Over the past several years, I have become a firm believer that all guns should have the capability for mounting a light. If you can't see what and where to shoot, then you can't safely and effectively use a firearm in the dark. Recently I purchased a Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 8-Shot Shotgun and you can click here to see my review of that shotgun. The first accessory I wanted was some type of rail on the gun. I ended up selecting the Laserlyte Shotgun Tri-Rail Mounting System. I purchased this tri-rail from CheaperThanDirt.com for $28.53 plus S&H. The following in italics was taken from the Laserlyte website.
Set up your tactical or home defense shotgun for maximum versatility and low light performance with this new Tri-Rail Mounting System. Lightweight and durable, this system positions three Picatinny rails at the front end of the shotgun where flashlights and/or lasers are best located. Easily mounted on the magazine tube of most popular 12-gauge pump shotguns, the Tri-Rail takes up under 1.5 inches of space ahead of the forearm. Made of tough aircraft grade aluminum with a matte black anodized finish, the Tri-Rail attaches in minutes with two machine screws.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Compatible Firearms: Any 1" diameter tube
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Length: 1.5"
- Installation Instructions
Notice that in the photo below, you can actually install a light or laser at the 45 degree positions. This gives you 5 potential mounting positions.
The Tri-Rail weighed in at 1.15 ounces, which is considerably less than the advertised 1.5 ounces. Actually, mine (the one in this review) is a newer version of this Tri-Rail and I believe the website needs to be updated. You can see the differences further in the review where I compare the Tri-Rails side by side.
The Tri-Rail measures 1.35" in length.
While doing this review, I stumbled across a difference between my Tri-Rail and the ones currently shown in the photos at the Laserlyte website. You can see this difference below. The Laserlyte website shows a Tri-Rail with more material on the rail lugs. The website version also has a taller rail height. If you purchase a new Tri-Rail today you will get the latest version which is shown in this review.
Reviewed (Mine) Laserlyte Website
Installation is very easy, two screws and an Allen wrench. I installed the Tri-Rail on my Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 8-Shot Shotgun. The hardest part during installation is deciding where on the magazine tube you want the Tri-Rail so it is in a good position to access your light or laser.
The photo below shows the Tri-Rail with a UTG Swatforce LED 200 Lumen Tactical Flashlight installed in the bottom position. One thing I found is that the rails are in such close proximity to each other, that not all rail mounted accessories can be mounted simultaneously in side by side positions.
Bottom Line:
The Laserlyte Shotgun Tri-Rail Mounting System is a great addition to any shotgun. It is very light weight and compact. It would be nice if the rails were a little taller to prevent potential interference when mounting items on the bottom and sides at the same time, but doing this would cause you to give up the additional two 45 degree mounting positions which I consider a plus. Knowing what I know now, would I buy it again? Absolutely. When you consider it is light weight, versatility of 5 mounting positions, and overall price, especially compared to the others on the market, I think you will find this a good product and value.
© 2010 Gunsumer Reports
