Ok so I am working on a combat style build for my new express. So far I have chopped the barrel to 18.25" (temporary until the barrel I want is in stock), gave it a trigger job, and added a +2 extension. I currently do have a small tac light installed on the barrel clamp and I like how bright it is but I really do prefer the smoother look of gun without it.
I am torn here and was wondering if anyone had some insight to this. Yes I want to go combat config but don't want to go unreasonable. I want it to actually be functional and practical for combat purposes as this will be my SHTF gun. I have a breecher's style 12 ga I currently use to protect my home (inside).
Thanks.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
- George Orwell
If we're talking aesthetics, I view the weapon light as a necessary evil. Sure the gun looks better (maybe even feels better, weight/ balance- wise) without it, but if this is your HD gun, your combat shotgun, you really ought to have a light on it. It identifies the bad guy. That's an important job.
Let us speak courteously, deal fairly, and keep ourselves armed and ready. - T.R.
See... I am also a firm believer in using a light on your firearm when it comes to HD/combat. I am just so torn when it comes to this build. I know it helps to identify the target but a gun mounted light also helps your target identify you. Especially when mounted on a shotgun or rifle. When using my 9mm I actually prefer to use a handheld torch because I can move it to wherever I want it and can also confuse my target by holding it far out to my left while using my right hand to fire in his direction.
I am pretty sure that I will be keeping the light on my 870. It doesn't look bad at all, it looks rather cool. I just REALLY like the look of it without too.
You are right though. I am not going for looks.
Thanks for the input.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
- George Orwell
I use the EOTech integrated light forend. That way the light is there, but relatively unobtrusive. There when I need it, locked out and "off" when I don't and it doesn't protrude. I tend to advocate a snag free layout on an HD defensive firearm. It looks atrocious, the sort of all black plastic tactikewl shotgun only a mall ninja could love, but despite the über-tactical look it serves a purpose and is a sturdy piece of equipment.
Some folks may not care much for the ergonomics. Now that I have that installed, I keep returning to whether I should go all out and do all the paperwork and extra expense to get a 14-inch "entry" barrel installed to make it even more compact and "snag free" in overall length.
Good luck with your modifications. Everything is a series of compromises.
Alle Kunst ist umsonst, wenn ein Engel in das Zündloch prunst.
I thought about that fore end but I hate the looks. Not to mention the price is ridiculous. Plus I'm going magpul with this one. I agree on the snag free aspect which is one reason I was thinking of no light.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
- George Orwell
This is probably one of the neatest designs i've seen for a rail mounted light. Its limited to 125 lumens I think but that sound like plenty to me. Its also kinda pricy but it is very sleek and low profile. I like the idea of having a light on my shotgun and rifles as an option. Better to have it and not need it than need and not have. Alot of people say they are "shoot me lights". But almost any modern light I've handled over 80 lumens or so it is painfull to make eye contact with the light. This just my observations. I think in some situations the benefit of a light outweighs the cost.
Thanks for the link man. I actually ran across one of these online and REALLY liked it as it is a lot like the same style light I am using right now but way smaller. I think I may double check the price online and see if I can swing one soon.
Yeah I am a big fan of lights on firearms as well. Like you the pros usually outweigh the cons. The only problem I can see with having one on my shotgun is that when I am pointing the business end at a target all he really needs to do is shoot at the light and he will most likely hit the core mass... or my face.
But I would rather see what I am shooting at. Plus you are correct... they are painfully bright. If I make contact I can use it to blind my target and then side step quickly in hopes that he will shoot at my last known position while he is seeing spots.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
- George Orwell
I like the idea of the integrated light/grip, don't like the price. The best part of it though is the ability to control the light, turn it off/on fast. If I could find one that would mount so I could turn it off and on fast and not cost the same as the gun....
I'd rather have it and not need it that... well, you know. Mine is on the left just in front of the fore-end. Push button cup on the rear of the light: quick on and quick off.
Have faith in humanity, but keep your finger close to the trigger.
My biggest question about lights is: How do you feel about the lights battery being dead when you need it? I don't shoot as often as I would like to so I would be negligent in keeping the batteries fresh and charged. How do y'all address this issue. I am also thinmking tritium might be an option, but I don't know if I could identify my target with that.
I am torn here and was wondering if anyone had some insight to this. Yes I want to go combat config but don't want to go unreasonable. I want it to actually be functional and practical for combat purposes as this will be my SHTF gun. I have a breecher's style 12 ga I currently use to protect my home (inside).
