The majority of today’s production shotguns are equipped with a bead sight as their primary sighting mechanism, which works slightly differently than other sights.

To make sure that you’re using the bead sight correctly its important to start with a good cheek weld on the stock to get your eyes down onto the gun. The front bead should be in-line with then top rail of the shotgun. If you can see the bead and some of the rail, you’re likely aiming too high.

And if you can’t see the whole bead, then you’ll likely hit too low. Now that you understand the basics, get out there and train early and train often, so that if the time comes, you are prepared to defend.