The Benelli Supernova is an incredibly versatile and reliable shotgun favored by law enforcement, hunters, and shooting enthusiasts alike. One of the most valuable accessories for enhancing the performance of this shotgun is a laser sight. A laser sight can significantly improve accuracy, especially in low-light conditions or fast-paced scenarios.
With a wide variety of laser sights available on the market, selecting the best one for your Benelli Supernova can be a daunting task. In this article, I will review five top-tier laser sights and provide an expert guide on choosing the best one for your needs.
Top 5 Best Laser Sights for Benelli Supernova on the Market
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
SureFire X400U-A - Laser Light Combo
Specifications
Weight: 4.9 ounces
Dimensions: 3.6 inches in length
Laser Color: Red
Battery Type: Two CR123A lithium batteries
Output: 1,000 lumens (light), 5mW (laser)
Mounting: Universal rail mount
Best Features
The SureFire X400U-A combines a powerful white light and a red laser in a compact package. The 1,000-lumen light output ensures clear visibility in the darkest environments, while the red laser provides precision aiming. The universal rail mount makes it easy to attach to the Benelli Supernova, ensuring a secure fit.
Pros
High light output for excellent visibility
Durable construction
Easy to mount and adjust
Waterproof and weather-resistant
Cons
Higher price point
Slightly heavier than some competitors
Experience
Using the SureFire X400U-A on the Benelli Supernova feels like a natural extension of the shotgun. The light is exceptionally bright, cutting through darkness and illuminating targets clearly. The red laser is crisp and easy to see, making quick target acquisition possible even under stress. The rugged build quality ensures it withstands the recoil and harsh conditions often encountered with shotgun use.
Online Comments
Many users praise the SureFire X400U-A for its brightness and reliability. One user mentioned, "The X400U-A is built like a tank and performs flawlessly. It's worth every penny." Another highlighted its ease of use, stating, "Mounting this on my Supernova was a breeze, and the laser holds zero perfectly."
The Streamlight TLR-2 HL G is a versatile laser/light combo with a powerful green laser that offers superior visibility in various lighting conditions. The 1,000-lumen light output ensures you can illuminate your target area effectively, while the green laser provides a bright, easily visible aiming point.
Pros
Green laser is highly visible
Robust light output
Multiple mounting options
Easy to activate and adjust
Cons
Bulky design
Can be slightly complex to install
Experience
The Streamlight TLR-2 HL G pairs wonderfully with the Benelli Supernova. The green laser is particularly impressive, offering excellent visibility even in bright daylight. The light is powerful and floods the target area with ease. Although the design is a bit bulky, it balances well on the shotgun, and the multiple mounting options provide flexibility.
Online Comments
Users often commend the Streamlight TLR-2 HL G for its bright laser and light combo. One reviewer noted, "The green laser is a game-changer. It's bright enough to see in daylight and holds zero without issue." Another commented, "Streamlight has done it again with a robust, reliable product that fits my Supernova perfectly."
The Crimson Trace CMR-204 is a compact laser/light combo that offers a bright green laser and a 100-lumen LED light. The low-profile design ensures it doesn’t add significant bulk to your Benelli Supernova, making it an excellent choice for maintaining the shotgun's balance and handling.
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Bright green laser
Simple controls
Adjustable for windage and elevation
Cons
Lower light output compared to others
Single battery operation limits runtime
Experience
Using the Crimson Trace CMR-204 on the Benelli Supernova feels streamlined and efficient. The green laser is sharp and easy to see, making target acquisition fast. The light, while not as powerful as some competitors, is sufficient for most indoor and close-range applications. Its compact size and lightweight design make it barely noticeable when mounted, preserving the shotgun's maneuverability.
Online Comments
Crimson Trace CMR-204 users appreciate its compact design and effective performance. One user said, "This little guy is perfect for my Supernova. It’s lightweight and doesn’t throw off the balance." Another reviewer highlighted its ease of use, stating, "The controls are intuitive, and the green laser is bright and precise."
The OLIGHT Baldr Pro R is a powerful laser/light combo that offers a stunning 1,350 lumens of white light and a bright green laser. The built-in rechargeable battery provides convenience and cost savings over time. Its versatile mounting system ensures compatibility with various firearms, including the Benelli Supernova.
Pros
Extremely bright light output
Rechargeable battery
High-visibility green laser
Versatile mounting system
Cons
Slightly heavier
Charging port cover can be finicky
Experience
The OLIGHT Baldr Pro R stands out for its sheer brightness and the convenience of a rechargeable battery. When mounted on the Benelli Supernova, it provides an incredibly clear view of the target area, and the green laser is vivid and easy to acquire. The slightly heavier design is offset by the balance and stability it provides during use. The rechargeable battery is a significant advantage, ensuring you never run out of power unexpectedly.
Online Comments
Users are generally enthusiastic about the OLIGHT Baldr Pro R's performance. One comment highlighted, "The light is insanely bright, and the green laser is perfect for quick targeting." Another user mentioned the convenience of the rechargeable battery, saying, "I love not having to worry about replacing batteries. This light/laser combo is perfect for my Supernova."
The Viridian X5L Gen 3 offers a unique combination of a 500-lumen light and a highly visible green laser. It features instant-on technology, activating the laser as soon as the firearm is drawn. The lightweight and compact design make it an excellent choice for the Benelli Supernova.
Pros
Instant-on activation
Lightweight and compact
Highly visible green laser
Durable construction
Cons
Lower light output compared to some competitors
Slightly more complex to install
Experience
The Viridian X5L Gen 3 is an impressive addition to the Benelli Supernova. Its instant-on feature is particularly useful for self-defense scenarios, allowing immediate laser activation upon drawing the shotgun. The green laser is bright and visible, while the light provides adequate illumination for most situations. The compact and lightweight design ensures it doesn't interfere with handling.
Online Comments
Users appreciate the instant-on feature and overall performance of the Viridian X5L Gen 3. One user mentioned, "The instant-on activation is fantastic for quick response situations. The green laser is also very bright." Another user stated, "This laser/light combo is compact and fits my Supernova perfectly. The installation was a bit tricky, but it’s worth it."
When considering a laser/light combo for the Benelli Supernova, it's essential to evaluate the specific needs and use cases. For home defense, a high-lumen light combined with a bright laser can provide both illumination and precise aiming. The SureFire X400U-A and OLIGHT Baldr Pro R are excellent choices, offering powerful light output and reliable laser performance.
How to Choose the Best Laser Sight for Benelli Supernova
Brightness and Visibility: Ensure the laser is bright enough to be visible in various lighting conditions. Green lasers tend to be more visible than red lasers.
Light Output: A high-lumen light can be crucial for identifying targets in low-light conditions.
Mounting Compatibility: Check if the laser sight is compatible with the Benelli Supernova’s rail system.
Battery Life: Consider the battery type and runtime. Rechargeable options can offer convenience.
Durability: The laser sight should withstand the recoil and harsh conditions associated with shotgun use.
Ease of Use: Look for intuitive controls and easy adjustments for windage and elevation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any laser sight with my Benelli Supernova? A: Not all laser sights are compatible with the Benelli Supernova. Ensure the laser sight has a suitable mounting system for your shotgun’s rail.
Q: Are green lasers better than red lasers? A: Green lasers are generally more visible than red lasers, especially in daylight. However, red lasers can be sufficient for indoor and low-light conditions.
Q: How do I install a laser sight on my Benelli Supernova? A: Most laser sights come with detailed installation instructions. Generally, you need to mount the laser sight on the rail and secure it using the provided hardware.
Q: Do laser sights affect the balance of the shotgun? A: While some laser sights can add a bit of weight, many are designed to be lightweight and compact, minimizing their impact on the shotgun's balance.
Q: How often should I replace the batteries in my laser sight? A: Battery life varies depending on usage and the type of battery. It's a good practice to check the batteries regularly and replace them as needed to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Selecting the best laser sight for your Benelli Supernova requires careful consideration of your specific needs and preferences. The SureFire X400U-A, Streamlight TLR-2 HL G, Crimson Trace CMR-204, OLIGHT Baldr Pro R, and Viridian X5L Gen 3 are all top-tier options that offer excellent performance, durability, and reliability. Whether you need a laser for home defense, hunting, or tactical applications, these products provide a range of features to enhance your shooting experience.