At heart, I’m a shotgunner. I love shotguns; I love the amount of lead they put per trigger pull. I even love the recoil and challenges that come with shotguns.
What I don’t love is the shotgun industry’s decision to desperately cling to the year 1999. We’ve seen handguns and rifles progress into the modern era, but shotguns remain largely ignored.
Attaching accessories can be difficult. The long length-of-pull stocks designed for bird hunting still rule the market, and the acceptance of optics on shotguns has been a slow drag.
Admittedly, a few manufacturers have started doing fantastic things with some of their new guns, but many shotgun owners will still have to do it themselves.
Over the years, I’ve found a few upgrades that I keep going back to on my shotguns to help bring them up to speed. If that sounds interesting to you, then let’s dive right in!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall Stock
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Best Ammo Storage Stock
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Best Pistol Grip Stock
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Best Integrated Shotgun Light
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Best Handguard for Semi-Autos
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Best Standalone Shotgun Light
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Best Universal Light Mount
Table of Contents
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Best Stock Upgrades
1. Magpul SGA – Best Overall Stock
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Easily adjustable for length of pull and cheek height
- Multiple sling attachment points
Cons
- Only available for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870
The Bottom Line
If you have a Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870, the Magpul SGA is a massive ergonomic upgrade that is easily adjustable to fit your body.
The Magpul SGA stock blends an aggressive, pronounced pistol grip with an adjustable traditional-style stock, giving you the benefits of both worlds.
You can easily adjust the length of pull using a series of included spacers. An optional cheek riser allows you to adjust the comb, which is useful for use with taller red dots.
The pistol grip makes it easy to hold the gun up with one hand and to assume a close retention position. Both standard loops and QD cups are included, making attaching slings super easy.
Unfortunately, Magpul only produces the SGA stock for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870. Aridus Industries produced an adapter to fit the stock to a Beretta 1301, and it’s apparently possible to make one fit a Winchester 1300, but that’s about it.
2. TactaLoad Flash 5 – Best Ammo Storage Stock
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Pros
- Low profile storage for extra ammo
- Easy to use
- Adjustable for length of pull
Cons
- Only available for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870
- Not adjustable for cheek height
The Bottom Line
The TactaLoad Flash-5 stock allows you to easily store and deploy extra shells without adding unnecessary bulk to the side of your shotgun.
Another stock I’ve become a fan of is the TactaLoad Flash 5.
This stock can be shortened or lengthened via a series of spacers and can also accommodate a fairly large recoil pad. The pistol grip is also a bit more traditional than the SGA.
But the real trick with the Flash 5 is the internal ammo storage built into the stock. It holds five shells and is ambidextrous. Unlike a side saddle, it keeps your gun fairly thin.
It’s surprisingly easy to use and fairly fast. I’ve had one on my Mossberg 590 for years and have yet to encounter any issues.
3. Mesa Tactical Urbino Stock – Best Pistol Grip Stock
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Offers a traditional pistol grip option
- Limbsaver pad helps to reduce recoil
- Available for a wide range of shotgun models
- Includes a removable cheek riser
Cons
- Grip shape isn't the most comfortable
The Bottom Line
If you prefer a pistol grip on your shotgun, the Mesa Tactical Urbino gives you just that, along with a ton of other great features.
The best upgrade I ever made to my Benelli SuperNova is the Mesa Tactical Urbino Stock.
These stocks integrate a stock and pistol grip and offer shooters a shorter length of pull for a variety of shotguns.
You get a 12.5-inch length of pull, sling ports, and the ability to add a cheek riser for optics use.
Mesa Tactical makes the Urbino Stock for the following shotguns:
- Benelli Supernova
- Benelli M1/M2/SBE3
- Benelli M4
- Beretta A300
- Beretta 1301
- Remington 1100/11-87
- Remington 870
- Mossberg 930/940
Best Shotgun Lights and Mounts
4. Streamlight TL-Racker – Best Integrated Shotgun Light
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Large buttons are easy to actuate
- Great beam throw
- Doesn't require any special mounting
Cons
- Bottom of the magazine tube can interfere with the beam
- Only available for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870
The Bottom Line
The Streamlight TL-Racker is the de-facto go-to pump/light combo for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870 shotguns. It is durable, easy to use, and intuitive.
Weapon lights that are integrated into the pump are typically easier to actuate than separately attached lights, and the Streamlight TL-Racker is the go-to option for that setup.
These lights have a 1,000-lumen and 20,000-candela output. Making for a nice high-out beam with a long throw.
Each side of the TL-Racker sports a large single button that is extremely easy to press, and the pump itself is aggressively textured for good grip.
Streamlight only makes the TL-Racker for the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500/590 shotguns.
You can read more about the Streamlight TL-Racker in our hands-on review!
5. Nightstick SFL – Brightest Integrated Shotgun Light
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- High lumen output
- Available with integrated lasers
- Buttons are easy to press
Cons
- Texture could be better
- Only about half the candela output of the TL-Racker
The Bottom Line
The Nightstick SFL is a great combination pump/light option for anyone looking for a higher output light or something with an integrated laser.
The Nightstick SFL is another pump-and-light combo that offers 1,200 lumens and 10,315 candela. You can also get a model that includes an integrated green laser.
While it is brighter than the TL Racker, it doesn’t have as much throw. However, if you are using it indoors, the throw tends to matter less.
It has a rubberized texture that is okay, but I’d prefer something more aggressive. However, the SFL includes an optional hand strap that can secure your hand and make the push/pull recoil method easier.
If you are looking for a few more lumens, the Nightstick SFL is a great alternative to the TL Racker at a similar price.
6. Mesa Tactical Truckee Handguard – Best Handguard for Semi-Autos
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Tons of M-LOK slots for easy accessory mounting
- Durable aluminum construction
- Available for a wide range of shotguns
Cons
- Lacks surface texture and grip
The Bottom Line
The Truckee forend is a perfect addition to any semi-auto shotgun. Its generous amount of M-LOK slots allows you to mount just about any accessory you could think of.
The Mesa Tactical Truckee is a semi-auto-specific aluminum handguard with M-LOK mounting slots that is available in a wide variety of lengths.
These handguards make it easy to attach all manner of accessories, including lights. I have the Truckee on my Benelli M4 and Mossberg 940, and I recently added one to my Mossberg 990 Aftershock.
Mesa Tactical makes the Truckee for the following shotguns:
- Beretta 1301
- Benelli M4
- Benelli M1/M2
- Remington TAC-13/V3
- Remington 870
- Mossberg 930
- Mossberg 940/990
- Mossberg 500/590
They are a little slick, so it might be wise to add M-LOK scales or an angled grip to improve your overall control.
7. Streamlight TLR RM 2 – Best Standalone Shotgun Light
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely ergonomic ramped button design
- 1,000 lumen output
- Not overly large
Cons
- Model that includes the pressure pad costs significantly more
The Bottom Line
The ramped rear button, high lumen output, and relatively small footprint make the TLR RM 2 an excellent weapon light for just about any tactical shotgun.
The Streamlight TLR RM 2 is a 1,000-lumen light with excellent ergonomics.
It features a ramped rear button that is intuitive to use and helps prevent you from smashing your thumb when running a pump.
Streamlight also includes a remote on/off pressure pad that allows you to mount the light just about anywhere on the gun while still being able to activate it.
These lights are sturdy, lightweight, and great for the limited mounting space on shotguns.
You can check out more in my hands-on review of the Streamlight RM 1 and RM 2!
8. Streamlight Mag Tube Rail – Best Universal Light Mount
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Mounts to almost any shotgun
- Small footprint
Cons
- Polymer construction isn't as durable as aluminum
- May be a tight or difficult fit on certain shotguns
The Bottom Line
At right around $20-$30, the Streamlight Mag Tube Rail Mount is the a simple, cost-effective mount that allows you to easily attach any Picatinny weapon light to your shotgun.
If you don’t want to spring for a dedicated handguard to mount your light, or you’re working with something outside of the Mossberg and Remington world, there is another option.
The Streamlight 69901 mag tube clamp is a simple polymer mount with a Picatinny rail that clamps directly to your magazine tube.
It is cheap and simple to install. Buy one, clamp it on, then add your weapon light of choice. It is about as universal and easy as it gets!
Best Side Saddles
9. Esstac Shotgun Cards – Best Value Side Saddle
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super affordable
- Non-permanent installation with no tools required
- Stitching and elastic holds up surprisingly well
Cons
- Elastic can wear out after very prolonged use
The Bottom Line
There is no easier or faster way to modify your shotgun to carry spare shells than the Esstac shotgun cards. These are cheap, effective, and shockingly durable.
Shotgun cards are the current hotness when it comes to spare ammo storage on your shotgun.
These side saddles use a base velcro patch that attaches to the side of the gun’s receiver with sticky tape. The card itself attaches to the base with hook-and-loop velcro and holds anywhere from 2 to 7 rounds of ammunition.
Spare cards can be loaded and placed in pouches or bags, so you can snap a fresh one on if you empty the one on the side of the gun.
Esstac is the OG when it comes to shotgun cards. They are available in a multitude of sizes and camo patterns. They also have a handy little loop for drawing, removing, and even loading with.
These cards are cheap and effective. Once the elastic no longer retains the shell, toss it and buy a new one.
10. The Aridus Industries QD-C – High End Side Saddle
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely secure mounting solution
- Can fast detach the entire shell carrier from the side mount
- Shell carriers fit neatly into most AR magazine pouches
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulkier than Esstac cards
The Bottom Line
The Aridus QD-C side saddle is ideal for anyone wants the ability to carry multiple quick-swap shell carriers on a chest rig or plate carrier.
Whereas the Esstac cards are cheap and simple, the Aridus Industries QD-C is a ridiculously over-engineered, but awesome, side saddle.
The QD-C is made to last and provides fantastic retention — it is the Cadillac of side saddles.
Aridus makes a few different options, but the universal is the way to go. It attaches via a super-strong adhesive panel. Once the carrier is attached, it’s loaded with the loops. You can change the loops rapidly, and they’re held securely.
The QD-C is crazy nice, super easy to use, and they even fit most AR magazine pouches, making it easy to carry spares.
Best Shotgun Optics
11. Trijicon RMR Type 2 – Best Micro Red Dot
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Bomb-proof design
- Four year battery life
- Only weighs 1.2 ounces
- Industry standard mounting footprint
Cons
- Bottom-mounted battery
- Small viewing window
The Bottom Line
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the gold-standard when it comes to micro dots thanks to its extremely rugged design, quality emitter, and excellent battery life.
The Trijicon RMR has long been the gold standard for micro red dots.
They are proven combat optics that are tough as nails. Weighing in at just 1.2 ounces, the RMR adds almost no bulk or weight to your gun when you use the right mount.
12. Holosun EPS – Best Enclosed Micro Dot
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Enclosed emitter is great for harsher weather conditions
- Multi-reticle system has a great reticle option for shotguns
- Shake-awake technology
- Side-mounted battery
Cons
- QC misses can result in a distorted reticle on occasion
The Bottom Line
The Multi-Reticle System allows for you to select a circle-only reticle that is perfect for defensive shotgun usage. That reticle, combined with a slick enclosed emitter design and shake-awake tech make this an excellent choice for tactical shotguns.
If you want an enclosed emitter optic but still want the smaller pistol dot footprint, the Holosun EPS is your guy.
The Multi-Reticle System (MRS) version allows you to swap between three different reticle styles, including an awesome circle-only option that pairs well with buckshot patterns on most shotguns.
Holosun also has a motion-activated auto-on/off feature that helps bring the battery life to 50,000 hours.
13. Aimpoint Micro T-2 – Best Duty Optic
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- One of the most durable red dots on the planet
- Crystal clear glass and dot
- T-2 mounting footprint has become the standard
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Needs a separate low-profile mount for best results on shotguns
The Bottom Line
If you want the most combat-proven red dot on the market, look no further than the Aimpoint T-2. Clear glass, a perfectly crisp red dot, and tank-like construction are par for the course here.
When it comes to standard red dots, the Aimpoint T-2 is the ultimate duty red dot. These are bomb-proof optics, with crystal-clear glass and a crisp red dot.
They pair especially well with ultra low-profile mounts (more on that in a bit).
But beware, the best doesn’t come cheap. The T-2 is notably more expensive than other red dots in its class.
14. Sig ROMEO5 Gen 2 – Best Budget Optic
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Uses the common T-2 mounting footprint
- 40,000-hour run time
- Shake-awake
Cons
- Only available with a 2 MOA dot reticle
- Notch filter gives a slight blue tint to the glass
The Bottom Line
The Sig ROMEO5 has firmly cemented itself as the best budget rifle and shotgun red dot on the market. Nothing else touches the quality and features at the same price point.
If the Aimpoint T2 is a little rich for your blood, then let me suggest the Sig ROMEO5 Gen 2.
It may not be battle-proven like the T2, but it is a sturdy, well-built optic with good glass, shake-awake tech, and a great battery life.
The ROMEO5 also shares the T2 footprint, making it compatible with a variety of mounts. Not bad for around $120!
Best Optic Mounts
15. Aridus Industries CROM – Best Low Pro Optic Mount
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Integrated ghost ring sight for cowitnessing
- Allows the optic to be mounted extremely low
- Available for a reasonable amount of shotguns
Cons
- Limited to Aimpoint Micro (T-2) and RMR footprint optics
The Bottom Line
An ultra-low profile direct mount setup and the ability to cowitness with iron sights makes the Aridus CROM one of the most premium shotgun optic mounts.
Some shotguns can mount Picatinny rails on top, then an optic on those rails.
However, those setups can lead to the optic sitting too high, resulting in a poor cheek weld. Bad cheek welds can lead to bad sight pictures and compromised recoil control.
The Aridus CROM mount fixes this issue by attaching directly to the receiver and allowing you to directly mount your optic to it rather than using a Picatinny adapter.
It is compatible with RMR and Aimpoint Micro footprint optics. The CROM also includes an integrated rear ghost ring or open sight for cowitnessing purposes.
16. Monstrum Tactical Grimlock Universal Shotgun Mount – Affordable Optic Mount
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Universal system allows it to be mounted to a wide range of shotguns
- Inexpensive
- Extremely low optic height
Cons
- Only mounts RMR or RMSc footprint optics
The Bottom Line
If you are looking to add a pistol-sized micro red dot to your shotgun, the Monstrum Grimlock mount is a budget-minded direct mount that fits a wide range of shotguns.
If you are considering running a pistol-sized micro dot and are looking for an affordable mount, check out the Monstrum Tactical Grimlock.
The Grimlock uses a three-slot universal mounting system that allows it to be mounted to a wide variety of shotguns.
As for the optic mounting itself, you can choose between either a direct-mount RMR or RMSc footprint option.
Best Slings
17. Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling – Best Shotgun Sling
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Quick adjust pull tab
- High-quality materials and stitching
- Comfortable
Cons
- Padded versions and QD mount versions cost more
The Bottom Line
The BFG Vickers sling is a near-unanimous favorite of ours thanks to its simple quick-adjustment tab and durable construction.
I have piles of Blue Force Gear Vicker slings, many of which have found their way onto numerous shotguns of mine.
They are tough, strong, comfortable, and among the easiest slings to adjust. The only downside is they tend to get a little stiff over time and with exposure to the elements.
18. Magpul MS1 Sling – Best Value Sling
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Durable
- Rapid-adjustment slider operates smoothly
Cons
- Optional QD swivels, Paraclips, and other mounting hardware is sold separately
The Bottom Line
At just around $25-$35, the Magpul MS1 sling is not only accessible to everyone, it is durable, slick, and easy to customize to your needs.
The Magpul MS1 is a budget-friendly tactical two-point with a quick-adjust tab.
I use these on my “totally not a shotgun” firearms. They are easy to adjust, relatively comfortable, and hold up well.
19. Arbor Arms Dual Adjust Sling – Most Adjustable Sling
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Closed-loop slider is extremely easy to operate
- Cam slider allows you to quickly over-tighten the sling for hands-free use
- Straight filament webbing won't stiffen after exposure to elements or over time
Cons
- QD swivels are not included in the base price
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a sling with the most adjustment capability, the Dual Adjust system is your ticket.
Arbor Arms makes one of the most underrated premier tactical two-point slings — the Dual Adjust Weapon Sling.
This sling’s name comes from the advanced slider at the front that combines the benefits of a closed-loop slider sling and a cam sling.
The closed-loop slider sling allows you to easily tighten or loosen the sling on the fly. Meanwhile, the cam slider lets you overtighten the sling to press the gun extremely close to your body, allowing you to keep the gun well out of the way if you need to use both hands for something else.
The Arbor Arms Dual Adjust sling may be slept on, but it is reasonably priced and a fantastic choice overall.
Other Considerations
There are two things I often swap out on the majority of my tactical shotguns. Both are small performance improvements that enhance reliability in tubular magazine-fed shotguns.
The first thing is the magazine spring. Most OEM springs are fine, but tend to be a little weak. I typically drop an extra-power Wolff spring in the magazine tube. Doing this is extra important if you add a magazine extension to your gun.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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I also like to add a low-friction follower in place of the usually cheap polymer follower included with the shotgun. Typically made of anodized aluminum, these low-friction followers help reduce drag in the magazine tube and improve feeding.
There are tons of aftermarket follower options, but I like the Aridus SMRT follower the best.
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Meet the Experts
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike wrote this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. His experience as a machinegunner, recreational and competitive shooter, hunter, and concealed carry instructor has given him unique insight into various weapon platforms.
Additionally, Travis has thousands of articles to his name across a variety of publications and has tested countless guns and other firearm accessories, with shotguns being his passion and specialty.
Final Thoughts
Shotguns are usually simple designs that tend to work well out of the box, but the industry has been slow to bring them into the modern age.
However, with just a few little fixes and upgrades, you can turn your shotgun into a better, faster, more reliable, and easier-to-use firearm.
What are your thoughts on these shotgun upgrades? Is there anything we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
And if you’re new to the good ol’ scattergun, check out our comprehensive Shotgun Reviews page to explore different models, learn about more upgrades and gear options, and read detailed ammo comparison reports!
32 Leave a Reply
I finally bought a shotgun I knew I would use, so, of course, I bought the optional kit it could use to amplify my ability to shoot it - completely new to a pump, but not AR's, having built three, and handled during 22 years USAR.
Along the way I moved up to 2017 when shotguns became exciting again, and which are proving to fit into a much wider niche than "clays range blaster." A Mossberg Shockwave. Bear with as explain my accessories.
1 Moly dry lube the loose internals and mag tube. I actually cleaned a new shotgun, something AR owners do in the normal course seeing whats inside GI Joe before you take him to the range.
2 Defense Tactical forend, its 870 shaped to keep your fingertips off a hot barrel. w sling
3 Defense Tactical lifter (in moly) for 1 3/4 minishells. I got the plain 590 not S as the initial price was much lower locally and in stock. The lifter has a good rep and much cleaner blanking with smooth finished edges which are the camming surfaces.
4 Follower and filler came with it, mag spring, tube interior and follower sides got Moly.
5 hand grip for the Raptor and easy to improvise grip sling from a camo load binder and paracord.
6 6 round velcro sidesaddles with a patterned industrial strength mount, from County Comm that one big hole is the lifter left pivot, don't bind it up, hole punch it.
7 Monstrum integral mount red dot on top. Also their universal low mount pic rail for backup. I have other red dots, all the way to the beginner, a first gen Aimpoint. And its tempting. Red dot and slugs were a 200m goal for shotgunners 15 years ago hunting deer. Sight in for point blank range and its good.
8 GGG flashlight mount for a tail cap operated USB Pro Streamlight, but wondering why a handgun compact light wouldnt be "just as gud."
The gun came in Model T "blacK" cerakote, accessories are FDE. Since this will be a dedicated minishell slug gun I can downrate to shot, a rifled choke conversion and Improved for varmints can be arranged locally. No, its no Grandpa's goose gun, not even - that is the point, its pioneering more of the self defense niche altho transportation regulations have their impact - but I'd likely be CCW behind the wheel anyway. A 30" hard case isn't hard to come by, they sell them for clarinets - the new standard for toting something, with concert decals applied. Id much rather pack it a roller bag than a AR15 pistol in a barrel bag toting it into a condo.
The biggest issue I have is finding stickers for bands that never had a clarinet in it, but I don't think most folks will even notice Dean Martin, Sinatra, Patti Page etc all over it. 50% of the public has never heard of them.
Well, I have on order the Pachmyar pistol grip to replace the top folding steel/hard plastic stock/grip my old 870 came with back in the 80's. Also a new side QD magpull type extended mag/barrel clamp with rail so my sling will keep my SG at my back when we walk our 3 dogs at night (we have a Cougar problem - visiting our property here in SE Tx). Also a barrel light is on order. It will suplement the 3000 lumen flashlight we use while walking our dogs after dark. Loaded with double 00 buck, so less likely to reach our neighbors house on the sides or back. I would much rather not need to be armed (just outside the city limits - across the street), the cat isn't leaving the area, must have cubs!
Hey Travis, what do you like more: Benelli M4 or Beretta A300? I have both but I'm not sure which to use for home defense.
Update 2026 would be great. Just bought a Shockwave 590 no S and trends seem to show the following: No sling - they get jammed in a pump, sway too much holding shells, if grabbed they throw YOU off balance. Velcro side saddles are now preferred and they slip into AR mag pouches, staged with appropriately different loads, or stuck onto a velcro chest carrier at whatever angle you like. Pinned in carriers are found to pinch the action and Mossberg aluminum is the most affected.
Lights are still needed, pumps now have magpul slots and an 18650 with end cap switch could work. Enclosed emitter long arm red dots are getting fielded with integral rails putting them down on the barrel, the controls all up top where they should be. Vortex and Monstrum have those, Burris makes the Fast Fire E for a pic rail. If you have a AR red dot lying around a pic rail mount would set it up quickly and inexpensively. Not super low but doable. Like bolt guns and now ARs - a BUIS front bead is quickly becoming redundant, putting on a bigger one is just more money laying in the grass, if you get the drift.
Ammo has significantly changed with 1 3/4 rounds, as they almost double capacity - even on a Shockwave. For a defense shotgun at close ranges, 3" magnum are (literally) overkill. The idea is to stop, not instantly field dress on the spot. With Federal getting good distribution, its easier to find than that empty spot on the shelf at the local Ag store. There is high demand for Aquila yet. And more are exploring installing a choke on the heavier barrel Mossbergs for rifle chokes. As yet, you still need to buy what is locally available and shoot to see what can reach accurately out to 100m. Really. Slug guns for deer were doing that years ago and more.
On the "pls don't list": heat shields, pic rails on muzzle bands for lights, wrap over side carts with rails, and never mention "rack the slide to make them dump their pants." online. Its a horrible self admission you weren't ready and that knife on your neck negates it anyway. ;-}
Simple is better, and btw there is a new lifter out for the 590 that handles them all. Look into a good action clean up and trigger job, the 590 comes stock with a "anti ship roll" heavy firing pin spring that could stand some attention. All you AR15 assemblers will have little issue with some judicious cleaning and polishing. As some report, literally cleaning the mag tube is a help and most of all run thru some action cycles simply working off all the burrs and square corners. Before and after shows just like handguns it all gets smoother with more use.
The 590 no S is being set up for HD and travel . . . it will ride in a surplus demo tool carrier in a roll on duffel (I don't ever fly), unloaded for Legal Transport, but a CCW these days is normal anyway.
Mesa Tactical is a great option and American Made. I've bene exposed to their product this past year and love the reliability and robustness.
I like that you mentioned how you need a reliable and effective weapon when it comes to home defense. We own a gun for self-defense and we want it to be consistent and reliable. So, I think we should try gun do it yourself upgrades.
What’s a good optic mount for a 590?
Looking at the Federal X2 buckshot, are those sound for home defense? Been kicking that one around a bit..
If you're worried about over-penetration in an indoor or urban environment, birdshot is your only option. Buckshot will definitely go through people and walls. At ten yards nobody is going to notice the difference between an ounce of birdshot, buckshot, or slug.
Our testing, and other tests like it, shows otherwise. 00 Buckshot will over pen home walls, but smaller shot like #4 has some of the lowest over pen while still being effective on the target. There are a number of real-world cases where birdshot fails to stop a threat even at an incredible short-range.
Can you provide the cases? Most of your reasoning in deciding against bird shot is based on your personal opinions and un-sourced assertions. Therefore, your testing does not show otherwise as you claim. I think you're probably right about #4 buck Shot being optimal; however, more testing should be done before you tell people bird shot isn't a sufficient choice because you feel it "may not get the job done" . No disrespect, just remember to think about things in regards of what you can prove. Absence of evidence, or your failure to provide the evidence does not mean that there is evidence of absence.
Also, dAT, you're doing the same thing the David is doing. Making a claim and failing to provide proof of the specifics. I agree with David that #4 Buck Shot is probably optimal. Not the only option, just probably optimal.
The testing I was speaking about was in concern of the over-penetration of 00 buckshot, the article I linked did not cover birdshot on soft targets -- only over-penetration of homes.
Birdshot on soft targets is something we'll be covering in 2021, but until then there is also a number of solid articles and cases where birdshot was not effective on target. This is a fairly dated article but it has some solid sources.
Across many tests from a number of sources you will find conflicting conclusions for birdshot, the major takeaway from that should be that it is not consistent. If a test repeated many times over does not show at least a mostly common result, it is inconsistent. When searching for home defense or self-defense option one of the major characteristics you should be interested in is consistent results.
From our research and readings, #4 is the minimum shot load that delivers that. It is also a shot load that is still good about not over penetrating too much through home walls, as our testing showed and has over tests like it.
No love for the KelTec KSG here? It resolves the magazine capacity issue pretty nicely (14+1), in a maneuverable package well-suited for home defense (26" overall), with sling mounts and rails for lights & sights.
My KSG will hold 22 of those Aguila shorty rounds I barely fit a light, laser, red dot, and BUIS on top. With the violence required for the pump action, accessories don't do so well on the bottom.
How about the Lite Mount Technologies tactical shotgun mount, Brownells #100-000-400. Fits 1-inch lights including my personal favorite, the Surefire G2X? Easily activated with the support-hand thumb.
Consider the Lite Mount Technologies tactical shotgun mount, Brownells #100-000-400. Mounts to the magazine (not the barrel) and fits any 1-inch light. I'm partial to some flavor of the Surefire G2X. Easily operated with the support-side thumb. Not a big fan of shotguns anymore due to the versatility of the AR platform.
I have an 870 pump I purchased way back when they first came out (I am old and wise). I replaced the standard shoulder stock long ago with a pistol grip (I was young and naive then). Probably not the best idea for home defense. The shoulder stock is long gone. What type of shoulder stock do you think is best for this gun in a home defense situation? I also replaces the barrel with an 18 1/2". What extended mag do you suggest? Thanks in advance for any comment.
Semiauto shotgun, solves a lot of problems with how and where to mount accessories. There are a lot of AR12 options to choose from, hard to beat IMO.
I have often wondered about the benefits of adding a "Freakin Lazer" to my home defense shotgun. There are many new styles, and mounting options available for shotguns now. And these would provide an additinal aiming aid in the dark! Ie: See the dot, spray the target! Obviously a shotgun is a point and shoot (not aimed) weapon!
Has anyone had any expierence with these?
I got a laser+light combo ad quickly realized I never use the laser, but it is a nice option to have.... just make sure you go to the range and sight it in. I would say get a good light with a distinctive hot spot (Streamlight excels at this, as Surefires Hotspot falls off gradually) and pattern your shotgun/light combo on some paper so you know where it hits the light, so to speak. This is a good setup because even some of the more economical lights will throw enough light for in the home, good for blinding. Just don't rubber band the light to the stock! A good barrel/mag tube clamp should suffice. Streamlight and Surefire have held up to 12ga and even to .308win. The light+firearms issues of the problem of the past has been solved by led technology. I still have some of those old lights, btw.
I think a laser is mandatory for a carry gun but I don’t think they are as useful for home defense. I don’t like that they will potentially give away your location.
I have an LED nightlight in every light socket in my home. At night it’s very well lit. I prefer this over having to use a flashlight for target identification. I’m not saying don’t put a light on your home defense guns, I’m saying make the interior well lit at night so you’re less likely to need a flashlight because that too will give away your location.
That's a great idea. Helps you to navigate thru the house w/o tripping or whackin your shins. Also might act as a deterrent, showing light thru every window. The attacker will know he will be seen.
Also, yet another great write-up by some one that knows his stuff. This site rocks!!! Thanks
IMO I want the house as dark as possible. You know the lay of your home, the bad guys don’t, and hopefully they will fall over something to give their position away. The more light, the leveler the playing field. I prefer to have every advantage possible. My wife would have streetlights on in the house if she could., it took years to get her out of that mind set. As far as lasers, if your the bad guy the only time you can see a laser is if it’s directed at your face, other than seeing it on the wall, floor, etc. As with so many things in life there is no right answer as those situations are fluid. I have a light, if needed, and a laser. A light will quickly give your position away. If they’re moving, the pray and spray isn’t as effective. Light them up, hit them with the laser, then hit them with the good stuff
I put a tactical light on the butt of the shotgun with two wide black rubber bands. Unless a light is designed to take the abuse of a shotgun, it will not survive the end of a shotgun, but those forces are not in play in the stock. You also have access to turn it on and off and it has greater ability to penetrate the darkness on the stock.
Also, if you put a sling on the gun, why not have one where you can add ammo, like 25 shells. I have a two R870s, one made into a tactical shotgun and a B1301 tactical, all with ammo saddles and lights , And with ammo tube extensions, which were not mentioned, But should have been.
I've talked about those slings before and its because they suck. They increase weight and add a swinging weight under the gun.
Ammo tube extensions are challenging because of s9 many different shotguns and often a modern tactical shotgun comes with one.
I don't think I can properly picture how to use a light attached to the stock.
Travis, you forgot to mention rubber bands!!
Light abuse aside. (Who cares, its a light and a tool!) It seems like a light on the Butt of a shotgun would enlighten you up as a target and possibly blinding you. Versus lighting up and blinding the assailant. Not to mention any fumbling around in the dark, trying to operate and adjust the light. Sounds like a bad idea to me!
Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion. I have had tac lights stop working because of the sheer kinetic energy from a shell load at the end of a barrel. And I should have added that the light is attached to the bottom of the stock, so no concerns about blinding or lighting you up.
It’s always a trade off regarding a shell sling, but I know when I grab the shotgun, I will have 25 shells with me also.
My beretta 1301 tac only holds 5 shells (6 with a ghost round), thus the need for a tube extension. The problem is with an 18 inch barrel, your extension will be longer than the barrel, even with a 7 shot.
Considering you don’t get much spread of the buckshot inside a house, check out Winchester PDX1 segmenting slugs...truly devastating results! Although I have a pump shotgun I started with I upgraded to a semi automatic moss berg 930 that holds 10 rounds, won’t have a problem with short stroking the pump under a stressful situation. Also solves the problem of holding extra shells in a side saddle
What about double barrel shotguns? You didn’t show any? I have a 16 Guage double barrel. Your thoughts.
I would highly recommend InRangeTv's video on shotguns. Bottomline -- double-barrel shotguns are actually highly effective if you have 1 or at most 2 threats. However, a high percentage of home invasions involve three-four perps. As soon as you need to reload a double-barrel shotgun, you're at a massive and life-threatening disadvantage. Personally, I wouldn't want to bank on the time that I need my gun is the time that I'll face the minimum threats.
If that's the only gun you have my best advice is get really fast and accurate with it.