What's a good optic for a short barreled tactical shotgun?

I am ever of the opinion that the tactical shotgun is a quick response short range weapon that is almost always best pointed rather than aimed. If not the usual bead front sight, ghost rings are ideal for that. If you insist on mounting a red dot sight, or worse, a laser, be aware that in the dark they will to one extent or another reveal your position to an adversary with either a soft or very definite red glow, the exception being a red dot unit that can be shielded with a lens cap at the front. An example of that is the Aimpoint PRO, which will in fact work very well in the dark with the downrange cap in place. With the downrange end closed off, you can still acquire targets very well in the dark, and the only risk is whatever faint red light may still be reflected off your face or eyewear.

9-80634_b.jpg
 
The older vortex 1x prism's with the height options (not the AR version) are well priced used and offer a good circle dot shotgun reticle.
 
Big Bad said:
I am ever of the opinion that the tactical shotgun is a quick response short range weapon that is almost always best pointed rather than aimed. If not the usual bead front sight, ghost rings are ideal for that. If you insist on mounting a red dot sight, or worse, a laser, be aware that in the dark they will to one extent or another reveal your position to an adversary with either a soft or very definite red glow, the exception being a red dot unit that can be shielded with a lens cap at the front. An example of that is the Aimpoint PRO, which will in fact work very well in the dark with the downrange cap in place. With the downrange end closed off, you can still acquire targets very well in the dark, and the only risk is whatever faint red light may still be reflected off your face or eyewear.

9-80634_b.jpg
Click to expand...

Another good feature about the PRO is that you wouldn't necessarily need to remember to close the correct lens cap at night. As can be seen in the photo, you can leave them both closed because the cap at the user end has a window in it. Therefore, on the dark night when the bear starts coming in the tent you could just pick up the shotgun, jack in a shell (my safety system when in those circs) and be right on target (the PRO can of course be left turned on at all times, having a very long battery life). The faint glow might even help you find the gun in the dark.
 
guninhand said:
Why not a 1X scope with long eye relief?
Click to expand...

They aren't particularly quick, with a shotgun used for the type of close up, rapid acquisition and firing on movers that most think of (think about a bear coming through the woods) Also the tube will obscure things you might need to see, and the reticle could be difficult to pick up. Something with a bright, large dot will allow a quicker first shot.
 
Last edited:
badboybeeson said:
View attachment 600365
We make lots option for shotgun mounts for pics both low pro for aimpoint and Trijicon and M1913 rail
Click to expand...

Is there any way to still be able to use a rear aperture sight with the Mossberg 590 mounts? Preferably the Aimpoint plate but either way?

Pacopena said:
Brass bead.

Paco
Click to expand...

Personally hate them. Short barreled shotguns with a bead shoot very high compared to POA for me. Even Remington's "bead on pedestal" attempt to correct the issue. If the shotguns intended for anything besides "down the hallway" use I need better. If they work for others, rock on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom