The Remington 870, a stalwart in the shotgun world, benefits immensely from upgraded sights. Among the popular choices, ghost ring sights stand out for their speed and accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions. This guide dives deep into the advantages, disadvantages, and considerations surrounding ghost ring sights for your Remington 870.
What are Ghost Ring Sights?
Ghost ring sights feature a large, circular rear aperture (the "ring") and a narrow front post. This design allows for a fast, instinctive sight picture, crucial in dynamic shooting situations. The large rear aperture lets in more light, improving target acquisition in challenging conditions like dawn, dusk, or dimly lit environments. Unlike traditional sights with a V-notch rear, the ghost ring provides a more forgiving sight alignment, minimizing the impact of minor sight misalignment.
Advantages of Ghost Ring Sights on a Remington 870
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Faster Target Acquisition: The large rear aperture and contrasting front post make acquiring the target significantly faster, a key advantage in home defense, hunting, or competition shooting.
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Improved Low-Light Performance: The increased light transmission through the large rear aperture makes it easier to see your target in low-light situations. This is particularly beneficial for hunting at dawn or dusk, or during home defense scenarios.
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Greater Forgiveness: The generous size of the rear aperture makes the sight picture less sensitive to minor misalignments, resulting in more consistent accuracy.
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Durable Construction: Ghost ring sights are typically constructed from durable materials like steel or aluminum, capable of withstanding the rigors of heavy use and recoil.
Disadvantages of Ghost Ring Sights on a Remington 870
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Close-Range Limitations: While excellent for mid- to long-range shooting, ghost ring sights can be slightly less precise at very close ranges compared to bead sights. This is due to the larger sight picture covering more of the target at close distances.
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Potential for Glare: In bright sunlight, the large rear aperture can sometimes cause glare, momentarily obscuring the target. This is less of an issue with matte-finished sights.
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Installation: Installing ghost ring sights might require some gunsmithing skills or tools, depending on the specific sight and your experience level.
Choosing the Right Ghost Ring Sights for Your Remington 870
The market offers various ghost ring sights for the Remington 870, differing in materials, height, and overall design. Consider these factors when making your selection:
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Material: Steel sights are generally more durable but heavier, while aluminum sights offer a lighter weight alternative.
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Height: Sight height influences the point of impact. Choose a height appropriate for your ammunition and shooting style.
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Manufacturer: Reputable manufacturers like XS Sights, Williams Gun Sight, and others offer quality ghost ring sights specifically designed for the Remington 870. Research reviews to find a sight with a proven track record.
Installation and Zeroing
Installing ghost ring sights on a Remington 870 can range from relatively straightforward to more complex depending on the chosen sight and your skill level. Some require simple screw-on installation, while others might need more involved adjustments or even professional gunsmith assistance. After installation, ensure proper zeroing at your preferred range. This usually involves adjusting the windage and elevation until your shots consistently hit the point of aim.
Conclusion
Ghost ring sights offer a compelling upgrade for the Remington 870, enhancing both speed and accuracy, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. By carefully considering the advantages, disadvantages, and selecting the right sights for your needs and skill level, you can significantly improve your shooting experience. Remember to always prioritize safety and handle firearms responsibly.
