Let’s Dive into HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006
The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 is a shotgun sight designed for shooters seeking a more intuitive and precise aiming experience. Manufactured by HiViz, a well-known name in fiber optic sights, this model aims to improve target acquisition, particularly for those with cross-dominance issues. The Magnicomp utilizes a unique system where the shooter perceives either a green or red dot depending on their eye alignment, effectively shutting out the non-dominant eye.
As a right-handed shooter who is unfortunately left-eye dominant, I’ve struggled for years to find a shotgun sighting solution that truly works for me. Traditional bead sights force me to consciously override my dominant eye, leading to inconsistent aiming and eye strain, thus, I was actively seeking a solution that would naturally align my dominant hand with the sight picture. I was hoping that the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 could finally be the key.
The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 arrived in simple, functional packaging. My initial impressions were positive; the fiber composite base felt sturdy and the contrasting fiber optic elements appeared bright and well-defined, indicating decent build quality. It was lighter than I anticipated, which is a definite plus for maintaining shotgun balance.
I considered other options like reflex sights and holographic sights, but they seemed overkill for my primary use which is sporting clays and occasional bird hunting. These other solutions were also far more expensive and required more complex mounting solutions. The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 seemed like a simpler, more elegant, and more affordable solution tailored for my specific problem of cross-dominance in shotgun shooting.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve tried various sighting aids before with limited success, so I wasn’t expecting a miracle, but I was definitely intrigued by the Magnicomp’s unique design. The potential for a more natural and instinctive aiming experience was certainly appealing.
Real-World Testing: Putting HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 was at my local sporting clays range. The weather was mild and sunny, ideal conditions for sighting in and getting accustomed to the new sight. I mounted it on my 12-gauge Beretta Silver Pigeon, which has a removable front bead.
The initial adjustment took a few rounds to dial in, but once I understood the principle of the sight, my scores immediately improved. The bright green dot, visible only to my right eye, provided a clear and focused aiming point. It was a remarkable difference compared to fighting my left eye dominance with a standard bead.
There were no malfunctions or issues during the first session. The sight remained securely mounted, and the fiber optic element retained its brightness. The aiming process felt more natural and less forced than with traditional sights.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, including light rain and dusty environments, without any noticeable degradation in performance. The fiber composite base shows no signs of wear or cracking, and the fiber optic remains bright and easily visible.
Maintaining the sight is straightforward; a simple wipe down with a clean cloth removes any dirt or debris. I haven’t needed to perform any extensive cleaning or maintenance. The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 outperforms any other shotgun sight I’ve used in terms of addressing my cross-dominance issue. It allows me to shoot more consistently and confidently, reducing eye strain and improving my overall accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006
Specifications
Type: Sight – Specifically designed as a front sight replacement for shotguns. This designates its role as the primary aiming reference.
Material: MGC2006 – This refers to HiViz’s proprietary material blend, likely a durable polymer composite. This material selection suggests a balance between lightweight construction and resilience to recoil.
Color: Green – The primary color of the fiber optic element, chosen for its visibility in various lighting conditions. The green color aids in quick target acquisition.
Firearm Type: Fits most rib shotguns with removable front bead – Broad compatibility, making it suitable for various shotgun models. This compatibility is a major selling point for shotgun owners.
Base: Fiber composite – The base material provides a lightweight and durable mounting platform. This material choice enhances resistance to environmental factors.
Manufacturer: HiViz – A trusted name in aftermarket firearm sights, known for quality and innovation. Choosing a HiViz product provides a degree of confidence in its performance.
Color: Black, Green/Red – The sight body is typically black, while the fiber optic insert is either green or red. The availability of color options allows shooters to customize their setup based on personal preferences and environmental conditions.
Front Sight Color: Green/Red – The user can choose either a green or red fiber optic, catering to individual visual acuity and target background. The different colors provide contrast against different backgrounds.
Front Material: Fiber Optic – Fiber optic provides enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. This allows for faster target acquisition during dawn or dusk, or in shaded areas.
Gun Type: Shotgun – Specifically engineered for shotgun platforms, optimizing its performance for clay shooting, hunting, and tactical applications. This tailored design ensures optimal compatibility and effectiveness.
Beam Color: Green/Red – Refers to the color of the light emitted by the fiber optic element, aiding in quick target acquisition. The beam color helps the shooter’s eye focus on the target quickly.
Finish: Matte – Minimizes glare and reflection, reducing distractions and improving focus on the target. The matte finish ensures the sight remains unobtrusive in the shooter’s field of view.
Performance & Functionality
The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 excels at its primary function: providing a clear and distinct aiming point, particularly for shooters with cross-dominance issues. The color-selective optic effectively filters the sight picture, ensuring that only the dominant eye perceives the aiming point. This significantly improves accuracy and reduces eye strain.
One potential weakness is the single-screw mounting system, mentioned in user feedback. A more robust mounting system could enhance the sight’s stability and durability under heavy recoil. Overall, the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 more than meets my expectations, providing a practical and effective solution for my specific shooting challenges.
Design & Ergonomics
The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 boasts a simple yet effective design. The fiber composite base is lightweight and unobtrusive, while the bright fiber optic element is easily visible in a variety of lighting conditions. The sight’s low profile doesn’t interfere with the shotgun’s handling characteristics.
There is a slight learning curve in understanding how the color-selective optic works. However, once you grasp the concept, the sight becomes intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience and other user reviews, the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 appears to be reasonably durable. The fiber composite base is resistant to wear and tear, and the fiber optic element is well-protected. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is all that’s required to maintain the sight’s performance.
The potential weakness of the single-screw mounting system is a concern for long-term durability, especially under heavy use. Replacing the fiber optic element, if needed, may require specific tools or professional assistance, which could be an inconvenience.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 doesn’t offer extensive customization options. The primary customization involves choosing between a green or red fiber optic element. While the sight is designed to fit most rib shotguns with a removable front bead, compatibility may vary depending on the specific model.
The HiViz website and other retailers offer a range of compatible fiber optic replacements in various colors and sizes. Exploring alternative mounting solutions or custom bases could enhance the sight’s versatility and compatibility with a wider range of shotguns.
Pros and Cons of HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006
Pros
- Specifically addresses cross-dominance in shotgun shooting, improving accuracy and reducing eye strain.
- Bright fiber optic element provides a clear and distinct aiming point in various lighting conditions.
- Simple and intuitive to use, with a minimal learning curve.
- Lightweight and unobtrusive design doesn’t interfere with shotgun handling.
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible upgrade for most shotgun owners.
Cons
- Single-screw mounting system may not be as robust as other mounting solutions.
- Limited customization options compared to more advanced sighting systems.
- Replacement of fiber optic element may require specific tools or professional assistance.
Who Should Buy HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006?
The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 is perfect for shotgun shooters, especially those with cross-dominance issues who struggle with traditional bead sights. It is also a good choice for sporting clays enthusiasts and hunters looking for a simple and effective way to improve their accuracy and target acquisition speed. Novice shotgun owners who seek a user-friendly and affordable aiming solution will also appreciate the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006.
Those who should skip this product include individuals seeking advanced features like adjustable brightness or multiple reticle options, or those who require an extremely robust and durable mounting system for heavy-duty applications. Also, if you need night vision capabilities or other advanced features, this sight won’t work for you.
A must-have modification is ensuring a secure and stable mounting of the sight. Consider using thread locker on the mounting screw to prevent loosening due to recoil. Also, having spare fiber optic inserts on hand can minimize downtime should one become damaged.
Conclusion on HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006
The HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 is a well-designed and effective shotgun sight that addresses a specific need: improving accuracy for shooters with cross-dominance. Its simple design, bright fiber optic element, and affordable price point make it an attractive upgrade for many shotgun owners. While the single-screw mounting system could be more robust, the overall performance and value of the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 are undeniable.
At a price of $48.59, the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 is definitely justified, especially considering the immediate improvement in accuracy and reduced eye strain it provided. This sight offers a cost-effective solution for cross-dominance issues, outperforming other more expensive solutions in terms of practicality and ease of use.
I would personally recommend the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 to any shotgun shooter struggling with cross-dominance or simply seeking a brighter and more distinct aiming point. Give it a try—you might be surprised at how much it improves your shooting! If you’re ready to take your shotgun shooting to the next level, invest in the HiViz Magnicomp Sight MGC2006 today and experience the difference firsthand!