Very Surgical, Front Sight
Actually, depending on the load and your training you can get very surgical.
It is a myth that shotguns are not accurate. Sure...they are great for spreading those pellets out there and hitting the bad guy even if your aim is off. However, with a slug, and the proper training you can get very accurate. I train with hostage targets, were only a small portion of the bad guys head is visible...and with a slug I can easliy take the shot at 50-75 yards. Better shooters do it at 75-100 yards.
Of course in real life...that would scare the crap out of me. I'd leave it to a sniper if possible.
Front Sight (
www.frontsight.com) offers the best tactical firearms training in the world. There is no argument, somethings are up for debate, the quality of their training isn't. It is amazing. They offer a tactical shotgun course that will literally turn you into a surgeon with a shotgun. They offer select fire assault riffle, handgun, and sniper courses as well.
Some recommendations regarding a tactical shotgun:
1) The shorter the barrel usually the better. Most schools recommend a 18.5" improved cylendar barrel with a simple bead sight. This will allow for a 7 shot magazine extension. As cool as riffle sights and slug sights look, it's easier to use the simple bead (in my humble opinion - and many experts agree).
2) A side saddle to carry your slugs is a must. You'll want one that bolts to either the reciever or the stock. The slip on ones slip off too easily. The ones that attach the receiver require no modification to the gun and are a do it yourself 5 second project.
3) Some sort of tactical light is a must. After all, who breaks in during daylight hours? Surefire makes the brightest, clearest bulbs. You can turn their cheap G2 Nitro into a weapon mounted tactical light by getting a barrel mount and pressure switch from TacStar, but the TecStar flash light is crappy - always go with Surefire. Use good velcro to attact the pressure switch to your forend, the stuff the switch comes with is garbage. The more expensive weapon mounted versions are seriously bad ass if you have the money.
4) A recoil reducing stock from Knoxx.com is a must. I prefer the SpecOps model. It has a pistol grip and telescoping stock that adjusts to fits any shooter perfectly. They are not exadurating about how much this reduces recoil. Which means you wont flinch, which means you'll hit your target like a "surgeon" and get back on target for follow up shots on multiple targets. Do not get the NRS model, it doesn't reduce recoil. Get the regular more expensive version ($100+).
5) A 3-point tactical sling is a must while taking a course, or working a duty shift. The rest of the time, leave it off. If your not going to be holding your shotgun for hours on end, you don't need it. But if you're going to be on your feet with it, give your arms and back a break and get one.
Every other product and accessory out there is a waste of time, they just add weight to the gun. Which you don't want. It's heavy enough. But the ones I mentioned are what make it a "Tactical" shotgun.
Hope this helps. I know there are plenty of people who will disagree. Feel free, that's what makes these forums fun...
