In the first edition of this series we chatted with Tom Givens of Rangemaster. Today we have the opportunity to speak with the Sultan of Shotguns, Rob Haught.
Interview with Rob Haught
If you consider yourself a remotely serious shotgunner, the surname “Haught” should be at the forefront of your mind. Rob Haught is the man who pioneered the “push-pull” recoil mitigation technique, and is probably the most prolific defensive and tactical shotgun instructor of the past several decades. I’ve had the opportunity to watch Rob, and his son Matt, teach students at the last two Thunderstick Summits, and their results speak for themselves.
Q: We’ll start off with a little bit of your background. What first got you into guns, your professional experience, etc.
As far back as I can remember I’ve been around firearms. Growing up in rural WV they were a part of everyday life. Gun safety and hunting were taught at an early age. I never missed a chance to shoot 22’s or my single shot Iver Johnson 20ga.
The man himself, Rob Haught
I became interested in competitive pistol and started IPSC in 1982. Shot my first Nationals in 1983. I was one of the first IDPA shooters and won the first SSP National Championship, being sponsored by S&W. I later was a member of the Beretta USA Pistol Team along with Ernest Langdon and Super Dave Harrington.
I was working in Law Enforcement and was a Contract Instructor for the DOJ, teaching my shotgun program to tactical units within that organization. I taught shotgun programs all across the US for LE Agencies.
I’m wrapping up a 35+ year career that has been very well rounded. I’ve done most of the neat stuff, SRT, Sniper, K9, Fugitive Task Force etc. all requiring use of various firearms. Firearms Instructor Schools include FBI, FLETC, NRA, Rangemaster and WV State Police Academy.
Q: If there was a discernable shift to “being serious” about guns, what brought that about?
I’ve always viewed firearms as serious tools rather than toys. Even while competing I tried to keep the practical side in mind
Q: Today you are most well known for your classes focusing on the shotgun. We’ve spoken a little about your MP5 courses from the past; are there other firearms that you really have a passion for, whether that be teaching or just shooting, that don’t get as much notoriety as your scattergun skills?
While it’s true I’m best known for shotgun training, I enjoy shooting about most anything. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of Sniper rifle shooting. I’ve been a LE Sniper for a long time and enjoy precision rifles.
Q: Your son Matt is a great instructor in his own right. As a new dad, I’m already thinking through my plan to teach my daughter about guns. What did you do to introduce your son to firearms and to help stoke his interest over time?
I’m extremely proud of Matt. Shooting is in his DNA for sure. From an early age I tried to take him to the range. He grew up hanging out with some very big name folks and soaking it all up. He has become a very good Instructor in his own right and it’s been very rewarding watching him mature into a professional instructor and I love team teaching with him. Symtac has provided an opportunity to spend more time together doing what we love.
Rob Haught running Matt through the Symtac Skills Gauge at Thunderstick Summit 2024
I would tell you to always encourage your son’s curiosity about firearms and take time to answer his questions and allow him to spend time with you at the range. Make shooting fun for him before you know he’ll be outshooting you!
Q: The defensive or tactical shotgun world has changed a fair bit over the past few decades with new ammunition technology, more reliable semiautomatic offerings, and more. Have there been any changes that you think were a step in the wrong direction, or any emerging technologies which fizzled out that you wish would’ve been a success?
In the last 20 years there has been a huge advancement in Shotgun technology. Better ammo such as [Federal Flite Control], accessories like Magpul Stocks, sidesaddles, barrel mods from Vang Comp, widespread use and acceptance of steel targets and recoil mitigation techniques.
With the introduction of Beretta 1301 and A300 Patrol we have reliable semi auto platforms to work with. I’m exited to see what the next few years will bring. With innovation coming out of shops like Aridus and LTT and Vang Comp it’s only going to get better.
Q: Do you have any especially notable mentors? If so, what are some things that they did for/to you which stand out?
I was extremely fortunate to meet Ken Hackathorn when I was just starting to shoot IPSC. I had read his articles since High School and learned his home club was about an hour away. I shot my first match there and ended up taking a few of his classes. I was amazed one day when he asked if I could help him with a pistol class.
That was the start of a long education that shaped my whole teaching style and ability.
Ken is an amazing Instructor and wealth of firearms knowledge. He is the person who first encouraged me to start teaching shotgun programs and opened many doors for me. I am very blessed to have had him as a mentor.
Q: Tell us about any especially fond memories you have from your career, as an instructor, other firearms or defense related experiences?
I’ve been lucky in my career to meet many of the firearms people I read about as a youngster and listen to their stories such as Cooper, Cirillo, Ayoob, Farnam etc. Professionally, my biggest reward is having students reach out after a critical incident telling me my training helped them prevail.
Q: Are there any hard lessons learned for you that changed the way you do things, or that you’d like to relay to the readers?
One of the biggest lessons I learned was to have confidence in your abilities and never assume your students know every little basic that you do, nothing is too fundamental.
Rob and his son Matt at the Thunderstick Summit
I was invited to demonstrate my Push Pull technique to a very elite LE tactical team. I had never taught anyone and was nervous about how I would be received. The day before I was to present the material I was introduced to one of their snipers who asked me a very basic question, did I know how to adjust the sights on a 870 slug gun? I felt it was a trick question but I said yes. He asked if I could help him sight in his personal shotgun as deer season was coming in. I did and he was genuinely grateful. I told myself I was going to be ok there.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to pass onto readers, whether they be instructors, competitors, or regular earth people?
I’ve seen the rise of training opportunities grow in leaps and bounds over the last several years. I would advise students to vet the instructors and the course material to make sure it’s what they are looking for and to get good value for their money. Try to become a well rounded shooter.
Shooting is fun. Enjoy yourself!
Q: Where can people find you, your work, or train with you?
Wrapping Up Living Legends Interview with Rob Haught
Students of the scattergun need to get on the range with the Haughts to see what Rob and Matt have to say. I’ve witnessed them take complete newbies and turn them into confident and competent shooters in less than two hour’s time. From their own classes to the Thunderstick Summit, opportunities await for you to sharpen your skills.
Thanks to Rob for taking the time to answer my questions! We have more incredible guests in store as this series continues. You can check out previous editions below.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading! Writing isn’t my full-time profession, and nearly everything I do comes out of my own pocket. Between ammunition, tuition, range fees and more, expenses add up fast. If you like what I have to offer, consider making a donation to my Patreon.
Every bit helps bring more work like this to you, and contributes to shortened timelines or more in-depth work on my part. You’ll also have more direct access to me, offering suggestions for future projects, looking behind the scenes, and getting early access to some content. You can find my Patreon >>HERE<<
Daniel holds instructor certifications from Rangemaster, Agile Training & Consulting, and the NRA. He has received training from Craig Douglas, Tom Givens, and Steve Fisher among others. He also has experience competing in USPSA, CAS, 3 Gun, and Steel Challenge. In his free time Daniel enjoys petting puppies and reading the Constitution.
His work is also published by Athlon Outdoors, AmmoLand, Recoil Concealment, Air Force Times, and other publications.
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