Good questions, Rossignol. I've posted my Shockwave perspectives on several threads but let me summarize a few points for your consideration.
My primary use for the Shockwave is as a work gun. Previously used a Mossberg 500 with an 18.5 inch barrel and a 13 LOP. Carry it on tractors and on foot when working in the woods. Threats range from black bears to mountains lions to coyotes. The Shockwave's size enhances both the carry on the tractors utilizing a scabbard or when working on foot in the woods.
While I'm on the far side of 70 I have no issues aiming or shooting the Shockwave. Ammunition types I'm shooting range from bird shot (mostly practice) to 00 buckshot and 3 inch Brenneke bear slugs (everyday carry). However, practice is essential to being able to aim and accutarely fire this weapon, "especially on repetitive shots." My Shockwave is unmodified other than grip tape which enhances the grip especially in wet conditions.
Secondary, and lesser use is facility defense. While lasers have their place on certain pistols when used in conjunction with a flashlight, I personally don't understand their use with shotguns. To me, lasers may enhance aiming but certainly don't replace the weapon's fixed sights for target acquisition.
At night, if you're using only a laser in a defensive situation I don't understand how you can have positive recognition or identification of the target, as either friendly or foe. To me, we all have both a moral and legal responsibility to positively identify the target before firing. Without use of a flashlight I don't understand how you can assure positive identification. Please educate me if I'm wrong. The only scenario where I could see no need for a flashlight would be if you're using NVGs.
In bright sunlight a laser, from my experience, is essentially useless at anything other than very short distances. Most lasers I've seen or used on pistols are washed out at distances more than 15 to 20 feet in bright light conditions. Plus initial target acquisition can be much quicker utilizing either iron or peep sights vice chasing a laser. Question is are you looking at and assessing the threat situation or looking for the laser pointer. Must be careful of tunnel vision.
I suppose in a fixed barricade situation inside a facility, where you might be defending an entry point, a laser would certainly enhance aiming at that fixed point from your fixed position.
Shooting from the hip, if the immediate threat situation so dictates, can be done with either a pistol or shoulder fired weapon. However, it takes lots of practice to develop the technique and consistently hit the intended target. Many shoot high when learning. I'd only do this if the immediate threat situation precludes an aimed shot. But you should practice it just in case.
Been shooting shotguns for around 60 years so maybe I'm old school so no disrespect to those who have a different perspective. To me, a Shockwave is a basic weapon requiring a few new skill sets as compared to using a shoulder fired shotgun. Does it have a place, absolutely. Is it a replacement for either a pistol or shoulder fired weapon, maybe yes and maybe no.
Regards.
