It seems like putting round after round of buckshot into a paper target would get a bit, well, boring.
All too true. The other things you should be practicing are:
1. Pattern your shotgun with the buckshot load you'll be using. See where it shoots and find out at what distance the pattern becomes so spread out that you're not hitting your target with all the pellets.
2. Practice tactical reloads, i.e., putting more shells in the shotgun when it's empty or topping it off or switching to a slug without looking at the gun and losing observation of the target area. This can be done with dummy rounds without having to go to the range. Most catalogs and many gun stores have 12 ga. snap caps for sale.
3. Practice operating the gun one-handed. In a HD situation, you may need one hand to open a door or you may have one hand disabled due to something you or the BG did.
4. Practice transitioning from your shotgun to a handgun in case you run dry or it malfunctions in a danger zone. It can be quicker and safer to transition to your handgun until you get under cover and resolve the issue.
5. Practice engaging multiple targets, hostage/BG targets, etc. Your experience shooting clays will be a big advantage in this department.
6. Practice "slicing the pie" around corners without exposing yourself or your weapon unnecessarily.
7. Have fun, but train like you fight.
Forgot to mention:
A light on a HD weapon is vital for target ID. There are various descriptions on this forum on low-light tactics, but definitely get a light and practice live fire with it switched on. This will let you know that the light is up to the recoil from a 12 ga. Don't scrimp on the light. Tactical lights from Streamlight, Surefire and others are more expensive, but that's because they're designed to stand up to recoil. Don't put a $9.95 light on from the local box store and expect it to work past the first couple of rounds. I know, I tried it.
