ETA:  Since I double-tapped into the wrong forum I'm changing this from Tac Shotgun 1 to Tac Shotgun 3 (can't find my notes from Tac Shotgun 2)

ASUSA Tactical Shotgun 3

29 Mar 15 - Tactical Shotgun 3 - Asymmetric Solutions - Farmington, MO
0900-1200: Classroom Instruction / Dry Training
1200-1300: Lunch
1300-1700: Range Time

This was the first time ASUSA had a Tactical Shotgun 3 class.  

BIG TAKE AWAY:  FEED THE BEAST!  Even in advanced classes it is still the priority with the shotgun!

Primary Instructor: Skeeter
Skeeter is the primary shotgun instructor for ASUSA. From the bio page:  "Skeeter was an assaulter and breacher with a State Police SWAT unit. He has substantial expertise in police waterborne and VBSS operations."  

Assistant Instructor:  Zak Jackson
I've had Zak in many different ASUSA classes.  He brings a wealth of tactical experience.  From the bio page:  "Zak spent 20 years in the US Navy as a career SEAL at Naval Special Warfare Group 1 and Group 2, with his last 8 years at Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team 6). He is the recipient of four Bronze Stars, three with V for Valor Devices and is the veteran of 11 separate combat deployments all over the globe. Zak was the primary instructor and curriculum developer for multiple programs inside of the Tier 1 and standard NSW training pipeline and has a breadth of subject matter expertise. Prior to joining Asymmetric Solutions, Zak worked as an instructor for the Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center and US Department of State’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program."

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION / DRY TRAINING:
We used the main ASUSA classroom for our initial instruction.  We started off with a review of the 4 rules of firearm handling:
Treat all firearms as if they are loaded
Keep your finger straight and off the trigger
Do not point your firearm at anything you do not intend to destroy
Know your backdrop.

Overall, we had 10 students running a variety of different shotguns.  The ubiquitous Remington 870 was well represented and so was the Mossberg 500.  There were 2 Benelli M4s in the class.  Of the 10 shooters, approximately 5 students were running shotguns with pistol grips.  Most of the instruction did not favor the use of pistol grips and favored the standard stocked shotguns.  There were couple students running optics (all EoTechs) as well.

We started off with a review of the previous classes from loading to unloading, combat and tactical loading and then began to work on transitions.  The instructor emphasized transitioning when the gun ran dry or had a malfunction when inside 21 feet.  Again, the instructor preferred a normal, no frill sling that was used to get the shotgun quickly over the support shoulder when making the transition.  Some students had single point slings and that seemed to work well.  We even tried two methods where no sling was needed.

Method 1:  Rapidly sling shotgun over support shoulder while reaching for your secondary.  This was just a quick movement with a very loose sling.  The shotgun ended up flying around the shoulder and impacting your back if you did it right with the muzzle down.
Method 2:  Half-Port Arms - this is the easiest way to describe it.  Take your support hand on the forearm and clutch the shotgun close to your body with the muzzle up.  While bringing it into your body your drew your secondary.  This was a very quick method but left you using your secondary with only your strong hand.  
Method 3:  Hip Hold - similar to method 2 but when using this method you transitioned the shotgun to your support side hip (kicking your hips to the right for a left hand support side to clear any gear on your side) while drawing your secondary.  This worked well and allowed you to use a light if it was on your shotgun.

The rest of the morning was dedicated to movements and using cover/concealment and how to approach it.  There is a strong standardization between all the ASUSA courses in the use of cover and concealment.  It makes each class fairly similar but emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of the platform you are using.

My Shotgun:
Scattergun Technologies / Wilson Combat Remington 870 - Border Patrol Model (http://wilsoncombat.com/new/shotgun-border-patrol.asp#.VSWKDmRVhBc)
Vang Comp modified barrel (barrel work and compensator) (http://www.vangcomp.com/shop/install-the-vang-comp-system-on-your-barrel)
MagPul SGA and Forend (https://www.magpul.com/products/sga%C2%AE-stock-%E2%80%93-remington%C2%AE-870)
MagPul Gen 1 MS3 sling using MagPul stock and forward sling mounts (https://www.magpul.com/products/slings-and-sling-mounts)
EssTac Shotgun cards and Velcro (http://www.skdtac.com/Esstac-Shotgun-Card-p/ess.106.htm)

RANGE TIME:
The first thing we did was a Pat McNamara inspired drill.  We ran from about 50 yards to a barrel.  We simulated a click instead of a bang with a shotgun with a transition to the secondary and then fired until we achieved 2 good hits on an 80% IPSC plate (10 yards) and then performed a tactical reload on the secondary and fixed the "malfunction" with the shotgun.  We then turned and ran back to the 15 yard line and engaged the target with our shotgun after doing a combat reload.  We then peeled back to the 25 yard line and did a slug select and hit the steel.  We finally ran back to the starting point.  It was a great drill that really put all the parts together.

From this point on we switched to birdshot for all the remaining drills.  Most folks were using various types of 7 1/2 and 8 shot.  

We went back and quickly covered the following:
Load 1, Shoot 1:
Basic drill of the day - combat/speed reload of one shell into the open loading port and then shoot it.  EssTac cards on the side of the shotgun worked very well for this drill.

Load 2, Shoot 2:
Same variation as above with the addition of putting one more shell into the tube following the combat/speed reload.  Again, the EssTac card made this drill fairly easy to do.

Load 3, Shoot 3:
Add one more to the tube.  Works on loading plus operating the pump.

Load to Capacity, Shoot to Empty:
More of the above - you can really start to go through ammunition in this drill!

We then started some big box drills with multiple 80% IPSC steel plates.  We had 6 targets painted in different colors with numbers on them - as we moved the instructor would call a color or number for us to engage.  We initially started with the shotgun on the left shoulder advancing towards the targets (starting at about 20 yards).  Once we hit the corner we then moved to our right either using a side-step or turret method and transitioned to the other shoulder.  Once to the final corner we moved backward continuing the engage the targets.  The goal was to keep the beast fed while moving and engaging.  If you ran dry you had to transition and continue to engage.  The instructor would then let you tac reload your secondary and get your shotgun back in the fight.

After that we began to to select slug drills using birdshot.  We went through this for a pretty good amount of time.

At the end of the day we simulated moving down a 30 yard hallway.  There were three targets to the right and two to the left.  You engaged while moving from the opposite shoulder (right targets, left shoulder // left targets, right shoulder).  Once at the end of the "hallway" we did a slug select and engaged another steel target at about 20 yards, then transitioned to our secondary while advancing forward until we got two solid hits.  Again, this drill wrapped up a lot of what we learned in the class.

And that's about it!  It was a great class and a lot of fun.  We shot about 160 rounds and I was a little stiff the next day but not that bad!

Topic Moved

Good Review.  All the folks at Asymmetric are top notch.

They are...  And they just announced a new facility in the Jacksonville, FL area so now those in the southeast US can enjoy the same in their area!