Pardner Pump Heat Shield: Simple Upgrade, Real Protection

By Author: Slade Street Tactical
Total Articles: 67
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Shotgun barrels heat up rapidly; several rounds fired at either a range or in the field will increase the temperature of a shotgun barrel sufficiently, such that you could be burned by accidentally touching it.
That is why installers of pardner heat shields provide a very simple accessory that greatly enhances safety and comfort (when you have a Pardner Pump).

The Purpose of a Heat Shield

Pardner heat shield is metal sheets fitted to the outside of shotgun barrels; they separate your hand from hot steel. The design of these shields allows air to freely flow around the barrel which helps keep them cool.

Most heat shields contain specific air vents or holes to allow heated air to properly exit while still blocking direct contact with the barrel. The end result is very little risk of burning and much better control when handling the firearm.

Why Heat Builds Up So Fast

When you fire a shotgun, energy travels down the barrel. As this energy moves, it generates heat. If you fire several rounds one after ...
... another, the barrel will eventually become too hot to handle.

This happens most often in the following scenarios:

● Target shooting
● Defensive training at home
● Hunting with rapid follow-up shots

Without protection, your hand may slide forward and come into contact with the barrel for only an instant. This contact can cause significant burns to your skin.

Key Benefits of a Heat Shield

1. Keeping Your Hands Safe

The protector serves to keep your hands from being burned by the hot barrel. Even if you move your grip, the shield will absorb the heat rather than your skin.

2. Improved Grip

When you know your hands are safe from being burned, you will be able to maintain the grip on your gun without feeling rushed or having to adjust your grip due to the heat. Having a firm grip will help you stay steady and focused while shooting.

3. Cooling The Barrel

Air will flow around the barrel of a shotgun when the barrel has vents in the heat shield. The flow of air through the vents will not stop the heat generated by firing the gun from contacting the barrel but can help reduce the time that the heat is trapped within the heat shield.

4. Rugged Tactical Appearance

Some gun owners like the tactical and rugged appearance that the installation of a heat shield provides to the Pardner Pump.

Fit and Design

Your Pardner Pump heat shield should fit tightly against your barrel and should match the length and contour of both the barrel and the magazine tube. Generally, most of these heat shields are clamped to the barrel of your shotgun and may also be secured to the magazine tube.
Typical features include:

● Constructed of steel or aluminum
● Coated with a matte black finish
● Vent holes for airflow
● Clamp on installation

The finish on your heat shield is important as well. The matte finish minimizes glare and will blend well with your shotgun.
Easy Installation

Installing a heat shield does not require any expertise. Utilizing very few tools will suffice for installation. Here are the basic steps involved in the installation.

● Make sure the shotgun is unloaded before installation begins.
● Where the heat shield will be installed, place it on top of the shotgun barrel.

● Align the heat shield to the fire line (or top) of the barrel and front sight lines.

● Tighten the heat shield clamps securely and evenly.
Take your time for an accurate alignment. A twisted or crooked heat shield will make it look "wrong" and may also have an impact on how it will feel in your hands.

Things to Check Before You Buy

All heat shields aren't made alike. A few simple checks will help you avoid a headache later.

Barrel Length Compatibility

First, check that you have the correct fit for your specific Pardner Pump model and barrel length.

Front Sight Clearance

Also, look for front sight clearance. Some heat shields may sit too close to their respective front sights, blocking the shooter’s line of sight.
Build Quality

You should examine whether the heat shield is constructed from solid metal with smooth, clean edges. Thin or rough materials are prone to bending or scrubbing.

Finish

Lastly, a good heat shield should have a good finish on it so that it won’t rust or wear when you use your shotgun in wet or outdoor conditions.

Use Cases Where It Helps Most

Heat shields aren’t just there for appearances; they can be beneficial during actual use.

Range Practice

During long sessions at the range, you are shooting more times and, therefore, generating more heat; the heat shield provides you with an additional level of safety.

Home Defense Training

When practicing various drills for home defense, you can heat your barrel relatively quickly; a heat shield gives you peace of mind.

Hunting

Even if you are hunting in extremely cold weather, you can generate a significant amount of heat in your barrel after a few shots; gloves can help protect your hands but having a heat shield can help provide another level of safety.

Maintenance Tips

A heat shield needs little care, but a quick check now and then helps.
● Wipe it down after use
● Check screws or clamps for tightness
● Look for rust or wear
● Clean around the barrel area

If you remove it for cleaning, reinstall it with care to keep it aligned.
Is It Worth It?

Most Pardner Pump owners would say yes to this modification as it is a reasonably priced way to increase the value of your shotgun. In addition to more comfortable handling because of better hand protection and improved grip, adding a heat shield gives your gun a rugged appearance.

The function of the shotgun is unchanged; however, the added safety and comfort will improve how you would handle it.

Conclusion

The purpose of the Pardner Pump heat shield is to ensure that you can shoot safely, protect your hands against the heat, and add strength and substance to your shotgun's appearance.

Whether you're using the shotgun for protection or simply for practice, installing a heat shield is an upgrade that makes sense. Installing one takes very little time, and you will notice the improvements immediately after using it. You get a simple product that provides a real benefit.