Zeroing a shotgun

[Dirtlaw]

I am using a laser with a shotgun for home defense.



What is the best distance for zeroing the laser? I'm guessing fifteen to twenty feet, but I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who are far more knowledgeable than I am.



The shots I would be taking are typically at a distance of between ten and fifteen feet. The laser is mounted approximately 2 3/4" below the bore center.



Thanks

[flypops]

Really? A laser on a shotgun for close quarters. I don't quite see the point. Or the dot in this case.

[9mmContagion]

Point shoot for anything self defense.. unless you live in a mansion.

[Lebaneseblonde]

15 ft with a couple of slugs. To see where the tendency is and adjust windage if you have adjustable rear. But if your using shot? You don’t need to zero. Just see how it patterns and call it a day

[crufflers]

I dunno if this will help, it is just what I do out of common sense sighting a RDS... since I know my patterns for the most part. I would do the same with a laser.

I use a small tube flashlight in the shotgun barrel. Shine it on a wall at a distance I like with a tight circular beam showing. I center the rds dot in the light circle. I find this is good enough till I get to a range where you might fine tune on paper.

[sonofeugene]

With a shotgun, all you need to do is point it in the general direction of the bad guy and pull the trigger.






Now, with that silliness out of the way, I think you answered your own question with the distances you mentioned. However, I think a laser on a shotgun used in close quarters might be a bit overkill. Though I could see its usefulness if it's completely dark and you can't see the barrel or sights on the gun. But then if it's that dark you probably shouldn't be firing at anything as you can't be sure of your target. I'd get a good forend light from Surefire and call it a day.

[XVIga_Rob]

I dunno if this will help, it is just what I do out of common sense sighting a RDS... since I know my patterns for the most part. I would do the same with a laser.

I use a small tube flashlight in the shotgun barrel. Shine it on a wall at a distance I like with a tight circular beam showing. I center the rds dot in the light circle. I find this is good enough till I get to a range where you might fine tune on paper.

[W.R.Buchanan]

You need to sight the gun in at 50 yards. Then up close you will do what is known as a "compensated shot" where you compensate for the difference between where the laser is pointing and actual bore. IE distance between the laser and the bore.

If the laser is under the barrel you will aim low by that same amount.

Bin Laden was killed by a "compensated head shot" where Rob O'Neal aimed at his fore head in order to hit between the eyes.

This is common place and not magic. It also allows you to make shots at longer distances as after 25 yards the bullet is going to where the laser is pointed.

Just because you think your only shots will be at close range, doesn't mean they will always be at close range. If the gun is sighted in at 15 feet and you need to shoot at 25 yards you will probably miss.

With it sighted at 50 yards you can hit at either distance.

With a Carbine, the line of sight crosses the bullets flight at around 25 to 50 yards. Prior to that distance the bullet is below the line of sight and you must compensate for that difference. It is generally accepted that distance is less than 15 yards.

Randy

[newbutold]

In the dark your sight light gives the bad guy a point of aim.

[pennys dad]

Buy a few types of ammunition #4 buck, 00 buck, Slug, low recoil. Buy 20 or so of each. Shoot patterns at 10 yards and 15 yards. Choose the one you like best and there you go.

[RandyCat]

Sorry for a n00b question, how do you sight in a shotgun? do you bend the barrel or or ventrib? My shotgun shoots 1" to the right at 50 yards. Do i bend the barrel to the left or right? What tool should i use to achieve the best results?
my HD barrel on Mos500 does not have ventrib, so, bending the barrel is the only option i guess. How do i know how much to bend?

[SAD338]

I wouldn't bend the barrel. Mill in an adjustible rear sight.

And I would be surprised if a laser keeps zero after taking some shotgun recoil.

[smoto]

Lasers are silly, invest in the brightest weapon mounted light you can afford, so you can ID the threat. It also helps you pick up the sights if needed.

[ceh383]

Sorry for a n00b question, how do you sight in a shotgun? do you bend the barrel or or ventrib?

No

My shotgun shoots 1" to the right at 50 yards. Do i bend the barrel to the left or right? What tool should i use to achieve the best results?

Adjust the stock so your eye is about 1/16" farther to the right than it is now. Shim it, shave it, adjustable comb...Whichever works best for you.

my HD barrel on Mos500 does not have ventrib, so, bending the barrel is the only option i guess. How do i know how much to bend?

1" to the right @ 50yds, HD barrel...How *$#%!^%* big is your house?

[theLBC]

i typically run federal fc buck, so the pattern is very tight.

if i wanted to run a pointer strictly for home defense, i'd zero it at whatever distance you could be shooting inside and live with an inch low if they are closer.