LaserLyte’s Universal Shotgun Trainer

HIGH-2

Cops are visual creatures. Our observation skills become finely honed over years of experience, and that’s a really good thing because it helps us do our job. Being able to read the nuances of behavior, hand locations, verbal or non-verbal indicators and micro expressions are just a few of the learned skills many attribute to a cop’s sixth sense. These are the skills we depend on to keep us safe and allow us to return home after a shift in relatively the same condition in which we went to work.

Sometimes, visual learners — most cops — need a graphical representation of a specific learning point to fully gain comprehension. This was the case almost every time I was involved in tactical shotgun training. Instructors must impress on the students that they “own” each and every projectile fired from whatever weapon they might discharge. This includes each and every one of the nine .33-caliber 00-buck projectiles fired from their tactical shotguns.

The LT-120.

Spread The basic rule of thumb for a tactical shotgun loaded with 9-pellet LE 00-Buck is a spread of approximately 1″ per yard. So, at 5 yards the spread would be about 5″, 10 yards, 10″ and 25 yards should be about 25″. It sounds like a very simple concept. But, the class test scores involved with that question were dismal at best. This brings us back to the need for graphical representation. LaserLyte has cracked the code on this one with their Center Mass Universal Shotgun Trainer. The device is simple, easy to use and a great training tool.

Looking like a cross between a flashlight and a
very small guided missile, the LaserLyte LT-120
is a safe and economical way to get extra shotgun training.

Universal Shotgun Trainer The Center Mass Universal Shotgun Trainer LT-120 slips into the muzzle of your shotgun. It comes with batteries already installed and a spare set in the packaging. It can be used for practically any type of shotgun training and has applications for tactical or recreational use. The LT-120 comes with adapters for 12-gauge or 20-gauge, but since there aren’t too many folks using the 20-gauge in tactical missions, I concentrated on the 12-gauge. The adapter is attached to one end of the device with a provided screw. That end is placed into the muzzle, leaving the laser’s aiming lens to protrude out the end of the barrel about .5″.

The LT-120 is a sound activated device, so the laser fires every time the trigger is pulled. Eight laser dots are projected with each pull of the trigger. One of the laser dots is in the center and the others form a circle around it representing the spread of the pellets. The circle grows 1″ per yard, which is about the same configuration the pellets would spread when aimed at a stationary or moving target. The LaserLyte LT-120 encourages development of muscle reflex skills such as swing, follow-through and sight pattern identification.

A typical “shot” pattern you can expect to
see when using the LaserLyte LT-120.

Training Aid Safety As with any training aid attached to a fireable weapon, safety is paramount. If using the LT-120 on the range, please make sure the weapon is unloaded. I know that sounds silly, but I’ve seen many a laser bore sighting device launched downrange. The least of your worries is destroying the LT-120, which you surely will. The gun ends up looking like the Roadrunner stuck his toe into the barrel of Wylie Coyote’s gun when he’s trying to score some bird dinner — pealed back like a very hot, jagged and dangerous flower. If you live through it, it’ll be something you’ll never forget — or live down.
By Dave Douglas