INFORCE vs. Shotgun: Aiming with light

The INFORCE WML Series of flashlights is not only marketed for rifles but can also be mounted on shotguns. When mounted on a shotgun, they actually provide some advantages due to the unique ballistics that are not as pronounced when mounted on rifles.

Unlike a rifle, a shotgun fires its ammunition in a cone shape rather than shooting a single projectile. This is a well-known fact. The beam of a flashlight is cone-shaped, unlike a single, point-shaped laser beam. Therefore, a flashlight is the perfect targeting aid for a shotgun, just as a laser is for a pistol or rifle. The INFORCE WML and WMLx – Gen2 are strong Picatinny flashlights with a powerful beam of light characterized by good efficiency and performance.

Depending on budget and weapon type, there are various mounting solutions. If you have MLOK on your shotgun, an aluminum rail from Magpul or other manufacturers is the best solution. If you desire a fixed aiming point that does not change when cycling the weapon, there is a simple solution - a Picatinny barrel adapter. Of course, there are other solutions as well.

LED flashlights have the advantage over lasers in that they can be perceived from greater distances. At a certain point, the red dot becomes so tiny that it is no longer visible. The range of a red laser is about 75 meters. The wide beam of a powerful flashlight like the WMLx – Gen2 can also be perceived from greater distances, especially at night. The WMLx White Light actually has a range of 155 meters, more than double that of a shotgun.

The shot pattern of a shotgun is determined by the choke. A shotgun with a cylinder choke, without narrowing the barrel, has the widest spread and a shorter range of about 20 meters on average. A shotgun with a full choke has a narrower spread and a maximum range of 40 to 45 meters, which still falls within the range of the WML beam.

It is as important to consider this with a flashlight as with a shotgun. Your shot will not land exactly in the center of the flashlight beam, as the pattern varies depending on the placement of the flashlight. If you have attached the flashlight on the left side of the weapon, the point of impact will be slightly offset to the right, and vice versa if mounted on the right side. Even in a shooting range, the WMLx – Gen2 is so powerful that it can still mark a target in brightly lit rooms. By conducting exercises with the flashlight, you gain valuable information about your shotgun. This allows you to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the light mounted on the weapon leads to precise shot placement. By understanding how the flashlight beam correlates with the shot pattern of your shotgun, you improve your overall shooting skills and boost your confidence in low-light or high-stress situations.

Regular training and practice are essential to master the technique of high readiness and effectively use the flashlight as a reliable targeting device. Through regular training, muscle memory can be refined, target acquisition speed improved, and the ability to accurately engage threats in different lighting conditions enhanced.

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