Using flashlight on a shotgun for HD

[CEBEP]

I have flashlights on all three of my shotguns and decided to try one yesterday in the forest. I specifically chose dusk when there was still some natural light left but it was already difficult to see and identify a target.

Used my M4 with flashlight mounted like this:

I switched the light on. It was easy to identify the target  at apprx 25-30m and aim. But right after the first shot I had a white wall in front of me and wasn’t able to see anything for some time until the smoke faded. Again, it was in the open area. As soon as I switched off the light I was able to see the target again with some natural still remaining.

Assuming I would be in close quarters like HD situation, dimm light conditions with flashlight on. Making one shot and leaving the light on to assess situation, there would be no way for me to see anything in front of me for a long time as smoke will remain in front of me. It tells me I need to switch the light off as soon as the shot is made.

Majority would tell you that flashlight is a must for HD shotgun, but nobody really tells how to use that flashlight. It seems to be the “how” to use it correctly is probably even more important than having it. From my short test, it seems like using flashlight incorrectly or even having it can do more damage than good in some conditions.

I don’t have any experience in close quarters combat or any combat at all so I can’t say what’s right or wrong here. Just a food for thought I guess.

[StreetSweeper56]

Placing the light underneath the mag tube will eliminate the inevitable barrel shadow you're going to get with a side mount.

[CEBEP]

6 minutes ago, StreetSweeper56 said:

Placing the light underneath the mag tube will eliminate the inevitable barrel shadow you're going to get with a side mount.

I had no barrel shadow on the target whatsoever. Even in the close distance there is no shadow in this light position.

[StreetSweeper56]

8 minutes ago, CEBEP said:

I had no barrel shadow on the target whatsoever. Even in the close distance there is no shadow in this light position.

You certainly will to the right with the configuration shown. It's fine if you know your target, not so good if you're searching for a target.

[CEBEP]

14 minutes ago, StreetSweeper56 said:

You certainly will to the right with the configuration shown. It's fine if you know your target, not so good if you're searching for a target.

I can’t understand how a shadow on the right of the target but not on the target is relevant to my post.which was about a light hitting the cloud of gun powder smoke making target invisible for some time after the first shot. 

[StreetSweeper56]

9 minutes ago, CEBEP said:

I can’t understand how a shadow on the right of the target but not on the target is relevant to my post.which was about a light hitting the cloud of gun powder smoke making target invisible for some time after the first shot. 

That's some smoky shells you're firing there! My point was, if placing a light on your gun putting the light underneath will eliminate barrel shadow. Again, if you know where your target is that's not a problem but if you're clearing a room for example, you may not always know where a threat lies. Placing the light underneath gives you better 180° visibility left and right. Like this, here's one of my M4's:

 

[CEBEP]

1 hour ago, StreetSweeper56 said:

That's some smoky shells you're firing there! My point was, if placing a light on your gun putting the light underneath will eliminate barrel shadow. Again, if you know where your target is that's not a problem but if you're clearing a room for example, you may not always know where a threat lies. Placing the light underneath gives you better 180° visibility left and right. Like this, here's one of my M4's:

 

My primary HD shotgun is Keltec KS7, which casts no shadow and is much better suitable for me to operate in close quarters and tight places than M4. 
 

[John Doe]

On 8/20/2024 at 3:44 PM, StreetSweeper56 said:

That's some smoky shells you're firing there! My point was, if placing a light on your gun putting the light underneath will eliminate barrel shadow. Again, if you know where your target is that's not a problem but if you're clearing a room for example, you may not always know where a threat lies. Placing the light underneath gives you better 180° visibility left and right. Like this, here's one of my M4's:

 

I did the same with my Surefire. I have it under the mag tube. I tried it on different locations around the forend and everywhere else on the gun had major shadowing. Underneath had the least amount of shadowing, almost none. But if you have one of those arisaka mounts (I think that is who makes them) that extend it out then you wont have to worry about it at all it seems.

My only issue with those extended mounts is that it looks to me that it will cause damage or break off the weapon if dropped or bumped against something hard enough, like a doorway or exiting a vehicle. Do you feel that is the case with the light extended out like that? 

[StreetSweeper56]

It might break but I doubt it unless it's really smacked hard at which point, the light mount breaking would probably be the least of my worries.