Let’s Dive into Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights offer a crucial upgrade for shotgun owners seeking enhanced low-light aiming capabilities. Manufactured by Meprolight, a renowned name in tactical and self-defense optics, this front sight is specifically designed for Remington shotguns produced before 2010, promising unparalleled brightness and reliability when visibility is compromised. These sights are aimed at law enforcement, home defense enthusiasts, and hunters who frequently operate in twilight or dark conditions.
As someone who has spent countless hours on the range and in the field, I’ve learned the importance of reliable sighting systems, especially when light is scarce. Over the years, I’ve trusted various night sights on my carry pistols and rifles, and the prospect of bringing that same confidence to my trusty Remington 870 was appealing. My primary motivation was to improve the home defense readiness of my shotgun; standard bead sights become virtually useless in the dark, and the Meprolight night sight seemed like the perfect solution.
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Upon opening it, I was immediately impressed by the sight’s solid construction. The sight felt substantial, made from what appeared to be durable metal, and the tritium vial glowed reassuringly, even in ambient light. I was eager to install it and test its performance.
I considered several other options before settling on the Meprolight. XS Sights offers similar front sights, but their higher price point steered me towards Meprolight. Trijicon is another top-tier brand, but again, their options were significantly more expensive for a similar feature set on a shotgun front sight. I chose Meprolight for its reputation for quality, reasonable price, and specific fitment for my pre-2010 Remington 870.
Initially, I was excited, but a touch apprehensive. Installation can sometimes be a challenge with aftermarket sights, and I hoped the Meprolight would fit seamlessly. I was also keen to see how bright the tritium would be in total darkness and whether it would genuinely improve my low-light shooting accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights was at an indoor shooting range, specifically to evaluate its low-light performance. The range had a dedicated bay for low-light scenarios, allowing me to simulate home defense conditions. The sights immediately proved their worth in near-total darkness, offering a clear and easily acquired aiming point.
I practiced various drills, including rapid target acquisition and transitioning between multiple targets. In normal lighting conditions, the sight was clear enough, although the tritium wasn’t noticeable. The Meprolight sight made a world of difference and instilled far more confidence in my ability to defend my home in the dark.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights have held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, even after repeated trips to the range and some exposure to adverse weather during simulated hunting scenarios. Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a cloth is usually all that’s needed to remove any residue.
Compared to the factory bead sight, the Meprolight is a significant upgrade, particularly in low-light settings. My shooting accuracy has improved noticeably in dim conditions. I previously used a flashlight technique, but now I have both hands on the weapon at all times, which is much more effective.
Breaking Down the Features of Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights
Specifications
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights are designed specifically for pre-2010 Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns, as well as 7400 and 7600 rifles with factory rifle sights. They are constructed from durable metal, ensuring longevity and resistance to recoil. The sight utilizes a self-illuminated tritium light source for low-light visibility, eliminating the need for batteries or external power.
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights weighs approximately 0.3 ounces, adding minimal weight to the firearm. The black finish provides a low-profile and non-reflective surface. The tritium insert is warrantied for 5 years, guaranteeing a usable illuminated aiming point for that duration.
Performance & Functionality
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights excels in low-light conditions, providing a clear and easily acquired aiming point. It significantly improves accuracy in situations where standard sights would be ineffective. The sight is reliable and consistent.
The primary strength is its self-illuminated tritium vial, which requires no batteries and functions reliably in all conditions. A minor weakness is that the sight is only effective in low-light or dark environments; in bright daylight, the tritium is barely noticeable. Overall, the Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights meets and exceeds expectations for a shotgun night sight, particularly at its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights boasts a robust build quality, utilizing durable metal for its construction. The sight is lightweight and adds minimal bulk to the shotgun, maintaining its balance and maneuverability. The simple design is unobtrusive and integrates seamlessly with the shotgun’s existing aesthetics.
It is relatively user-friendly, although professional installation is recommended for those unfamiliar with gunsmithing. Once installed, the sight requires no adjustment or maintenance, providing a constant and reliable aiming point.
Durability & Maintenance
The durable metal construction of the Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights ensures its longevity. The sight is designed to withstand the rigors of recoil and exposure to various environmental conditions. Maintenance is minimal; regular cleaning with a soft cloth is sufficient to keep the sight in good working order.
The tritium vial has a half-life of around 12 years, meaning its brightness will gradually diminish over time, but it is warrantied for 5 years, offering peace of mind. Realistically, the sight should provide reliable service for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights is a standalone product and doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. However, pairing it with a rear ghost ring sight can significantly enhance aiming speed and accuracy. While not specifically designed for extensive customization, the sight is compatible with most standard shotgun accessories, such as slings and shell carriers.
Pros and Cons of Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights
Pros
- Exceptional low-light visibility with its self-illuminated tritium vial.
- Durable metal construction ensures longevity and resistance to recoil.
- Easy to install with basic gunsmithing skills (professional installation recommended).
- Specifically designed for pre-2010 Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns and rifles.
- Affordable price point compared to other high-end night sights.
Cons
- Tritium is barely visible in bright daylight.
- Requires gunsmithing skills or professional installation.
Who Should Buy Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights?
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights is perfect for home defense enthusiasts who rely on their Remington shotgun for personal protection. It’s also an excellent choice for law enforcement officers who need a reliable aiming point in low-light situations. Hunters who often hunt in twilight or dark conditions will find this sight invaluable.
Those who only shoot during daylight hours or prefer fiber optic sights might skip this product. Additionally, if you are not comfortable with basic gunsmithing or prefer drop-in solutions, this may not be the sight for you.
A must-have modification would be adding a rear ghost ring sight to create a complete and effective sighting system.
Conclusion on Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights
The Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights is a fantastic upgrade for anyone seeking to improve their low-light shooting capabilities with a Remington shotgun. The price is definitely justified given the improved performance and enhanced safety. I would personally recommend this sight to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable night sight solution.
If you own a pre-2010 Remington 870, 1100, or 11-87, and you value home defense or hunt in low-light conditions, the Meprolight Remington 870/1100/11-87 Pre-2010 Front Night Sights is a worthwhile investment that could potentially save your life. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the confidence that comes with enhanced aiming capabilities in any lighting condition.