Pistol Grip Shotguns

[twocan]

I just purchased a set of pistol grip shotguns: a Mossberg 12 gauge and a Mossberg 20 gauge.

Since my prior experience with shotguns is with buttstock style, I am interested in the best way to aim these guns. Shooting from the hip seems against all reason in regards to a sight picture, and holding the grip with one hand while bracing that forearm with the other hand seems unreasonable to gain a steady aim. (espeially with the 12 gauge)

I would appreciate your thoughts on aiming these fine defensive weapons.

Capt. Art

[D*Compound]

These are defensive guns..........close up....shoot from the hip.

Ya gotta practice though......to get the hang of it....

[Mity2]

you aim them like you would with sholder stocked weapon, I would imagin you'll end up with busted cheekbone...

Up until recently, I thought pistol gripped shotty was cool, but started to think it may be somewhat impractical.
I think it should have holding stock or pistol grip/butt stock combo at very least.

Which is why I'm going to be off to gunshop in few min, search of either folding stock or collapsable stock for my 500

[knight0334]

I've shot alot of pistol grip shotties, SBS's and AOW's..

I've found that holding it about armpit height is best(for me) with the grip nearly against my right pectoral muscle aimed about 10 to 11 o'clock.. Those with weak arms or bony chests might find themselves bruised. ...however it is a safe, fast, and somewhat accurate stance.

[DCChris]

I had a friend of mine get his front teeth knocked out with a pistol grip shotty by aiming too high. I prefer a full stock because, God forbid, if you run out of ammo before you run out of badguys, you still have a weapon. Like a weird shaped pugil stick.

[Nic]

I've had some practice with a pistol grip 20 gauge as of late. I ended up mounting a flashlight/laser combo on the front end. It's much easier to aim the shotty with a laser on target. I bought an $8 ATI clamp designed for a 1 inch flashlight, and I found a Nebo CSI LED flashlight/laser combo for $11 at my local gun shop. The Nebo has a side mounted push button on/off switch which allows very fast and easy access. Now I have a laser system to aim my HD shotgun with and it only cost me $20.

The CSI flashlight body is 4.75" of precision-machined aluminum. Exact compression sealing locks out moisture. Space-age solid-state circuitry allows the flashlight to stay continuously on for over 20 hours.

• 8 shock-proof LED lamps are recessed into the CSI LED Flashlight's head
• Emits pure white light, best for all-around use
• Smooth operation in temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius
• The CSI Flashlight's LEDs are designed for 110,000 plus hour life
• Industrial grade switch, rated for 10,000 on-off operations
• Water resistant, shockproof technology
• Includes limited lifetime manufacturer warranty
• Batteries included

The flashlight/laser combo comes in black, stainless and other colors:

[twocan]

Thank you all for your informative responses.

Fortunately, each of these shotguns also has a stock, as I was afraid of the problems that you all described with a pistol grip only situation.

I may try some of the tips with the 20 gauge, but I am certain that the stock goes on the 12 gauge tonight.

The laser sight idea is interesting though. Where can I buy these parts?

Thanks again.

[Nic]

I've seen these accessories cheaper at my local gun shops, but a quick search online found this...

The nebo csi light/laser is $14.95 at this site:
http://www.twocooltools.com/site/573454/product/5029

The ATI magazine/barrel clamp can be used to mount magazine extensions or 1 inch diameter tactical flashlight or laser sight to barrel. Injection molded from indestructible, black, glass-filled nylon. Fits all 12GA and 20GA barrels. Simple installation - no gunsmithing .

The ATI clamp is $8.45 at this site:
http://www.tacticalshotgunaccessorie...lightmount.htm

Works great for me!

[S&W 10mm]

Thanks Nic, that was some nice information there, and I like that shotty! Yep, it's about time for me to go buy some 12 gauge shells and see how I like a pistol grip shotty. I think i'll like it because im not small by any means and I believe I can handle myself pretty well.

[tntblaster]

FWIW the Moss pistol grip always felt too narrow and awkward in my hands. I was much happier with a knoxx grip.