Sunday, March 17, 2013

Shots in the dark...

I've always been partial to the idea of seeing what I'm shooting at, and that was only reinforced by the awkwardness of shooting the shotgun targets at the Crimson Trace Midnight 3 Gun Match with a headlamp rather than a proper WML.

Since you couldn't start the stage with the light on, it went like this:
"Shooter ready?"

*vigorous nod*

"Stand by!"

*BEEP!*

-reach up with off hand and turn on headlamp, then shoulder shotgun-

"$%#@$#!!!!"

-reach up with off hand and adjust headlamp so it's not pointing over berm, re-shoulder shotgun-

*K-BLAAAMO!*
That extra couple seconds of fumbling around will affect your score...

So when I put the Magpul forend on the new gauge, one of the things I also did was attach a little nubbin of rail to the forend so I could fit a pistol light or something.

Scrounging around the house, the only light I could find was a Crimson Trace Rail Master which, while a fine little light for a compact CCW pistol, just did not fill me with confidence the way it was dangling off that shotgun forend...

I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable with that...
 Further, those paddle switches that are so ergonomic when nestled up against the trigger guard? Well, they're less so when dangling out there like that, and they're just waiting to be inadvertently nudged on or off, to boot.

So I contacted the fine folks at Brownells and they sent a couple alternatives, a closer look at which will follow later this week.

14 comments:

Jennifer said...

Yeah, that doesn't fill me with warm fuzzies. Curious about the other options.

Fred said...

I recognize the closet rod, string and weight, but why is the closet rod so long? I use mine for a bunch of exercises, and recommend them to students (using a milk jug and water in place of the weight). What exercises do you do with it that requires a handle that long?

Tam said...

Fred,

Wind and unwind with both hands at the same time. I have another one where the rod's as long, but the weight is attached at one end rather than the middle, and I raise and lower it with one wrist like I'm lowering a worm into the water on a bamboo pole...

...or at least I did. I need to start that up again, maybe using the time I'm not using to smoke anymore.

Old NFO said...

Yeah, NOT friendly there... I 'do' like the Surefire forend though!

Lazy Bike Commuter said...

I definitely need to put a light on my 500 too.

I'm thinking of the Elzetta mount that goes on the mag tube. My forend is tricky to replace since I got one of the newer models where they decided the forend should be permanently attached to the action bars.

Scott J said...

We can't use weapon mounted or headlamps in IDPA.

I started out doing the classic Harries technique with an el-cheapo 3AA LED that was basically useless.

I very quickly went for the Tomahawk ST from these folks: http://first-light-usa.com/products/tomahawk

I've often wondered but not practiced how it would work with the 870.

I keep meaning to try a rail mount pistol light in a non-IDPA setting since I have two tactical Tupperware 9mm with rails but every time I consider the cost I think "that will buy a lot of components for practice ammo".

scotty said...

I'd like to hear about how different mounting solutions work, too, especially after being fired. I've been wanting to add light to my HD shotgun but not sure how yet. The reviews I've read so far haven't been too encouraging (mounts breaking/moving, lights failing/moving/flying off). I'll admit it, I'm not a great shot with a shotgun, and the light will be somewhat of am aiming device/aid and would like it to be somewhat consistent from shot to shot. Thanks,

Justthisguy said...

Nice seamanship with the rope work there, Ma'am. Have you ever thought of striking for Boatswain's Mate? If you succeed in that, you might actually get a Boatswain's warrant, which would give you the right to wield the lash actually, instead of just virtually, and also be allowed to tie the noose, with the thirteen turns in it.

Steve Skubinna said...

As an added bonus, Justthisguy, she would also be permitted to whistle.

joe said...

Wait, "permitted"? Are YOU going to try to stop her if she tries? ;)

Anonymous said...

Lazy Bike Commuter,

I have a Elzetta mount on my 870 Police. Works well for me because I swung it to hold a 6P on the right side, I shoot lefthanded. It also makes the fiber optice glow in the dark.

We shoot a night match every year here in Bowling Green. IDPA scoring and rules, but break the catergories up to include WML and Lasers. Most years we have a rifle/shootgun side match afterwards.

I try and shoot the night matches in Henry County and Music City as well. We all need the practice.

Gerry

sobriant74 said...

After your glowing opinion on the Magpul furniture for the 870 the other day, I went to my local fun shop and lo and behold they had a used 870 with said Magpul delights.
I gave it a try and I have to admit, I didnt notice much difference on the fore end, but that stock is wonderful. The grip is much more comfortable than the Rem standard synthetic and it just,well...felt better on my shoulder. I liked it so much I bought the company....just kidding, but I did find the stock In Stock online and ordered one. Thanks for steering me straight.

Drang said...

Looking forward to your reviews of options for illuminating a scattergun, as I need to do the same to my 500. Well, not so much "need" as "want to lest I find myself wishing desperately I had someday."

Lazy Bike Commuter. You can replace the entire mechanism on the newer/cheaper Mossbergs. Check YouTube for videos. Brownell's has the parts. If you use Tam's link to shop, you can find many if not most of the parts on Amazon.

Justthisguy said...

@ Steve: I really do think we should take up a collection to buy Tam a Boatswain's pipe and a cat o' nine tails. I mean, considering her surname, I would like to give her the opportunity to do some actual, instead of just virtual, keelhauling, though I might be at risk of it myself from her.