Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 Review

First Thoughts on the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14

For years, I’ve relied on the Remington 870 as my go-to shotgun. It’s dependable, versatile, and familiar. But one area where it always felt lacking was in low-light situations. Trying to jury-rig a weapon light always felt clunky and unreliable. Enter the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14.

This isn’t just another accessory; it’s a fully integrated solution promising to seamlessly blend illumination with the shotgun’s existing ergonomics. The promise of an ambidextrous, high-lumen light source in a rugged package instantly piqued my interest.

My problem was clear: I needed a reliable and integrated light solution for my 870 for home defense and the occasional hog hunt at night. I was tired of wobbly rail-mounted lights and pressure switches that could snag.

Upon unboxing, the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 felt solid. The glass-filled nylon polymer gave it a reassuring heft without feeling overly heavy. The texture provided a good grip. Comparing it to my previous setups with separate forends and rail-mounted lights, this felt significantly more streamlined. Initial design impressions are great, but I’m eager to see how it holds up in the field.

I considered other options like the SureFire DSF-870. But the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 came in at a significantly lower price point. I was hoping for comparable performance without breaking the bank. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to see if it could deliver on its promises of brightness, durability, and ease of use.

Real-World Testing: Putting Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 was at an outdoor shooting range during a low-light training session. The range offered a variety of scenarios to simulate real-world conditions. I tested it in both dry and slightly damp conditions.

The ambidextrous switches were easy to manipulate, even with gloves. Activating the momentary or constant-on functions was intuitive. The sharp focused beam cut through the dim light, illuminating targets effectively out to what appeared to be a good distance. I didn’t need much time at all to get used to operating the light in conjunction with the shotgun. After a few practice runs, it felt like a natural extension of the weapon.

Initially, I noticed a slight shift in the shotgun’s balance due to the added weight in the forend. However, I quickly adjusted my grip and stance to compensate. There were no malfunctions or issues with the light’s functionality during the first session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including a nighttime hog hunt and additional training sessions, the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 has proven its reliability. It has been subjected to recoil from numerous rounds of 12-gauge ammunition. So far, everything is holding up remarkably well.

There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear. Just some minor scuff marks on the polymer from handling. Cleaning is straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use keeps it looking good and functioning perfectly. Comparing it to my previous setups, the integrated design of the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 offers a significant advantage in terms of durability and ease of maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14

Specifications

  • Candle Power: 1200 Lumens. This provides a bright, focused beam capable of illuminating targets at a significant distance.
  • Bulb Type: LED. LEDs are known for their efficiency, durability, and long lifespan. This ensures that the light will provide reliable performance for years to come.
  • Length: 7.10″. The compact length ensures that it doesn’t significantly alter the overall handling characteristics of the shotgun.
  • Weight: 17.50 oz. The weight adds to the shotgun’s overall heft, potentially aiding in recoil management but may also fatigue users during prolonged use.
  • Battery: CR123. CR123 batteries are commonly used in tactical lights due to their compact size and high energy density, but require spares to be carried.
  • Waterproof: IPX7 Waterproof. This rating provides protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it suitable for use in wet conditions.
  • Color: Black. Black is a standard color for tactical gear, providing a low-profile appearance.
  • Material: Glass Filled Nylon Polymer. This material offers a good balance of strength, durability, and weight, ensuring that the forend can withstand the rigors of use.

Performance & Functionality

The Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 performs admirably in its intended role. The 1200 Lumen output is more than sufficient for most tactical and home defense scenarios. The focused beam provides excellent target identification at both close and medium ranges.

Its strengths include the intuitive ambidextrous switches, the rugged construction, and the bright, focused beam. One potential area for improvement is the weight. Some users might find it slightly heavy during extended use. It definitely meets my expectations, delivering a reliable and effective lighting solution for my Remington 870.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 is excellent. The glass-filled nylon polymer feels robust and durable. The texturing provides a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands.

The design is user-friendly, and the ambidextrous switches are easily accessible. There is virtually no learning curve. Installation is relatively simple.

Durability & Maintenance

The Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 is designed to withstand the rigors of hard use. The IPX7 waterproof rating provides peace of mind in wet conditions. I expect it to last for many years with proper care.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down after each use is all that’s typically required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 is primarily a standalone unit, integrating the light directly into the forend. There are no included accessories beyond what’s needed for basic operation. The lack of accessory options keeps the design simple and streamlined.

However, the light may not be easily customizable with aftermarket parts. There may be limited compatibility with accessories from other brands, as the integrated design is specific to the Remington 870 and TAC-14 platforms.

Pros and Cons of Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14

Pros

  • Provides a bright, focused 1200 Lumen beam for excellent target identification.
  • Features ambidextrous switches for easy activation by both left- and right-handed shooters.
  • Constructed from durable, glass-filled nylon polymer for long-lasting performance.
  • IPX7 waterproof rating provides protection against wet conditions.
  • The integrated design provides a streamlined and snag-free profile.

Cons

  • The weight of 17.50 oz may add noticeable heft to the shotgun, potentially causing fatigue during extended use.
  • Limited customization options due to the integrated design.


Who Should Buy Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14?

The Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 is perfect for:

  • Home defense enthusiasts who want a reliable and easy-to-use lighting solution for their Remington 870 or TAC-14.
  • Law enforcement and security personnel who require a durable and high-performance weapon light.
  • Hog hunters and other nighttime hunters who need to identify targets in low-light conditions.

Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize lightweight setups or require extensive customization options may want to consider alternative lighting solutions. A must-have accessory would be a supply of CR123 batteries.

Conclusion on Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14

The Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 offers a compelling blend of performance, durability, and ease of use at a reasonable price point. For $149.95, you get a well-integrated lighting solution that significantly enhances the functionality of your Remington 870 or TAC-14 in low-light conditions.

I believe the price is justified considering the quality of materials and the level of integration. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and effective weapon light for their shotgun.

If you’re looking to upgrade your Remington 870 or TAC-14 with a high-quality, integrated weapon light, the Shotgun Forend Light for Remington 870/TAC-14 is an excellent choice. Give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed!


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top