Lights, Lasers, and Forends

[Dieter]

I'm wanting to add at least a light to my 870 tactical build. What I've got so far is nothing more than the Mesa Tactical barrel/magazine clamp (which is REALLY nice by the way) and the small add-on picatinny rail for that clamp.

My original plans were to get the Eotech forend with the integrated light and to place a laser sight on the picatinny rail and call it a day. I like the integrated light concept and the looks of it, but I've never actually used one, and the price is high. The light at 120 lumens I suppose is adequate, but seems like there are plenty brighter out there. So this could be an expensive experiment.

And do I REALLY need a laser on that rail? Probably not - but assuming I go that route - what might be some recommendations on a sturdy, preferably green laser, that can be adjusted for windage and elevation, and optimally - a quick release (though I don't know how good this feature would be to maintaining alignment, maybe it wouldn't matter at all)? Quick release not necessary, but seems a nice option.

-OR- maybe I'm just better off getting a light only, or possible a laser/light combo and skipping the whole lighted forend idea. Might not be cheaper, but probably simpler. I'd prefer to keep the gun a streamlined as possible though and this option doesn't seem quite as nice as the IFL. Side mounted lights, and the ones with lasers, seem to add a lot to the profile, but maybe that's just appearances in photos.

Anyway - any advice or other ideas - greatly appreciated!!

[Automag]

The Streamlight TLR-2 HL is a very good value and a good choice for weapon light and includes a laser, it is sort of quick release and mounts on a short pic rail. It puts out 630 Lumens, don't know much about the laser part of it. Might want to give that a look at Amazon or MidwayUSA. Good luck. There is already a thread on this called Advice on a quality flashlight, read through that as well. BTW, those Mesa clamp are nice, Mesa makes good quality products.

[Vitaly]

Here is my Streamlight TLR-2 Review

[Synchronizor]

What build is your shotgun? If you're not running a magazine extension on it, I know there are a few lights/laser products that replace the mag cap. You won't have as many options as you would with side- or fore-end-mounted devices, but it might be something to consider if you're trying to keep a slim profile.

[Zebra62]

I know there are a few lights/laser products that replace the mag cap. You won't have as many options as you would with side- or fore-end-mounted devices, but it might be something to consider if you're trying to keep a slim profile.

I have been considering something like that for mine, but the only one I have been able to find is the FM870FL from FM Optics, plus I cannot find any reviews on it. I did trip across one for a Mossberg that was not very favorable. The only place I have been able to find it in stock is CheaperThanDirt.com and while the price of the product is low, the shipping makes it more expensive than a side mounted flashlight/laser combo pack at Walmart.

I like the streamlined possibility of the mag mounted lights, but I want to know if the are reliable before I buy one.

[Synchronizor]

I haven't been able to find a ton of information on them myself. They seem to be less popular than I would expect.

On the subject though, one can order magazine tubes in the bright directly from Remington for pretty cheap. With the right tools and some electronics, a handy individual could pretty easily cut one of these to the desired length, build a light in the unthreaded end, and install it just like an extension tube using a coupling nut and a mag extension clamp. I would have already built one for myself if the University here allowed me to use the machine shop for my gunsmithing projects.

870 mag tube (bright).JPG (69.1 KiB) Viewed 7460 times

Same threads as mag extension tubes.

870 mag tube threads.JPG (103.34 KiB) Viewed 7460 times

[Zebra62]

I haven't been able to find a ton of information on them myself. They seem to be less popular than I would expect.

I am supposing the popularity issue is due to the magazine extension most 870 owners get, negating the option for the mag mounted light. Gypsy has an extension on her 20 gauge, but the light in question is fit only to the 12 gauge. Since mine came standard with the extended magazine, I don't need to get an extension, therefore I can use the mag mounted light. I just don't want to spend the $50 dollars to get one here and then have it be a P.O.S. I did find another one in stock at R & R for a couple dollars less, but that is still a weeks worth of fuel I would be spending on an untested/unreviewed flashlight.

Cool thought on the home made version. I did see a pic a while back of a home made mount for a full sized Maglite. I'll see if I can find it again and post it.

[Automag]

This is for sale on ebay all the time @ the blacktacticalrifle ebay store. It sells for $55.00. You said you were looking for a green laser, and exploring options, so i thought i'd show this.

Tactical BLACK WIDOW Green Laser Sight W/ Pressure Switch Picatinny Weaver USA

[Dieter]

What build is your shotgun? If you're not running a magazine extension on it, I know there are a few lights/laser products that replace the mag cap. You won't have as many options as you would with side- or fore-end-mounted devices, but it might be something to consider if you're trying to keep a slim profile.

It's the Express with the factory mag. extension tube. This is actually a good idea though, like you pointed out with modifying an factory extension to accept one of the end-cap lasers. Too bad you can't access the machine shop for said project - might be a viable business opportunity for you!

This is for sale on ebay all the time @ the blacktacticalrifle ebay store. It sells for $55.00. You said you were looking for a green laser, and exploring options, so i thought i'd show this.

Tactical BLACK WIDOW Green Laser Sight W/ Pressure Switch Picatinny Weaver USA

Thanks for that option Automag. That looks like a good solution for a laser-only, and I'm debating this - laser only or laser/light combo for that rail?

BUT, in other "news", I actually decided to go with the Eotech IFL. I'm just about to sit down and install it. Got it for way less than the typical retail price. I definitely like the function of it as far as the light goes. Seems bright enough, but that said, I think I might very well end up with a TLR-2g at some point too. Might look kinda stupid with two lights on there, but it'd be a nice (and brighter) back up, plus the green laser, which I'd rather have over red. Don't know why though, the light is not as bright as the standard TLR2 by 100 lumens, but I think it'd do!

So, at least a laser, maybe the combo. Still evolving and scheming. Eventually, I'll try to get some pics. of this thing posted!