How do you "zero" a laser on a shotgun for HD?

[Scarab]

I'm a newbie to shotguns, so be gentle in your responses...

OK, so a shotgun shoots shot (typically) in a home defense situation. Spray is a major reason for that.

So, I want a light/laser combo (looking at the Streamlight TLR-2 HL or TLR-4) mounted at the 6 PM position on my shotgun barrel.

So how do I "zero" the laser for about 7 - 10 yards or less (typical home defense distances...)?

Is there a process? Do you use slugs to get a zero on a target and then assume that the shot will center on the laser and spread out from there?

Any and all information welcome.

Thanks,

Scarab

[tekrsq]

I use slugs, and zero like you would any other weapon. Just make sure you are looking at the actually projectile hole and not the hole made by the wad. Mine are zeroed at 20 yds. It's a little long for HD, but it'll still accurately hit a closer target...especially with buck or bird shot. IMHO, it doesn't have to be nearly as accurate as a pistol or rifle.

My duty shotgun is sight zeroed at 25 yrds, but we don't run lasers on them.

Edit: Just re-read your post. Have you ever zeroed any weapon ? Do you need a step by step ?

[USMC_5711]

For those searching later, why don't you post a step-by-step process.


Sent from my Apple Newton in 1993 with 640k of RAM

[Scarab]

A step by step would be great.

Scarab

[tekrsq]

For those searching later, why don't you post a step-by-step process.


Sent from my Apple Newton in 1993 with 640k of RAM

Seriously ? I detect a bit of sarcasm in that coming from someone who claims to be USMC. I would expect you to know how to sight a weapon.

Either way, assuming your sights are correct, you can get darn close just setting up a target at the desired distance, and align your laser with the sights. Use a solid a bench, table, whatever to rest the firearm on, put the laser on the bullseye, shoot 3-4 rounds. See where they land. They should be fairly well grouped together, even if they aren't on the bullseye. Adjust the laser according to directions to move the group closer to the bullseye. Repeat the process until you get on the bullseye. If the rounds are not grouped together, readjust your grip on the weapon. You're not controlling the weapon.

There's a ton of info out there on ballistics affecting accuracy, bullet drop, etc. Personally, I don't think they come into play that much with a shotgun unless you are trying to shoot 40+ yards.

[USMC_5711]

There was no sarc tag, that was a serious comment. I know how to zero a weapon.


Sent from my Apple Newton in 1993 with 640k of RAM

[tekrsq]

There was no sarc tag, that was a serious comment. I know how to zero a weapon.

Sent from my Apple Newton in 1993 with 640k of RAM

My apologies. That's the problem with looking at words on a screen.

[Synchronizor]

One thing I like to do is to use cheap birdshot and a tight choke to get my sights in the ballpark before I switch to more expensive stuff for the finer adjustments.

[skulldgry1]

I personally don't run a laser on my shotgun, but has anyone used one of the Laserlyte Kryptonyte Center Mass lasers in person? They're expensive as all heck but they look pretty cool for a shotgun laser. It displays an adjustable array of 9 green lasers to show where the pattern will hit. So basically, you get a circle pattern of dots.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[USMC_5711]

I didn't even know such a thing existed. Now I am off to learn more.

Sounds neat.


Sent from my Apple Newton in 1993 with 640k of RAM