May 11, 2021 | 12:21 pm 11095 2

Night Vision for a Shotgun

Today's technologies have turned weapons from instruments of warfare into multifunctional and technological devices, which have acquired a sacred and essential meaning for many of us. It's about hunting and safety, And the foundation of modern society and the state is the Second Amendment. This inalienable right of every citizen of our great country makes it possible not only to get food for himself while hunting but also to protect his home and his family. We often forget about this aspect. After all, self-defense weapons usually elude our attention, especially when discussing NV devices. Many do not attach importance to this, while others believe installing such equipment on weapons designed to protect homeownership is impossible. This is what we are going to talk about today.

Key Takeaways

Night vision rifle scopes are essential for any hunter, security guard, or military man. They are easily mounted on a shotgun or other weapon, work effectively in low light conditions, and help achieve your goals. Thermal monoculars, binoculars, sights, and other similar optics are also actively used at night. With their help, it is possible to obtain a thermal image and identify living creatures even in complete darkness.

What Is Night Vision

Any night vision binoculars, monoculars, sights and other devices use the same technology. Its work consists of capturing ambient light reflected from various objects and objects and then converting it into an image visible to a person. This process is made possible by image intensifier tubes, in which visible light undergoes various transformations, due to which it is repeatedly amplified. The output is a clear and detailed image. Some devices use more modern digital technology. They use special software to process the collected light. It allows you to achieve good image quality, so the owner of night optics can see everything as in the daytime.

What Is a Shotgun?

A shotgun is a smoothbore weapon designed for shooting shots and small-caliber bullets. It has a strong recoil, so preliminary training and experience from the shooter is required. In most cases, the shotgun is used for hunting and shooting competitions. In some cases, this weapon assists in protecting your home and guarding some objects. Shotgun is distinguished by its simple design. This feature makes the weapon as reliable and durable as possible. In addition, it is not afraid of various external influences, making it a priority option for performing multiple tasks.

Shotguns at the Hunt

Did you know that most of the best weapon ratings invariably involve shotguns? Moreover, shotguns are at the top of these ratings. So, the Mossberg 500 Maverick 88 and Remington 870 are consistently recognized as the best. These are popular, reliable, and high-quality pump-action shotguns. Do not forget about their counterparts from well-known manufacturers: Winchester Model 42 and Winchester Model 12, Browning Superposed, and even Ithaca 37. Whatever gun you buy, the choice will be correct.

The simple, powerful, unpretentious, and reliable weapon will become your reliable partner in protecting your home and family but don't take it as a one-action gun. Nothing will stop you from taking your favorite Mossberg on the hunt. Yes, it is not an obvious choice as a primary hunting weapon. But, its universality is apparent and does not require proof.

At the same time, many experienced shooters and hunters will argue against using pump-action shotguns in action. Do you know which argument will be one of the main ones? Inability to use NV devices with a shotgun.

Shotguns and Night Vision Devices

Let's see if this is true. When using the NV scope for Mossberg, experts will immediately point out the brutal and powerful impact, which will inevitably lead the night video device to an inoperative state. You will want to hunt with night-vision scope or thermal imaging sight, especially in those states where your Remington or Benelli will help you bypass legal restrictions. So what should you do? The easiest and most obvious option is to get yourself dark vision goggles. You can achieve the most unexpected and comfortable results by modifying your weapons and juggling devices. For example, almost any classic Benelli, Remington, or other classic shotgun allows mounting systems to be installed easily. You can use a micro red dot or IR laser with them.

Both micro red dot and IR laser are night-vision compatible, and if you wear a helmet with night-vision goggles, you can see what the night hides.

Why You Need Night Vision for a Shotgun?

Many shotgun owners install digital night vision scopes and their thermal imaging counterparts on their weapons. This solution provides many advantages, mainly simplifying the aiming procedure. Without such optics, it will be almost impossible to see an animal or other target well in the dark. Night scopes will also significantly reduce the percentage of inaccurate shots.

Can You Use Night Vision with a Shotgun?

All shotgun owners have the opportunity to use a variety of thermal imaging and digital night vision devices. The most popular are sights. To install them on a weapon, various types of mounts are used, each of which will be optimal for a particular model of shotgun. The presence of night optics on the barrel does not significantly weigh down the structure and does not prevent the user from making accurate shots.

Shotguns and Thermal Vision Devices

We also have another simple and obvious idea. Use thermal vision in the same way. Of course, this will be much less efficient and ergonomic. Plus, your reaction time is likely to decrease, and let's be frank: the pump-action shotgun is, first and foremost, a unique and reliable home protection tool. Now, let's imagine a situation: your house is being attacked at night, and you waste time looking for and putting on a helmet with a mounting kit and start clipping on your thermal, and only then do you take up arms. It doesn't sound too fun and safe.

Although it is a cheap and suitable option for hunting, it can be considered, but, at the same time, do not forget that you accept all the disadvantages of this technology by using thermal optics. For example, you cannot see objects behind glass. If this does not become a problem in the field, it threatens to become a disaster in your home. Just remember the many windows in the building where your family lives.

Shotguns for Night Vision

Almost all modern shotguns are suitable for night vision optics. However, several models stand out as most adapted for the use of such devices. These shotguns are produced by well-known companies such as Benelli, Mossberg and Remington. They make their products as high-quality, reliable and durable as possible.

Benelli M4

This Italian-made model is the newest in the line of semi-automatic shotguns. It stands out for its increased reliability and has served its owner for a long time. The M4 can make over 25 thousand shots with proper operation before it needs repairs. This model is designed for shooting a variety of 12-gauge shotgun cartridges. Such versatility makes the shotgun suitable for performing a variety of tasks. The M4 has a very durable barrel. Using the Picatinny rail, it can easily be used to install night optics such as starlight or thermal scopes.

Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey

This new model from Mossberg is intended primarily for hunters. It is a self-loading shotgun that shoots 12-gauge cartridges. The latter fits in the gun magazine in the amount of 4 pieces. 940 Pro-Turkey is available in two modifications. The first has a barrel length of 24 inches, and the second is only 18.5 inches. Both options are light and do not cause hand fatigue, even with long-term aiming. This gun is adapted for installing night and day optics; the choice of models will depend solely on the user's preferences.

Benelli Ethos

This gun from the Italian company Benelli is one of the best in its class. It combines excellent design, high-tech innovations and unrivaled quality. This model shoots standard 12-gauge cartridges. It allows for quick reloading and shooting with minimal delays. Initially, the Benelli Ethos was developed for hunters, but today, it is used in other areas of activity. In this regard, manufacturers have provided the ability to install night and day optics, which will help perform many tasks.

Remington 870

This American-made gun is considered one of the most famous in the world. At different times, it was used by police officers, military personnel, athletes, hunters, and ordinary people who wanted to protect themselves and their loved ones. For each category of users, the manufacturer released its modification of the weapon. Thanks to this, models that shoot cartridges of different calibers and have different barrel lengths appeared. Remington 870 is ideal for using a variety of optics. It is easily attached to the barrel and expands the capabilities of the owner of the optics.

Mossberg Maverick 88

This versatile weapon is a classic, as it has been used for over 40 years. It has changed slightly during this time but retained its traditional lightness, compactness and practicality. The Maverick 88 shoots 12-gauge cartridges, fed using a unique manual mechanism. This complicates the shooter's task a little but gives him much pleasure. Another essential feature of the model is the ability to mount various devices (for example, a rangefinder, a flashlight, etc.) and night optics. Because the Maverick 88 is compact and light, only the listed accessories of the appropriate size and weight suit it.

The Ultimate Solution for a Night Vision Shotgun

Let's get back to the most desired and simple embodiment of the desire to be able to use your favorite Maverick or any other shotgun at night. The usual scheme is to fix the night-vision scope of the shotgun and use it without fear of damaging an expensive and fragile device.

If you think this is not possible because of the recoil we have already mentioned, you are wrong. Modern technologies make it possible to create devices capable of absorbing shock. Even though dark vision devices are composed entirely of fragile engineering masterpieces, leading manufacturers have found a way to hide them under reliable and effective protection. Some NV manufacturers state that their devices can withstand the shock power of a 0.50 BMG firearm. This raises doubts, but particular types of devices can easily cope with pump-action recoil.

Regardless, don't allow yourself to doubt and underestimate your shotgun. It is a comfortable, reliable, and versatile weapon that deserves love and modification. The ability to betray the functions of a night weapon is priceless.

Even if you have no plans to hunt with your Benelli, consider it. After all, a dark-vision scope will make the main function of protecting homeownership and family much more effective. Feel free to combine your shotgun's extras. Believe us, this is such a phenomenal masterpiece of engineering that you won't believe how many new possibilities will open up.