Frequently Asked Questions:
Most frequent questions and answers
"What is the 2-Day Patriot Shotgun Class?
Simply put: this is a LIVE training class offered to civilians who want to be trained to the highest levels in defensive shotgun skills at my Patriot Training Center range in Talladega, AL.
This live training was designed specifically to teach you how to use and protect your family with a pump or semi-auto shotgun (your choice). Even if you’ve never shot a shotgun before, by the end of this class you’ll be better trained than 99% of gun owners (including most law enforcement and military!)
This is not a book, DVD, video, or other online course. This is not a sit and listen lecture.
This is a 2-day LIVE, hands-on training class where you get to learn from one of the best instructors Iāve ever had the pleasure of working with.
"WHEN and WHERE is the Class? What are the dates?"
The next class is being held during the dates above in Eastaboga, AL at my private training facility, The Patriot Training Center.
All the exact details as to where the range is located, hotel recommendations, and other details will be sent to you after you sign up.
"What if Iām not in good shape or Iām old or have XYZ health problem"
Our instructor has taught hundreds of students from ages as young as 21 to as old as 60+ years of age. There is probably a way you can take this class if YOU truly want to.
That said, please watch the videos on this page to see the type of shooting and moving that you will be doing. You do NOT have to move as fast or as ādynamicallyā as the people in these videos, but you do need to be able to move.
On a personal note, if the type of movements in the video look like something you can not do… then you need to seriously considering improving your health and losing weight because if you ever have to defend yourself in REAL LIFE, criminals will NOT take it easy on you just because youāre old and out of shape.
In other words, you should strive not to be in as good as shape as you were when you were younger. Nor should you try to be the āthe fittest man or woman in the worldā but the āfittest YOU that you can beā. Nothing else will improve your survivability as being in the best shape you can physically be. Period.
"How do I fly with my handgun?"
Itās actually pretty simple. And as a bonus, you are less likely to lose your baggage because if the airline loses your bag with a firearm in itāthey have to report to the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) about how they made such a huge mistake! The TSA guidelines can be found here. However, you should not only follow those guidelines, but also check with your individual airline as well because they all may have different rules/regulations.
"What if I donāt have a concealed carry permit?"
There is no concealed carry permit required to take this course.
"How many people can attend?"
This class is strictly limited in size to just 10-15 because we want to keep the instructor-to-student ratio small, so that there can be personal attention for anyone that needs it. That said, we only have a few seats left at the time of this writing.
"When is the next class?"
We have classes pretty much every month. But this is one of the few times we’ve offered such an extreme amount of gifts and bonuses to fill the last seats of this upcoming class. If you’re at all interested you should sign up now, because there are no guarantees we will offer this class at such an extreme discount again.
"What equipment will I need?"
A very complete and full “prep list” is sent to students before class. But, you will need your shotgun (pump or semi-auto is fine), a sling (optional, but can be helpful), and an easy way to carry extra ammo for the shotgunāsuch as a side saddle or buttstock cuff.
Please bring the following shotgun ammo:
-100 rounds minimum of birdshot (more if you have it, 250 would be more than enough).
-50 rounds of buckshot you intend to use for ādutyā/self-defense (if you have it, if not, any buckshot).
-20 rounds of slugs (if you have it).
Bring more if you have it and want to. If you are running a semi-auto shotgun, please make sure the ammo you bring will reliably function in your shotgun before class.
(You will also of course need all the safety equipment such as eye and ear protection).
"Hi Caleb. I am very interested in this program. Can you tell me what additional expenses might be, such as ammunition, etc?"
After you sign up, you will get an email explaining exactly what you need to bring to the training course.
To answer your question about ammo specifically, the curriculum has been designed to shoot at least 100 rounds of birdshot, around 50 rounds of the buckshot and 20 slugs. The easiest way to do this is to just order the ammunition onlineāyou can buy 500 rounds at a discountāand have it shipped to Patriot Training Center with your name on it (my assistant Josh can help you with this after you sign up). Or you can travel and bring it with you. You can also contact us if you want to purchase ammo from us directly because we are an FFL (gun shop).
"What if Iām not a good shot? Or Iām new to firearms? I donāt want to embarrass myself ... should I be better or practice before I come?"
Donāt worry! Our master instructor has taught all types of people with all kinds of experience to include special operations level to people who have never even fired a gun before.
All that matters is that you follow the safety rules you’ll learn and heāll take care of the rest. Do NOT worry about ālooking goodā or āshooting poorlyā during the class.
This is not a contest to see how good you shootāthis is about helping you learn more skills so that you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.
"Can My Child Attend? What are the AGE Requirements?"
We 100% encourage and absolutely would love to train your whole family, including your children!
You would buy a seat like any other student and the minimum age is 11 if taking the course with a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian MUST be the one working with the child during the entire course, and be responsible for only ONE child. In other words, you are responsible for your child and you understand that if something is unsafe we may have to address that and/or remove them from the line. Children age 10 and under are not allowed. Unattended minors are NOT allowed on the property. They must be escorted by a parent or guardian at all times or be enrolled in an appropriate course.
Please do bring your family and get your children training as soon as you, as their parent, believe they are responsible enough to take the training. (If you have any questions about any of this, simply contact us by phone or email with any questions).