05/26/2026
# After Action Report – Shotgun Essentials with Jonathan Willis
Attending Shotgun Essentials with Jonathan Willis was an outstanding training experience that reinforced foundational skills while exposing areas for continued development and refinement. The course delivered a strong balance of safety, accountability, technical application, and practical problem solving in a structured learning environment.
Throughout the class, emphasis was placed on safe fi****ms handling, efficient manipulation, recoil management, target transitions, ammunition management, and understanding the capabilities and limitations of the shotgun platform. Instruction was clear, direct, and immediately applicable. Drills were progressively layered in a way that allowed students to build confidence while still being challenged under increasing levels of pressure and complexity.
One of the standout aspects of the course was how engaging every skill and drill felt. Jonathan Willis has a natural ability to create energy and excitement on the range that keeps students motivated and fully invested throughout the day. His enthusiasm for teaching is contagious, and it creates an environment where students are eager to learn, push themselves, and stay mentally engaged. Even repetitive fundamentals felt purposeful and exciting because of the way the material was presented and coached.
Another major strength of Jonathan’s instruction was his ability to simplify concepts that initially appeared complex. Techniques and manipulations were broken down into manageable steps with clear, easy-to-follow explanations that allowed students to process information quickly and apply it successfully. Rather than overwhelming students with unnecessary complexity, he focused on building understanding through simple terms, demonstrations, and practical application. This made the learning process approachable while still maintaining a high level of technical instruction.
One of the most valuable takeaways from the course was the focus on consistency and efficiency over speed alone. Small inefficiencies in loading, mounting the shotgun, movement, and visual processing quickly became noticeable under repetition. This highlighted how critical economy of motion and preparation are when running a shotgun effectively. The shotgun will demand what input you need to provide to it to manage it effectively.
Another major lesson reinforced throughout the class was the importance of maintaining awareness of ammunition status and managing the platform proactively rather than reactively. The shotgun is extremely capable, but it demands accountability from the shooter. The course reinforced that performance with the shotgun is highly dependent on discipline, preparation, and repetition of proper mechanics.
Jonathan’s teaching style encouraged students to think critically about why techniques work rather than simply copying motions. Situation determinds tactics! Questions were welcomed, coaching was individualized, and corrections were delivered in a way that promoted learning and confidence. The class environment supported growth while still maintaining high standards and accountability.
Personally, the course exposed several areas I want to continue improving, including efficiency during reloads, recoil control during faster strings of fire, and maintaining consistency while fatigued or under time constraints. At the same time, the class reinforced confidence in applying foundational skills safely and effectively.
This training also served as a reminder that competency with defensive fi****ms is a perishable skill set. Performance standards require ongoing practice, continued education, and a willingness to remain coachable. Shotgun Essentials provided not only technical instruction, but also valuable perspective on mindset, preparation, and responsible fi****ms ownership.
Overall, this was a highly valuable course that challenged students appropriately while providing practical tools for continued growth. I would strongly recommend training with Jonathan Willis and Gunset to anyone looking to build a more capable and accountable understanding of the shotgun platform.
