Choose Your Private Shotgun Session
Both paths are private and tailored to the student. The range determines what can be trained safely. Four-hour group shotgun training remains at Homestead Training Center.
2-Hour Private Shotgun | $400
Founders Shooting Club Fort Lauderdale or North Miami
- Private one-on-one session
- Slug-only indoor live fire
- Safety, loading/unloading, mount, recoil control, reloads, and malfunctions
- No movement, transitions, buckshot, or birdshot at Founders
4-Hour Private Tactical Shotgun | $800
Homestead Training Center only
- Private one-on-one dynamic session
- Fundamentals plus movement, positions, transitions, and decision-making
- Birdshot, buckshot, and slugs
- Best fit for students who want the full field course
Looking for a group? See the four-hour Homestead group shotgun course. Merchant fees may apply.
Introduction
Private shotgun training is built around your shotgun, experience, and defensive needs. Start with the two-hour slug-only indoor fundamentals session at Founders, or choose the four-hour Homestead session when you want movement, positions, transitions, and a full dynamic course.
Both are one-on-one with Stephen Cohen and progress at your pace.
What Our Clients Say
Tactical U holds a 5.0 rating across 354 Google reviews. Read what students say about training with Stephen.
What You’ll Learn
Firearms Safety Rules:
protocols for safe shotgun handling under stress
Shotgun Ballistics:
understanding spread patterns, penetration, and the differences between birdshot, buckshot, and slugs
The Seven Fundamentals of Marksmanship:
stance, grip, sight picture, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control, follow-through
Ready Positions & Presentation:
high ready, low ready, and safe transitions to target engagement
Clearing Malfunctions:
diagnosing and fixing common shotgun stoppages
Proactive & Reactive Reloads:
tactical and emergency reloads to keep your shotgun in the fight
Positional Shooting:
engaging from standing, kneeling, and unconventional positions
Shooting on the Move:
engaging targets while moving safely and maintaining control
Transitions to Handgun:
seamlessly switch to your pistol when your shotgun is empty or inoperable (if participating)
Combat Mindset:
building the mental toughness to handle dynamic, high-stress defensive encounters
Course Structure
- Safety & Fundamentals Orientation
- Establish shotgun safety protocols and review effective defensive marksmanship.
- Ballistics & Patterning
- Learn performance differences between loads, pattern your shotgun, and understand shot selection for home defense.
- Manipulations & Malfunctions
- Drill proactive and reactive reloads, and diagnose common issues under pressure.
- Positional & Movement Drills
- Practice engaging from multiple positions and moving while maintaining control and accuracy.
- Transitions & Decision-Making
- Train seamless transitions from shotgun to handgun (if participating) and learn to make critical decisions under stress.
- Live Fire Exercises
- Apply everything you learn in structured, progressive live-fire drills.
- Debrief & Homework Assignment
- Leave with personalized feedback and specific drills to continue your development.

Setup & Requirements
- Location: Homestead Training Center
- Time: 4 hours (by appointment only)
- Level: Beginner through advanced, tailored to your skill level
- Firearms: Functional and practical shotgun (12 or 20 gauge only; no .410 or specialty gauges)
- Ammo: 150 rounds assorted birdshot, 75 rounds 00 buckshot, 25+ slugs
- Sling: Required for safe manipulation and transitions
- Secondary Firearm (Optional): Pistol for transition drills; if participating, you must have a quality OWB holster, sturdy belt, and 50 rounds of handgun ammunition
- Tools: Bring tools, Loctite, cleaning supplies, bore brush, and accessories needed to adjust or maintain your shotgun
- Risk Notice: Participation is at your own risk. By enrolling, you accept the inherent risks of advanced live-fire training.

What to Bring
- Functional shotgun with sling
- 150 rounds of assorted birdshot
- 75 rounds of 00 buckshot
- 25+ slugs
- Optional: functional handgun with quality OWB holster, sturdy belt, 50 rounds for transitions
- Ear and eye protection (electronic ear pro recommended)
- Four shotgun shell holders or side saddles (recommended)
- Clothing suited for strenuous activity (no shorts, tank tops, open-toe shoes)
- Hat, knee/elbow pads (recommended)
- Tools, Loctite, cleaning supplies
- Snacks, hydration, meal
- Government-issued photo ID
- An open mind
Pricing & Availability

2 Hour Private Shotgun Training
$400 + merchant fees
Private training with a Tactical U instructor.

4 Hour Private Tactical Shotgun
$800 + merchant fees
Private training with a Tactical U instructor.
Essential Reading
Continue Your Training
Advance your skills with these progression courses:
- Tactical Rifle Fundamentals
- Dynamic Rifle
- Malfunction Clearance Masterclass
- Reload Masterclass
- Gunfighting 101
- Concealed Handgun Tactics & Safety
- Vehicle Tactics
- Low-Light Gunfighting
- Force on Force
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners take this class?
Yes, but you should have some basic firearm familiarity. Complete beginners may benefit from a private handgun or fundamentals session first.
Do you provide shotguns?
Limited rentals available for serious students; contact us before booking.
What types of shotguns are recommended?
Reliable pump or semi-automatic 12 or 20 gauge shotguns with a sling.
Can I train transitions to a pistol?
Yes, if you bring a handgun with a quality OWB holster and sturdy belt, we will cover shotgun-to-pistol transitions.
Will we shoot buckshot, birdshot, and slugs?
Yes, you’ll learn the differences and pattern your shotgun with all three loads.
Liability Disclaimer & Disclosure Requirement
This course is for training purposes only. Tactical U makes no representations or guarantees regarding legal use-of-force decisions or the outcomes of defensive engagements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with your local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms and self-defense.
All students must sign a liability waiver prior to participating. No student may proceed without acknowledging and accepting full responsibility for their actions, decisions, and adherence to safety protocols during and after training.
Compare the two-hour Founders option with the four-hour Homestead option, or talk with Stephen before choosing.
- Email: training@tacticalu.com
- Talk With Stephen First: (954) 637-2115
- Open the training range location in Google Maps
- Serving Miami & South Florida
Any Questions? Book A Call And Speak With Our Instructors
Contact Tactical U
Questions Before You Book?
Register now, send Stephen a question, or book a short call before you register.
