The Remington 870: A Cornerstone of Shotgun Excellence
The Remington 870 isn’t just a shotgun; it’s a legend. For decades, it has been a trusted companion for law enforcement, military personnel, hunters, and home defenders alike. Its rugged reliability, versatility, and ease of use have solidified its place as one of the most popular and sought-after shotguns in the world. The beauty of the Remington 870 lies in its adaptability. It’s a platform that can be tailored to a wide range of purposes, from clay pigeon shooting to defending your home. A crucial part of optimizing the Remington 870 for specific applications involves the selection and proper use of sighting systems. A fundamental upgrade many owners choose is the installation of ghost ring sights.
The Vital Role of Sights: Precision and Performance
Regardless of the intended use, a firearm’s effectiveness hinges on the ability to accurately direct its projectiles. While a shotgun’s spread is a hallmark characteristic, precision is still paramount. The standard bead sight, common on many shotguns, offers a basic aiming solution. However, for those seeking enhanced accuracy, especially at varying distances or when using slugs, a more sophisticated sighting system becomes a necessity. This is where ghost ring sights excel. These systems represent a significant leap forward in target acquisition and precision compared to the standard bead sight.
Unveiling the Ghost Ring: A Modern Aiming Solution
So, what exactly are ghost ring sights? They are a type of iron sight system, characterized by a large, circular rear aperture (the “ghost ring”) and a prominent front sight post or bead. The rear sight is often called a “ghost ring” because when the shooter’s eye focuses on the front sight, the ring appears to fade, or “ghost,” allowing for a clear and unobstructed view of the target. This setup is designed for rapid target acquisition, especially in close-quarters scenarios. The front sight is aligned within the rear aperture to achieve a precise point of aim.
Advantages of the Ghost Ring: A Clear Tactical Advantage
The benefits of equipping a Remington 870 with ghost ring sights are numerous, leading to a substantial upgrade in performance. Firstly, they provide improved accuracy, particularly when employing slugs or aiming at distances beyond typical birdshot ranges. The design allows for more precise shot placement. Secondly, and perhaps even more critically in fast-moving situations, ghost ring sights facilitate significantly faster target acquisition than traditional bead sights. The user simply aligns the front sight within the circle; this is a much more intuitive process than trying to align a bead with a target.
Furthermore, the versatility of ghost ring sights is notable. They can be used effectively in a range of different shooting scenarios. From hunting and home defense, to training in a tactical environment, the system delivers consistent results. Finally, the rugged construction of many aftermarket ghost ring sight sets often adds to the overall durability of the shotgun, making it more resistant to the bumps and knocks that are common during real-world use.
Why Choose Ghost Ring Sights for Your Remington 870? A Compelling Case
The Remington 870 and ghost ring sights are a natural pairing, creating a formidable and versatile package. The compatibility is inherent: many sight manufacturers specifically design their products to fit the 870 platform. This ensures a secure and reliable fit, allowing for a straightforward installation process. Beyond simple compatibility, ghost ring sights enhance the 870’s inherent flexibility. Whether you need a shotgun for close-quarters combat or hunting, these sights assist with increased accuracy.
For home defense specifically, they offer a substantial advantage. When faced with a threat, split-second target acquisition and accurate shot placement are crucial. The quick-acquisition capabilities of ghost ring sights provide a significant tactical advantage. This allows the user to respond quickly and decisively.
The ghost ring system truly shines when firing slugs. Bead sights can make precise slug placement difficult. Ghost ring sights provide a clearer sight picture and more consistent grouping.
Available Options: Exploring the Landscape of Ghost Ring Sight Sets
The aftermarket for Remington 870 accessories is vast, with a plethora of ghost ring sight options available.
Aftermarket Versus Factory: Weighing Your Choices
When selecting sights, you can choose between aftermarket and factory options. Factory sights are those installed by Remington at the time of manufacturing. Aftermarket sights are made by third-party companies and can be purchased separately for installation. The advantage of factory sights is they are generally built to work specifically with the 870 and may integrate seamlessly with the receiver or barrel. They can offer a good balance of value and performance.
Aftermarket options, on the other hand, give you a greater range of choices in terms of features, materials, and sight picture. This allows shooters to specifically customize the shotgun to match their personal preferences and shooting style. They are a good choice if you are looking to improve your shotguns functionality, performance and appearance.
Popular Brands: A Curated Selection of Manufacturers
Numerous reputable manufacturers produce high-quality ghost ring sight sets for the Remington 870. A few of the most respected are XS Sights, Wilson Combat, and others. XS Sights are known for their durable construction and bright front sights, which are very important for fast acquisition. Wilson Combat is renowned for its high-quality components and meticulous engineering, which results in sights that are built to last. These brands, and others, often incorporate innovative features, such as adjustable rear sights, to further refine the aiming experience.
Materials and Construction: Built to Endure
The materials used in the construction of ghost ring sights are crucial for their durability and longevity. High-quality sight sets are often made from steel or aircraft-grade aluminum, which offers excellent resistance to wear and tear. The finishes often include corrosion-resistant coatings, such as a matte black finish, which helps protect the sight from the elements and prevent glare. By selecting sights made from quality materials, users can rest assured their sights will perform consistently in challenging environments.
Installation: Mastering the Process
Installing ghost ring sights on your Remington 870 may seem daunting, but it’s often a manageable process for the average gun owner with the right tools.
Essential Equipment: The Tools You’ll Need
The specific tools required will vary depending on the sight set. A basic kit typically includes screwdrivers, punches (a roll pin punch, and a small pointed punch), and a vise or gunsmithing block to secure the receiver. Some manufacturers may include all the necessary tools in the packaging.
The Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Preparation:** Ensure the firearm is unloaded and the chamber is clear. Remove the barrel and forend from the receiver.
2. **Removing Old Sights (If Applicable):** If you are replacing existing sights, carefully remove them using the appropriate tools, such as a sight pusher or a punch and hammer.
3. **Installing the Rear Sight:** Follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for your sight set. This usually involves securing the rear sight base to the receiver using screws.
4. **Installing the Front Sight:** Most front sights are attached to the barrel. If replacing an existing front sight, you will need to remove the old one and replace it with the new one. This often requires a punch and hammer or a special sight pusher.
5. **Final Assembly:** Reassemble the shotgun by attaching the barrel and forend to the receiver.
6. **Sight Adjustment:** Once the sights are installed, the shooter will need to adjust them to match their point of impact. The process typically involves making small adjustments to the front or rear sight to compensate for any drift in the shot pattern.
Sighting In: Achieving Perfect Alignment
After installation, zeroing your sights is crucial. Start by determining a suitable zeroing distance, often 25-50 yards for shotguns. Fire a few rounds at a target. If the shots are impacting high, lower the rear sight or raise the front sight. Conversely, if the shots are impacting low, raise the rear sight or lower the front sight. Make small adjustments and continue shooting until the point of impact matches your point of aim.
Choosing the Right Ghost Ring Sights: Informed Decisions
The selection of ghost ring sights should not be taken lightly. The correct sight set significantly enhances your shooting experience.
Intended Use: Tailoring Your Choice
The intended purpose of your Remington 870 should heavily influence your sight selection. For home defense, quick target acquisition and durability are paramount. Hunting requires sights that are accurate at longer ranges and potentially less obtrusive. Consider these factors when evaluating the available choices.
Sight Height and Adjustments: Fine-Tuning for Accuracy
The height of the sights and the available adjustment features are important considerations. The sight height needs to be matched to the barrel height to ensure proper alignment. Adjustable sights offer greater flexibility, allowing you to fine-tune the point of impact.
Budgeting Wisely: Balancing Cost and Value
Ghost ring sights can vary significantly in price, from budget-friendly options to premium offerings. Consider your budget and the level of features you require. Remember, investing in a quality set of sights can pay dividends in terms of accuracy and performance.
Personal Preferences: Find Your Perfect Match
Personal preferences come into play when selecting ghost ring sights. Some shooters prefer a larger rear aperture for a wider field of view. Others like a small, precise front sight post for enhanced precision. Experiment with different sight pictures to find what works best for your eye dominance, shooting style, and the type of shooting you will be doing.
Maintenance and Care: Extending the Lifespan
Proper maintenance ensures your ghost ring sights will remain in top condition.
Cleaning Your Sights: Maintaining Clarity
Regular cleaning is vital. Use a soft cloth and a mild gun cleaner to remove dirt and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
Inspecting for Integrity: Vigilance is Key
Periodically check the sights for loose screws, damage, or wear. Tighten any loose screws and replace any damaged components promptly.
Protecting Your Investment: Storage and Handling
Store your shotgun in a safe, dry environment. When handling your shotgun, avoid dropping or striking the sights, which could damage them.
Conclusion: Enhancing the Legacy
Ghost ring sights are a valuable upgrade for any Remington 870 owner. They provide improved accuracy, faster target acquisition, and enhanced versatility. By understanding the different types of sights, the installation process, and the factors to consider when choosing a set, you can greatly improve your 870’s performance and your own shooting capabilities. Make sure to conduct thorough research to identify the ideal option to suit your needs and style of use.
Resources
Manufacturer websites (e.g., XS Sights, Wilson Combat)
Online gun forums
Gunsmithing manuals
