Shotgun Dot Torture: A 25-Round Training Drill for Shotgun Owners
We all love the classic Dot Torture Drill. It’s a great fifty-round pistol workout. Over time, Dot Torture evolved to encapsulate revolvers, DA/SA guns, and then multiple carbine variants. What’s missing is a shotgun variant. As a fan of both Dot Torture and shotguns, I decided to make my own, so here is shotgun Dot Torture.
I like Dot Torture because it works a multitude of skills and provides a guided training session that slowly escalates from simple to complicated. I wanted to do the same thing for shotguns. Shotgun Dot Torture will utilize 25 rounds, and I suggest using buckshot to maximize your training value.
A cheap box of buckshot holds 25 rounds, so it lines up nicely with the one-box-of-ammo theme of the original Dot Torture. Also, we can’t use the same 2-inch dots we use for traditional dot torture because a shotgun will eat them up.
We are going to use 8-inch circles. These circles should contain the pattern of the cheapest buckshot at five to ten yards. We’ll need ten 8-inch circles for this drill. You can make and print your own at home, or you can use a B8 target.
A big part of Shotgun Dot Torture is continuous loading. Like the revolver Dot Torture variant, we’ll reload whenever it makes sense. With that in mind, you’ll need some form of shotgun ammo carrier, be it a belt, caddy, side saddle, or deep enough pocket. Don’t treat these as admin reloads; focus on doing it quickly and efficiently.
Shotgun Dot Torture – Dot by Dot
Dot 1 – Confirmation
Dot 1 will serve as our confirmation dot. You’ll shoot three rounds in slow fire. Use this dot to get an idea of your ammo patterns and what your point of aim/point of impact looks like. This dot will set you up for success if used correctly.
After shooting three, make sure you observe where you hit, what your pattern is doing, and make any necessary adjustments.
Load three into the gun to finish the drill.
Dot 2 – Ready Up
For Dot 2, start in the low or high ready, whichever you prefer. At the signal, mount and fire one shot. Repeat this drill for a total of three repetitions and three rounds fired.
After firing the last round, load four rounds into the gun.
Dots 3 and 4 – Transition Drill
Dots 3 and 4 work together in Shotgun Dot Torture. You’ll start in your chosen ready position and, at the signal, fire one round on dot 3 and transition to dot 4 and fire one round. You’ll repeat this drill twice for a total of four rounds fired.
After firing the last round, reload three rounds into the gun.
Dot 5 – Compressed Shooting Position
For Dot 5, assume a compressed shooting position. This can be underarm or above the shoulder; it’s up to the end user. I prefer an above-the-shoulder style so I can still use the sights easily.
Assume your compressed shooting position and fire one round into dot 5. Repeat this drill for a total of three repetitions and three rounds fired.
At the end of the drill, load four rounds into your shotgun.
Dots 6 and 7 – Double Tap Transitions
Dots 6 and 7 will mix double-taps and transitions. Start in your chosen ready position. At the signal, aim and fire two rounds on six and two rounds on seven. You’ll conduct this drill one time.
Dot 8 – Grab and Go
For Dot 8, we’ll need a table or barrel to set your shotgun down on. The shotgun will be cruiser-ready with one round in the tube.
Cruiser ready is the hammer down on an empty chamber. Since most of us will retrieve a shotgun before putting it in use, we should practice retrieving and readying the gun.
Set the gun on the table, hands at your side. At the signal, grab the gun, ready it, and fire one round. You’ll need to reset the gun between each round to ensure it’s cruiser ready. You’ll repeat this drill for four reps total.
Dot 9 and 10 – Emergency Reload
We’ll start with our gun loaded with a single round in the chamber and an empty tube. We’ll be using our final two Shotgun Dot Torture dots.
At the signal, you’ll aim and fire one round into dot 9. Conduct an emergency reload through the ejection port, and put one round in dot 10.
Repeat the drill for two repetitions.
Beta Testing Shotgun Dot Torture
Like standard Dot Torture, the range and time standards are up to the user. I think the range should be anywhere from seven to 10 yards, but ultimately you have to know what your gun does. It’s admittedly not as convenient as standard dot torture with a single piece of paper target, but alas, shotguns can be difficult.
This is still a beta version. I’ve tested a few variations, and replaced and modified drills along the way. This is the version I’ve found most useful so far, but I want to see how it performs outside my range sessions. If you shoot Shotgun Dot Torture, I’d love some feedback.
About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner, a lifelong firearms enthusiast, and now a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He holds an NRA certification as a Basic Pistol Instructor and is the world’s Okayest firearm’s instructor.