Rear-positioned light on a defensive shotgun

[NoirFan]

Been thinking about light mounting options for my Mossberg 590A1. I did some testing with a hand-held flashlight in a dark room, taping the light to different parts of the gun to check handling and the projection of the beam. I know most people have the light at the front of the gun, or under the forearm. But I found that having the light back on the gun's left side - where my left hand holds the slide - is the most comfortable for me. Here I can easily toggle it on/off with my left hand thumb without extending my arm and taking my hand off the slide. The weight of the light is also over my support hand instead of at the muzzle, which makes the gun much more handy. Finally, with the light back from the muzzle, the beam catches the front sight and really lights up that red paint, you can't miss it.

The biggest disadvantage is the light offset, since the gun blocks some of the beam the right side is dimmer than the left. But in my dark room testing it seemed not to make a real difference, as the light reflecting off the walls still lit up the whole place pretty well. Any other reason not to mount the light this way?

Thanks

 

[CaptTripps]

I guess it depends if your gun is the full size or the 18.5" version. I have the latter and have been thinking about a light mount that would fill in the space the same as an extended mag tube. On the end of the mag tube, flush with the muzzle.

If I am picturing what you are describing, it sounds like the light would be above pump, about a 10 O'Clock position? I would be worried about slamming my hand into it when shooting. Plus it would throw off the balance of the gun as well as block a large chunk of your vision. While robbing you of speed of handling.

 

[PabloJ]

The best solution is Surefire 300 series mounted on extended mag tube same side as trigger hand. Surefire is best because it can be activated temporarily when needed by simply pressing one of the two switch ends. The stupidest solution is having light mounted on moving for end and activated via plastic/rubber pressure plate.

 

[psyopspec]

Pablo, can you elaborate on what's superior about your suggestion and stupid about a dedicated forend? I've always assumed that with a static mounted light forward of the pump, one would have to break contact with the light switch to manipulate the gun, and that a dedicated forend eliminates this problem.

 

[NoirFan]

I guess it depends if your gun is the full size or the 18.5" version. I have the latter and have been thinking about a light mount that would fill in the space the same as an extended mag tube. On the end of the mag tube, flush with the muzzle.

If I am picturing what you are describing, it sounds like the light would be above pump, about a 10 O'Clock position? I would be worried about slamming my hand into it when shooting. Plus it would throw off the balance of the gun as well as block a large chunk of your vision. While robbing you of speed of handling.

My gun is the 18.5" version, and I know what you're talking about with that empty space forward of the mag tube. I have shorter arms though, and putting a light up there feels awkward when I'm toggling it on and off, not to mention you have to take your hand off the slide to do it.

Yes, what I'm thinking of is the 9 or 10 o clock position, clamped to the barrel just forward of the left hand. It seems like this would affect handling the least since the light's weight is next to the support hand. My main concern is the dim shadow cast on the right side of the gun. For those experienced defensive shotgunners here, is the light offset a real problem?

 

[CaptTripps]

The 18.5 version is pretty short, if you have short arms and can;t reach the end of the pump easily, maybe you need to have your stock adjusted to your LOP. That is what I did with a wood stock I put on mine. I am short-statured but can now reach the end of the barrel while the gun is mounted to my shoulder.BTW all M500 pattern butt-stocks will fit the M590A1.

Personally I would not mount one off-set from the barrel in the way you are describing. It will affect handling, smoothness and ease of pointing. Which is really what a shotgun is all about. If you are shooting under stress, it would be much better to have a clear, unobstructed view of your target. It would be better to have your pattern in the center of the light beam, ideally. Through practice and intuition, you will come to know your gun. If your beam is centered on your target, you know you have a good shot.

Practice point shooting. It can work with either a pistol or shotgun. With your view on the target, bring your gun up to just short of eye level. You should be able to see if in your peripheral vision as a black bar pointing towards your target. Using this technique, through practice, you will know intuitively where your shots will be landing. Also, bird hunting, is great practice for defensive shotgun shooting.