Shotgun Heat Shields - Metal vrs Plastic?

Question

There's a lot of shotgun heat shields out there, some made of metal, others of supposedly indestructible polymer or "plasticote zytel fiberglass" (plastic fiberglass). I've heard of problems installing the metal ones because the parts don't bend quite right and/or scratch the barrel. Question is, does it really make a difference for us average shooters who aren't on a battle field and constantly rapid firing to get a plastic one versus a metal? What is your experience?

Answer 1

Question is, does it really make a difference for us average shooters who aren't on a battle field and constantly rapid firing to get a plastic one versus a metal?



What is your experience?



Completely unnecessary.... Yeah - They look cool.... But that's about it...... As a matter of fact - One of my 590's has a shield and it makes it so I cannot get slugs accurately on a steel plated at ranges beyond 50 yards.... The 590's and 500's I have the do not have the shield are easier to aim and get slugs on the target.....



Here are a few of the defense, police type shotguns I have... Yup - there's even a couple of Remington 870's there....



http://www.dystopiat.com/Goffpics/guns/DSCN0707.JPG

Answer 2

The average shooter will never need a heat shield on their shotgun. For that matter neither will 99.9% of ANY shotgun shooters. If you are one of those .1% that do require a heat shield then definitely get a metal one. Plastic, no matter what kind of plastic will melt when it get hot.



I feel shotgun heat shields are more Hollywood Hype and sales marketing than anything else. Sure they may look cool on a shotgun but practically speaking they serve no purpose for the vast majority of folks. Just think, when was the last time your shotgun barrel got so hot that you really had to worry about burning your hand on it.

Answer 3

Remington 870 Heat Shield

Answer 4

I own a Mosserberg 500 and a Mossberg 590 that both have heat shields on part of the barrels. I think they are just a waste. You'd have to shoot about 75 rounds (3 boxes of ammo) rapid fire in order for the barrel to heat-up to the point where a heat shield would do you some good.



These heat shields just get in the way and I sometimes bump my knuckles on them when shooting.



Don't bother with the heat shields.

Answer 5

870 Heat Shield

Answer 6

Shotgun heat shields are a waste of money. Even if the barrel did get that hot (and I've NEVER had that problem), how much is a good pair of shooting gloves compared to the cost of a heat shield and the problem with installing AND uninstalling them - remember you have to take them off to clean your shotgun properly.

Answer 7

Like Robert said, heat shields are not really needed. Just makes your shotgun look more "tactical"

Answer 8

heat sheilds are for gun users that may not be able to control what they have to do with there gun, like using it for cqb, how ever, if you do not need to use a shotgun like a club, you wont need a heat sheild and will probabaly regret spending money/time on it, and to be perfectly honest, they make a good gun look like a cheap piece of junk