Laser for shotgun recommendations

[karder]

Can anyone recommend a good quality laser for a 12 gauge? It seems all the cheap ones $100-$150 are not very good and the good ones are really expensive, but I don't have personal experience so I am relying on customer reviews. I would rather not spend more than $150, but I don't want a piece of junk that can't hold zero or handle the recoil. Thanks for any input.

[TheDude]

If you have a Picatinny rail on your shotgun then the Rail Master from Crimson Trace looks nice. Price is right also. I don't have this particular sight but I do have Crimson Trace on my carry gun. The laserguard on my SR9c was dead on right out of the box and 1000+ rounds later and it still is. Might want to think about a combo unit with a light and laser. For Home Defense a light is really more important than a laser.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/312272 ... ount-matte" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[C-dub]

For Home Defense a light is really more important than a laser.

Just what I was thinking. Put a light on it and you're good to go. Your'e not looking for pinpoint accuracy.

[karder]

If you have a Picatinny rail on your shotgun then the Rail Master from Crimson Trace looks nice. Price is right also. I don't have this particular sight but I do have Crimson Trace on my carry gun. The laserguard on my SR9c was dead on right out of the box and 1000+ rounds later and it still is. Might want to think about a combo unit with a light and laser. For Home Defense a light is really more important than a laser.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/312272 ... ount-matte" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't know why I did not think of crimson trace, but I think you provided the answer I was looking for. Thanks!
I do already have a light and would not normally put a laser on a shotgun, but I am building a range toy to be honest. My HD shotgun is a simple Winchester 1300 defender with no bells or whistles.

Thanks again!

[Salty1]

Here is how I set mine up for both HD and outside events, the ACOG knockoff is a Bushnell with no magnification, what I like about it is that I can keep both eyes open and where the T-dot points is where it will shoot, simple and fast for my old eyes. Next will be a flashlight as the final piece.

[TheDude]

. what I like about it is that I can keep both eyes open and where the T-dot points is where it will shoot, simple and fast for my old eyes..

I am a huge fan of optics on shotguns. At defensive distance you have to aim a shotgun way more than most people think. Its not pinpoint like C-Dub said but its more precise than some people think. The mini red dots like the Trijicon RMR are very nice on shotguns. Cost more than most HD shotguns though! LOL

[LeonCarr]

You will learn quickly the difference between quality and non quality optics/lasers/mounts when mounting them on a shotgun. The recoil will usually shake to pieces any inferior devices and shake loose/shake off inferior mounts.

IME/IMO optics/lasers are unnecessary for shotguns. By the time you find that dot inside the tube or the laser dot the gunfight will be over.

I do agree 100% on the flashlight recommendation. A much better thing to put on a shotgun instead of all that Battlestar Galactica stuff.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[TheDude]

IME/IMO optics/lasers are unnecessary for shotguns. By the time you find that dot inside the tube or the laser dot the gunfight will be over.
LeonCarr

Thats why you shoot with both eyes open. A red dot is much faster than Iron Sights because it eliminates the dual focal planes. There isn't a tube on a reflex sight like the RMR but even aimpoints work if you open both eyes. You stare at the target and bring the sight up into your view. When done properly the dot looks like its projected on the target. You just throw the gun up and the Dot is there. It might take a little pratice but once you figure it out its great. And a laser is projected on the target. If you are looking at the threat I don't see how he could miss that? Shotguns have a very tight pattern with across the room distances. Think small dinner plate size.

[LeonCarr]

A shotgun with a bead has only one focal plane, and no moving parts or circuits. I like the caveman approach when it comes to firearms that have to work.

The rear sight/second focal plane is your eye, just like it is with a dot or laser (Saying laser in my best Dr. Evil voice).



Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[TheDude]

The rear sight/second focal plane is your eye, just like it is with a dot or laser (Saying laser in my best Dr. Evil voice).



Just my .02,
LeonCarr

LOL. If we all had sharks with freakin laser beams on their heads we wouldn't need HD shotguns!

Well I guess by dual plane I meant the front bead and then the target. Your right though since technically you should blur out the target and stare at the front site. Don't get me wrong I agree with you totally that keeping it simple is sometimes best and everyone has to figure out what works best for them. I guess I was turned on to Red Dots on shotguns from Turkey hunting. After putting one on my AR15 I decided to try an Eo-Tech on my turkey gun now and love it! Definitely not necessary on a Home Defense shotgun but I don't think it puts you at a disadvantage once you are used to them.

[LeonCarr]

EOTech on a Turkey Gun...High Tech Redneck .

Don't get me wrong...I have an Aimpoint Comp C3 on my AR and love it, but there is a difference between the recoil of the .223/5.56 and the 12 Gauge. The AR allows for much faster follow up shots and also allows for more rapid acquisition of the dot once it "bounces" through the recoil cycle with the dot staying "inside" the tube/display. With the recoil of the shotgun, especially when the shotgun recoils with buckshot or slugs, IME the dot is not visible due to the increased muzzle rise until the cycling/pumping of the shotgun is completed. I can always see the bead throughout the entire firing cycle.

Just my highly opinionated .02,
LeonCarr

[TheDude]

They even make them in Camo.

[LSUTiger]

To answer the question: I would use a Sreamlight TLR2s light/laser combo, $250

My suggestion: Get a stream light tlr1s light only, $100, laser is not my preference on a shotgun, save$150

Optics planet.com has the best prices I have seen.

For HD I have a rem 870 tac express 12guage w knoxx stock and xs ghost ring sights and rail. Love the xs sights, it's the reason I bought the gun.

If I were to put an optic on it it would be a small red dot probably Eotech xps type w small footprint or trijicon micro red dot. But I will use the xs sights,light only.