[DevLcL]

Has anyone ever heard of a mounted laser on a shotgun?... Some guys told me it would be pointless to have one, but I dont see why. Seems like it would be a great little accessory, simply put the dot on the target and bam!

[kudu]

Welcome to the High Road DevLcL, always good to have the ladys around.

I'm not one to put anything on a shotgun, so I am biased on acsessories hanging everywhere to get caught on things. But for someone not thoroughly familiar with their gun it could be a great help.

I think the money could be better spent on more ammo and practice, and in your case, from reading another post here in the shotgun section, a large volume of superlight target loads to practice with on clay birds or some other informal targets. Recoil is not fun, I'm 6' 2" and I don't care to be beat any more than I have to. After 400-500 rounds in a weekend I get tender.

[Jeff White]

A laser is just a tool. It won't guarantee that you will hit your target. You still have to do your part. That's why others will tell you that your money would be better spent on training and ammunition.

A laser has some rather specialized tactical applications. The most common is to provide an aiming point when you are wearing night vision goggles. It will also allow you to aim when you are wearing SCBA equipment and operating in a contaminated environment.

It also has some drawbacks. It won't help you identify your target in the dark. It won't compensate for poor technique. It's not usable in bright light. A lot of dust or other particulate in the air can diffuse it and cut down on the range.

If you anticipate having to use your shotgun in a situation that won't let you mount it and properly use the sights or bead, such as when using night vision goggles or SCBA equipment, you probably can make use of a laser.

Of course this is America and there is nothing wrong with having one just because it's something you want ;)

Jeff

[TechBrute]

I prefer a narrowly focused white light over a laser on a shotgun.

[nhhillbilly]

I agree a surefire forend would be the first item on my defensive shotgun.

[sm]

Welcome to TFL

A shotgun is pointed NOT aimed.

In most applications anyway, there are exceptions such as Turkey and Deer hunting.

I Agree with kudu and Jeff White , The shotgun is indeed a remarkable "tool" , learn to use it by taking training, which will include gun fit to shooter ( hint: BIG part of hitting what pointed at) , patterning the SG, selection of loads, and shooting a lot.

AFTER the basics are learned and instilled, THEN consider what YOUR Shotgun Needs for the tasks it will be used for.

I run a bone stock gun 99% of the time for MY needs. Heck, currently , I'm using a 28" bbl for everything - even HD- bone stock 870 pump. I prefer factory front bead , with a smaller mid bead added.

I can easily adapt to shorter bbls, even shoot a <gasp> synthetic stocked gun. :D

Shush - don't tell these folks I can even use a syn gun with a side saddle, Surefire, and mag extension - I gotta reputation to maintain around here. :eek:

Why did Mr. White just spill his coffee? :p

[DevLcL]

Well the money really isnt a huge issue, I think im gonna go for it. Mainly im thinking about what jeff said... this is america and I just want it. Im not some crazy S.W.A.T. officer or anything im just a kid that likes to shoot old tvs. The laser might be fun to try out just to say I've tried it... Who knows, I might use it once and rip it off the second I get the chance. I figure I'll just have to learn the hard way myself for most of this kinda stuff.

Thanks alot for the help, also... Kutu.... What makes you think im female?

[kudu]

From your post.

Im not very big or strong but im not a small lady either.

It sounded like you were saying you were a lady. Sorry, my mistake. :o

[DevLcL]

No worries. :) I made a remark about 20ga shells on the firing line forum... at least ur not at my throat like those guys. haha

[Dave McCracken]

I've seen a couple slug guns with lazers on them, struck me as expensive and fragile but the owners liked them. One guy had a nice string of good bucks with his.

Heck, try it out. Let us know how it works for you....