Double Barrel Shotgun
In this day of semi-automatic shotguns, slide action shotguns and AR15 rifles, why would anyone use a double barrel shotgun? What advantages does the Double Barrel Shotgun have over other systems which render it useful today?
The Double Barrel Shotgun has no moving action to increase the overall length of the weapon. A Double Barrel Shotgun with an 18-inch barrel will be noticeably shorter than a slide action or semi-automatic shotgun with the same barrel length. It will in fact be shorter than some 16-inch carbines. This makes the Double very maneuverable for use in-doors or from vehicles. The lack of a tubular magazine or a slide action make for a very light weight firearm despite having two barrels.
Most Doubles can be assembled and loaded in less than 10 seconds. Very quick assembly combined with the very short length of the barrel and receiver make this a very handy car gun. A 20-inch brief case will easily carry the disassembled Double. The compactness of the disassembled Double will allow it to be carried in a back pack or a motorcycle saddle bag. I have carried a Double on motorcycle rides and automobile trips. The Double makes a good traveling companion along with your lever action carbine.
Why do African Dangerous Game Hunters often prefer a Double Rifle? The speed of a follow up shot is the first reason. The Double Rifle is far faster than a bolt action for a follow up shot when shooting to stop a charging animal. There is no faster action for a follow up shot than a Double. Every bit as fast, if not faster than a semi auto for a second shot. The second reason is reliability. Many Double Barrel Shotguns have two independent ignition systems. Should a trigger spring or firing pin break or some other failure occur the Double would still function as a single shot. If the ignition system breaks on a slide action or semi auto, you have an expensive club.
Immediate action for a misfire on the first shot with a Double is to simply press the other trigger and fire the round in the other firing chamber. This is much faster than manually cycling a bolt or slide to get to another cartridge.
The manual of arms for tactically operating a slide action shotgun in a fight is somewhat complex and we consider them firearms for experts. The manual of arms for the Double is very simple and can be learned and made habitual by an experienced shooter in one day.
A Double Barrel Shotgun with slugs or large buck shot can be a good choice for a light weight compact maneuverable predator defense weapon for the same reasons that African Hunters often carry a Double Rifle.
As a short-term survival weapon the Double Barrel Shotgun will provide versatility, at low cost. Loaded with flares, bird shot, snake shot, buck shot, fire starter cartridges or slugs the double can accomplish a variety of tasks. A different load can be kept ready in either chamber and selected quickly when needed.
There are better firearms for specific tasks. While not the best at any one thing, the Double Barrel Shotgun is a good choice for many situations, if you how to run them efficiently.
As an LAPD Officer I was initially trained with, carried and deployed an Ithaca Model 37 slide action shotgun for 8 years and a Remington Model 870 slide action shotgun for 27 years. As a SWAT team Officer, I also carried and deployed a Remington Model 1100 semi auto shotgun and later a Benelli semi auto shotgun weapons for 14 years. I was the Chief Instructor on shotguns for LAPD SWAT for 14 years.
In 1996 I proposed (to the Firearms Training Unit OIC) that we obtain rifle sighted shotguns for use by station defense teams. He made that happen. These shotguns however were kept locked in the division armory, intended for limited deployment.
In 1997 I conceived and conducted a tactical shotgun course for LAPD patrol officers following the North Hollywood Bank Robbery shoot out. I trained and maintained a cadre of 300 Patrol Officers with the tactical shotgun for six years. I created the LAPD tactical shotgun manipulation test and the basic and tactical shotgun qualification courses for use department wide. I trained a cadre of LAPD Officers as tactical shotgun instructors to support these programs.
I combined my Law Enforcement experience deploying and teaching tactical shotguns for 35 years with more than 20 years of competition with double barrel shotguns in the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting to create this class.
Subjects include:
Loading and unloading
Condition checking
Speed reloading
Tactical reloading
Immediate action drills for a malfunction
Sling techniques
Field shooting positions
Buck Shot ballistics and patterns
Slug ballistics and uses
Checking the impact point for each barrel
Double Barrel Shotgun accessories
Select slug drill
Multiple target drills
Close contact weapon retention shooting
Transition drills.
One hand operation
Equipment list for the Double Barrel Shotgun Class
You may use any safe break action shotgun to include a single barrel a double barrel or a triple barrel. Course drills will be structured for a double barrel shotgun. Many of the techniques, however, will apply equally to single, double or triple barrel shotguns. If you require consultation, we are happy to provide it.
Ammunition:
20 slugs (low-recoil/reduced-recoil).
20 buck shot (recommend Federal Tactical Low recoil 00 buck).
100 bird shot loads (Winchester 7/8-ounce low recoil).
We suggest that you use only low recoil ammunition. Full power slugs and buck shot and even bird shot will become punishing by the end of the class and provide the shooter with no advantage. You should use the same exact slug loads throughout the course as you will be shooting out to 50 yards and will need consistent ammunition. The same is true for buck shot. Changing the buckshot load can change the pattern spread and point of impact. We are happy to make specific recommendations upon request.
If your shotgun does not have a recoil pad, we suggest in the strongest terms that you need to have one installed or at the very least mount a limb saver slip on recoil pad.
Dummy rounds: A minimum of 12 A-Zoom dummy cartridges will be required. The dummy rounds will be used for skip loading, dry practice and manipulation practice. This item is not negotiable. We suggest that you acquire these early as finding the required number may require ordering them online.
Tools required for adjusting the sights on your shotgun if applicable.
Knee pads and elbow pads are suggested.
Shooting mat or a pad to use various shooting positions.
Past Shoulder Pad: We strongly recommend that you wear a Past Shoulder Pad under your shirt. This will prevent the butt of your shotgun from catching on the pad during rapid mounting. The pad will substantially reduce the effects of recoil which is cumulative. If you become sore and the recoil starts to cause you pain, you will no doubt start to flinch. Achieving a surprise break with the shotgun is difficult enough without being in pain.
Binoculars will be helpful.
Pistol such as the one you used in Pistol 1-4.
Holster such as used in Pistol 1-4.
Three magazines for the pistol.
Pistol magazine pouch.
Pistol cartridges- Fifty accurate, safe and reliable factory cartridges.
Boots or sturdy high-top shoes suggested to protect ankles.
Baseball cap.
Ear plugs and ear muff type hearing protection.
Both clear and dark shooting glasses.
Wide heavy-duty belt that will fit your loops to support your pistol.
Trousers with belt loops are required.
Sun block is highly recommended.
One gallon of water (minimum) for each range day per shooter.
Pocket notebook to record all range data.
Writing device (Pen/pencil) to record information in your notebook.
Cleaning kit is recommended including a cleaning rod.
Fire extinguisher is optional, please bring one if you can.
Personal first aid kit is suggested.
Dress in Layers so that you can adapt to changing temperatures.
Chair-Folding or Camping chair.
Sun Shade– Umbrella or Awning optional– Beware of strong wind gusts.
Lunch-bring one.
If additional items are added to this list prior to the class, you will be notified.
Note: Any questions regarding equipment please call us at 801-669-1886.