Cheap but effective "tac light" for 1300

[Sir Galahad]

Not being able to bring myself to spend $80+ for basically a flashlight, I found a simple, cheap, yet effective solution for a ight with an added benefit for the 1300 Defender. I got a small flashlight, abut 5 inches long with a 1 inch lens. This is one with an adjustable from flood to spot lens. (This one is a Rayovac Roughneck.) Light is pretty darn bright for a inexpensive flashlight. This light also has a flat side on the lens cover (so it wouldn't roll away when used as a flshlight.) I used 1" first aid tape to tape the light to the left side of the receiver. The tape runs between the feed port and trigger guard and just fits. I taped a few times around tohld it tight. With lights off, I noticed that it works great and also with this benefit: On the 1300 with its Tru-Glo sight, the light being at the receiver has the benefit of illuminating the Tru-Glo sight. Instead of red or green, it makes the Tru-Glo shine a bright white, almost like a white LED light. So, the light illuminates the target and also illuminates the sight. I tried the light at the barrel and it didn't have this effect to the degree as it did with light at receiver. Another plus is that this flashlight is a push button and the button is close to the pump hand to turn light on. With mine, the light will turn off if I slightly press the button. So I can "flash" the light if need be.

Yeah, it's a rigged operation, but when you don't have the $80 laying around for a tac light and you'd rather spend the $80 for ammo when you do have it, it works great. To be honest, it works perfectly on my 1300 so I figure, I'm done.

 

[blades67]

Make sure you try that out at the range to be sure it will hold up. If it makes it through a magazine full, it passes.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Kick busts bulbs PDQ on most flashlights, but if it works through 4-5 shots, you're way ahead of the game. HD confrontations are short and use little ammo for the most part.

Good idea!

 

[curt]

I'd be surprised if it holds up. Keep in mind that the damage could be incremental so i would never depend on it. Its okay if you have a good handheld light to back it up and know how to use it.

You might want to reconsider its location. On the side of the reciever there may be a shadow to the off side. Also having light bounce back from your front sight may hurt your night vision abit. You might want to try this in your house (unloaded of course) after your eyes have become acclimated to the dark and see if you get a little dazzle thing going.

FYI there's basically two things that will hurt the light. The shock to the tiny filament of the bulb that will eventually cause it to break and the recoil forces driving the batteries back and forth like a lttle battering ram that can damage the reflector and bulb.

$80, which seems a bit low to me BTW, is expensive if you never have to use it. But it will be damned cheap if you do or its usage prevents you from shooting someone that you shouldn't.

 

[Sir Galahad]

Actually, I was so impressed with mounting this light at the receiver, I'm going to get a side saddle and the tac light that goes inside that. I tried the light mounted this way in the dark and am very pleased. Until then, this will be better than nothing.

 

[LeonCarr]

Rent the movie Caddyshack, and see how Carl the Assistant Greenskeeper does it on his gopher rifle, and remember:

A varmint will never quit...ever. Just like the Viet Cong...Varmint Cong .

Anyway, the reason that those weapon mounted lights are so f------ expensive is so they will survive the recoil.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[keeperofthehills]

i once had a mag lite taped to the barrels of my 5100 down next to the forearm... it worked for late night coon hunting ...