Federal introduced a #1 buckshot option in their Tactical product line. It used Federal’s game changing Flite Control wad to deliver acceptably tight patterns out to 20-25 yards with what is often considered the "optimal" pellet size for defensive use of the shotgun. LE132 1B is loaded with 15 copper plated pellets. …

Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor Development Course AAR

The shotgun is not the cool gun anymore, but it is a gun that many people still turn to for home defense. The Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor Development Course (IDC) is specifically geared for instructors who are most likely going to be teaching defensive shotgun to private citizens who are using their shotguns for home defense. …

What About BB?

Let’s get something out of the way right off the bat. The only compelling reason to use BB (or any other small shot size) in a shotgun intended for defense is that buckshot is not available. It has been a crazy year, and while shotguns are as panic resistant of a firearm as possible, buckshot …

Federal’s Flite Control vs. Hornady’s Versa-Tite

When Federal hit the market with their Flite Control 00 buck loads it changed the shotgun dynamic. No longer did shotgunners have to rely on barrel modifications or choke tubes to get very consistent and tight patterns at ranges typically considered to be beyond the practical range of buckshot. The voodoo to the shell's performance …