I am looking to mount a light onto my home Defense Shotgun. No need to try to venture out of the room in the dark. Now, I have found two or three items of interest. when looking at lights, I found a straight light, laser/light combo. some turn on with a flick of a switch, others have a pressure switch.

 

I have two issues. if your light, is always on, Doesn't that present a target for somebody, and my other issue is. If mounting the pressure switch, how would you run it from the front, without interfering with the slide of the pump?

 

Anybody else sporting a light on their Shotgun, and what did you do.

 

 

 

 

Or you can go the cheap way, get a magazine support clamp (like this one) and clamp on a flashlight of your choice, like a Surefire G2, to the magazine tube. With a bit of shopping around that should cost you about $50 +shipping.

 

As for presenting a target, there are lots of arguments about that when it comes to use of lights but try this: in the dark, from 15 ft away, have someone shine a 100+ lumen flashlight in your face and see if you can tell where that is. Weapon lights are pretty much standard equipment now for the any decent military so how much of a danger can they be?

Actually, the more i look, the more I answer my own question. this is going on my home defense gun, so, god willing, it never gets pulled out. A flashlight, to just light up the way will be fine, and more so, if somebody actually sees the light coming, they know it is time to get the hell out anyways.

Tlr1 hp I love mine

If you need a light to just see your way out of a room use a handheld flashlight and proper search techniques. A dedicated weapon mounted light is for target aquisition and discrimination, not navigation.

 

That being said, if you have a gun that is designated for "social" use, it should have a dedicated weapon mounted light. It is hard enough to manipulate a gun (load, charge, etc...), open doors, secure family members, call 911, etc.. with one hand in the dark, then adding in trying to juggle a handheld flashlight. Plus, I don't know about you, but I shoot much better with 2 hands solidly on the gun like I train to do all the time, not with one hand or some mediocre grip trying to hold the light and the gun together.

 

Leaving the light on presents many more advantages then disadvantages. The big disadvantage, namely - "It will make you a bullet sponge" is often taken out of context and blown out of proportion. Leaving the light on doesn't make you any more of a target than you would already be in daylight. However, it does let you ID and engage targets faster than doing a crazy light on/light off kabuki dance.

 

Personally, once I turn it on, it stays on. Turning it on and off does nothing to maintain stealth, the blink gives your position away just as readily as a constant light, and slows down your ability to acquire and ID targets as threats/unknown/innocents.

 

What about after an engagement? All the talk about "light off and move somewhere else so they can't find you after you shoot" Consider this: You hear the proverbial bump in the night, grap your HD gear and go investigate. You turn your light on, aquire a target, ID a lethal threat, decide to use DPF ( Deadly Physical Force ) in protection of your life and the lives if your family, shoot, turn the light off and move. OK. Move to...where? How much room do you have to move to? Are you moving into a partners line of fire? Tripping over that laundry, the kids toys, your wife's shoes?

 

Now, you shot at the threat, the operative word being AT because 20% hit potential is about the limit for most under stressful conditions such as responding to an intruder in your home in the middle of the night, even at typical interior house distances. Did you hit him? If you turn the light off, how do you know? And if you are not tracking your threat down to the ground, how do you know you hurt him? And if you hurt him, how do you know you killed him? And if you killed him, how do you know you killed him Right Now? How about other threats? You assess in daylight don't you? So why wouldn't you assess at night?

 

There are a lot of ways to do somehing, and most are right, and some less so.

 

Get a handheld and a dedicated weapon mounted light. Then get some good low light/no light training.

 

As far as lights, the Surefire fore-end light is the Cat's Pajamas. A railed fore-end with a light mounted to it is a close second, and slightly cheaper. Avoid lights mounted to the barrel/mag with coiled wire pressure switches pressure like a hooker with an Adam's Apple.

 

Don't get that light for a shotgun. It's sold under several different brands. I had the Command Arms Accessories one, got rid of it after I discovered that the battery door latch on it will not hold up to 12 gauge recoil. After a couple of shots the latch would let go and the CR123 batteries would be half hanging out of the body of the light.

@High Exposure I couldn't agree more with what you said. Which is the reason why I am choosing a dedicated light for the "Social" gun. I ordered the light at the top of my post. No wires, just a flip switch. I am going to get it, take a look, and maybe upgrade to a larger light that maybe has strobe effect. But we will see.

Good deal.

 

I would avoid a strobe function in a WML. A strobe effect can make it difficult to see subtle or slow movement of a targets hands, which may be a precursor to an attack. Additionally the strobe's disorienting effects "point both ways" and can have an effect on you as well as your target.

 

Good luck!

Point taken on the strobe effect. Thanks for your advice.

My pleasure. Post back when you have everything set up and have had time to put it through its paces. I am interested to see your final choices and likes/dislikes about the system.

Or you can go the cheap way, get a magazine support clamp (like this one) and clamp on a flashlight of your choice, like a Surefire G2, to the magazine tube. With a bit of shopping around that should cost you about $50 +shipping.

 

 

 

That, my friend, is brilliant. Simple, cheap, use flashlight of your choice. Perfect solution. I put that item on my next order.

I am assuming this clamp will be used to mount the light at the 6 O'clock position, under the tube, correct? Although, it may work at the 3 & 9 O'clock positions as well. In any case, the same question applies.

 

What is the planned "switchology" for using the light? What is the proposed method to turn the light on and off? Hand position, manipulation, etc...

 

Having a light is good. Having a light that you can use in a manner that enhances the effectiveness of the platform it is mounted to is better.

Well I can tell you what I did for my gun. I mounted a tail button activate light on the magazine tube about 2 inches in front of the forearm, at 6 o'clock. . The way I handle a shotgun, I can activate the light with my left hand while holding the forearm, my index finger is already pointing that way, and I don't need to shift my hand at all to activate it. This obviously wouldn't work on a "half" seize magazine tube as there would be no room for it, you would need to attach it to the barrel and then it wouldn't be in the "right" place.

 

I can foresee that mount shifting under repeated heavy recoil, it is just a friction mount, but I have have it clamped down fairly tightly and lets face it this is not a setup that will go through hundreds or even tens of rounds without being able to be adjusted. With any luck you would never have to fire it, and if you if you had to fire in a self defense scenario, exactly how many rounds do you expect to use? Under a military/police scenario you would probably want a more solid mount, but I think for home defense it would be just fine. Just use a quality light that won't fail under recoil.

I am assuming this clamp will be used to mount the light at the 6 O'clock position, under the tube, correct? Although, it may work at the 3 & 9 O'clock positions as well. In any case, the same question applies.

 

What is the planned "switchology" ™ for using the light? What is the proposed method to turn the light on and off? Hand position, manipulation, etc...

 

Having a light is good. Having a light that you can use in a manner that enhances the effectiveness of the platform it is mounted to is better.

 

A flashlight with an on/off button on the rear is all I would need. No fancy "tactical remote switches" for me thanks. I'm not going to war, I'm facing an intruder in my own house.

 

Plan A: racking the 1st shell sends him running.

 

Plan B: if it doesn't, I won't need the light for more than one shot of 00, most likely.

 

In any event, I would test fire the setup at the range to see how it handled recoil.

Vlad G,

 

Good deal. Well thought out and you know your systems limitations. Only question is this: Why not spend another $25 dollars to remove those limitations and have a setup that is optimal for your desired use. What is your life and the lives of those you would be defending in a HD situation worth?

 

 

 

A flashlight with an on/off button on the rear is all I would need. No fancy "tactical remote switches" for me thanks. I'm not going to war, I'm facing an intruder in my own house.

 

Plan A: racking the 1st shell sends him running.

 

Plan B: if it doesn't, I won't need the light for more than one shot of 00, most likely.

 

In any event, I would test fire the setup at the range to see how it handled recoil.

 

Ruger9,

 

If you read my posts above in this thread you would see that I advised to avoid any remote/pressure switches.

 

If you need to adjust your normal firing grip or stance to activate your WML you are doing it wrong and making it harder than it needs to be. The circumstances where you would need to use your weapon in the dark are stressful enough without trying to fight your gear or use equipment that is not intuitive. This action, the turning on and off a WML, is an example of when the "instinctive" part of gunfighting may come in to play with the use of some procedural memory you created in training. This task should be able to be completed easily and without changing your normal grip on the weapon, at the unconscious competence level of accomplishment.

 

As far as plan A is concerned, if you are relying in the sound of your shotgun racking to scare away an intruder you have been watching too many movies. There are plenty of genuine bad guys out there that want what you have, especially in these tough economic times. These people have had guns pointed at them regularly and are not afraid of that sound, in fact in post arrest interviews they have often stated that all it did was let them know where the homeowner/cop/whatever was so they could take appropriate cover and attempt to engage them first. The people that have the balls to invade your home are hard, and typically armed as well. Their only question when coming up against resistance is "Can my violence defeat your violence?" if they think it can, then the fight is on.

 

As to plan B, are you really only planning for 1 shot before your light fails? Let's say you only have 1 initial adversary. You fired once and your light fails. Did you hit? If so did it hurt him? If so did it stop the fight? If so did it stop the fight RIGHT NOW? Are there more? That sound behind you is it your Wife? Your kids? A cop? Another threat? You train to assess in daylight, why wouldn't you be prepared to assess in low light/no light?

 

Ruger9, I hope you never are put in any scenario where you have to use DPF to protect yourself of your loved ones, but if you are and you follow your Plan A and Plan B you are setting yourself up for failure.

Vlad G,

 

Good deal. Well thought out and you know your systems limitations. Only question is this: Why not spend another $25 dollars to remove those limitations and have a setup that is optimal for your desired use. What is your life and the lives of those you would be defending in a HD situation worth?

 

TBH it was a field expedient setup. I had the clamp, I had the light, I had no specific use for either and I needed a light on my shotgun. Once on the gun, I did some drills, noticed it worked for what I wanted out of it, so the cost being zero I left it alone. The other issue is that I'm not sure what optimal really is for this application, I suspect the forearm integrated lights like the surefire are the right answer but their cost is something I'm not willing to swallow. This is a personal choice because I'm not fond of shotguns, I have much better implemented solutions for rifles and handguns, but for a low volume of fire platform I'm quite happy with my "free" solution.

 

Ruger9, I hope you never are put in any scenario where you have to use DPF to protect yourself of your loved ones, but if you are and you follow your Plan A and Plan B you are setting yourself up for failure.

 

With all due respect, I'm not too worried about it. People have been defending themselves and their homes without fancy tactical lights, or even hand-held flashlights, since firearms were invented.

 

As to your clever "watching too many movies" comment, I'm not EXPECTING anything. But the sound of an ARMED homeowner can and has indeed turned away would-be UNarmed criminals.

 

We all don't need to be outfitted and trained like Navy SEALS to effectively defend our family and home.

 

As far as lights, the Surefire fore-end light is the Cat's Pajamas. A railed fore-end with a light mounted to it is a close second, and slightly cheaper. Avoid lights mounted to the barrel/mag with coiled wire pressure switches pressure like a hooker with an Adam's Apple.

 

this is the answer...

 

mounted in a way that your natural grip gets your activating finger right next to the activation switch so you are maintaining complete control on the weapon.. the only thing you could do better is pick a better weapon system for HD.. but whatever..

 

 

TBH it was a field expedient setup. I had the clamp, I had the light, I had no specific use for either and I needed a light on my shotgun. Once on the gun, I did some drills, noticed it worked for what I wanted out of it, so the cost being zero I left it alone. The other issue is that I'm not sure what optimal really is for this application, I suspect the forearm integrated lights like the surefire are the right answer but their cost is something I'm not willing to swallow. This is a personal choice because I'm not fond of shotguns, I have much better implemented solutions for rifles and handguns, but for a low volume of fire platform I'm quite happy with my "free" solution.

 

Excellent! Best of luck with it.

 

And I agree with your take on shotguns. I am competent with mine and it is setup appropriately for my uses. While I would not feel under-armed with it, but it is not my first choice for HD/SD.

 

 

 

With all due respect, I'm not too worried about it. People have been defending themselves and their homes without fancy tactical lights, or even hand-held flashlights, since firearms were invented.

 

As to your clever "watching too many movies" comment, I'm not EXPECTING anything. But the sound of an ARMED homeowner can and has indeed turned away would-be UNarmed criminals.

 

We all don't need to be outfitted and trained like Navy SEALS to effectively defend our family and home.

 

Ruger9,

 

I am glad you are not worried about it. People should feel secure in their homes. I don't worry about these things either. However, I am prepared, trained, and equipped in the event something does happen.

 

In fact, if you are not expecting anything, why have a HD weapon at all? If you do, why keep it loaded? Hoping for the best in a bad situation is not a strategy. The SOUND of an ARMED homeowner does nothing to someone determined to cause you harm, except make it easier to find you and let them know what you are armed with. Relying on a SOUND to keep you and your family safe is ridiculous. Relying on training, skill, and equipment is appropriate and realistic.

 

Yes, I understand that people have been defending themselves with firearms without WML for quite some time. So what? By your argument then we should then be defending our homes with rocks and pointy sticks by firelight, after all, people have been defending themselves with these weapons longer than the human race has had firearms. Or, how about bronze age spears. Hell, let's just go back to black powder smooth bore muskets. The technology to effectively fight with firearms at night is available, affordable, and makes defending yourself easier. Why wouldn't you use it? Why would you handicap yourself for the cost of $75 in gear, a well thought out setup, and some training?

 

I am not saying we need to be trained to the standard of a SEAL in order to defend yourself or loved ones. I don't think direct action missions wold suit most people in this board, in any case. However, as responsible gun owners we should all be prepared, be trained, and have the right equipment to do the job correctly and stack the odds in our favor as much as possible. Anything less is irresponsible.

"not expecting anything".... meaning I'm not automatically expecting an intruder to leave at the sound of a shotgun being racked. But it certainly does happen. On the whole (to your point), I take nothing for granted, which is why I am prepared.

 

Nice try, tho.

"not expecting anything".... meaning I'm not automatically expecting an intruder to leave at the sound of a shotgun being racked. But it certainly does happen. On the whole (to your point), I take nothing for granted, which is why I am prepared.

 

Ok.

 

Nice try, tho.

 

What exactly do you think I am trying to do?

 

 

So this arrived in today's mail. Looking forward to installing it tonight. Maybe I didn't read description properly. But it is a pistol light. But have to say, so far I have to say, it looks like real solid construction. Will try it, and see if anything needs to change. But this probably will do the trick.

 

Now just waiting on sling with 15 round capacity!!! I may not ever have to use it for home defense, but I will sure be ready for "Zombie Season"!!! LOL

All set up, trial run looks good, now will it hold up to the recoil test??? So far, I think yes !!

Looks good!! Where did you get the clamp?

I bought it at Cheaper than Dirt. it is really solid also. And I am very impressed with the light also. It is not cheaply made. it is very bright spot, and illuminates the whole room also.

 

Here is the Tri-Rail

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/59479

 

And here is the light that I mounted.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/LIGHT-211

 

I had ordered a Sling for the gun, so, I am going to have to side mount the light, but I dont see any issue with the effectiveness of that.

Not sure if this has been posted, but what I am going to do for my M930SPX, is something I saw advertised a year + ago, it's called a Beam Lokr ... (Like beam of light, Locker, as its a locker of place device)

 

it has a small body that attaches to the shotgun generally onto the magazine tube, via magnets... and then you just attach into it a flashlight of your choice. IT was built around the $5 cheapo LED flashlights you see at Home Depot or Target/Walmart *AND*/OR* the good Surefire or in my case I'm a Streamlight guy.. it attaches perfectly and holds it securely, and you just activate the light when you need it. IF you wanted your light could always be rigged up with a remote device (Saying it actually has that feature capability) or if not you just push it on push it off.

 

I like this very much because it is PERFECT for the M930SPX which doesnt have any good or really at all mounting solutions. and its very temporary yet very secure. On an AR with say a MOE rail or a quad rail you can mount TLR or Surefire lights easily, but on other devices its harder, say the M930SPX for example. BUT it is custom tailor made for the Beam Lokr, snap on the mag ext tube, light up, leave it when you need it remove to clean etc. AND it also facilitates very simple removal of light, so you can find a flashlight (again this is why I'd get a specific Streamlight) and it can be your breast/hip pocket flashlight and then your shotgun light whenever you need to swtich it up.\

 

just something to look at if you want, to me the Beam Lokr was a ingenious solution.

Trial run at the range today. 30 rounds of Buckshot and not even a wiggle... Looks like this mission is done...