The Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade spent guiding hunters and advising tactical teams, I’ve seen countless shotgun sighting systems come and go. Many promise increased accuracy and faster target acquisition, but few truly deliver. My interest was piqued by the Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight because of its quick magnetic attachment and the dual-color fiber optic.
I was consistently frustrated by the difficulty of quickly acquiring targets in low-light conditions, especially during early morning waterfowl hunts. Traditional bead sights often disappear against dark backgrounds. I needed a solution that offered superior visibility and rapid target acquisition, without the need for permanent gunsmithing. This seemed like a good option to test.
The Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight arrived in simple packaging, but the sight itself felt surprisingly robust. The magnetic base was strong, and the fiber optic elements appeared bright even in dim indoor lighting. The sight’s design was minimalistic yet functional, promising a hassle-free installation.
I considered other options like the TruGlo Tru-Bead and various clamp-on fiber optic sights. Ultimately, I chose the Hi-Viz for its magnetic mounting system, which seemed less likely to damage the shotgun’s rib and offered easier removal for cleaning. It was also a less expensive option.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The sight looked well-made and the magnetic base inspired confidence. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight at my local sporting clays range. It provided a controlled environment to evaluate its performance. I attached it to my 12-gauge Beretta, ensuring the magnetic base sat flush on the rib.
The sight worked well during the initial setup. The bright fiber optic drew my eye immediately, and the target acquisition was noticeably faster than with the standard bead sight. I tested both the green and orange fiber optic elements.
After a few rounds, I noticed a slight shift in the sight’s position after firing heavy loads. Recoil caused a minor movement, requiring occasional readjustment. This was a bit concerning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in varying conditions, the Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight proved mostly reliable, but not without some caveats. I tested it during a duck hunt in marshy conditions and at a turkey shoot in dry, dusty terrain.
The magnetic base held up reasonably well but still required occasional adjustment after repeated shots, particularly with heavier loads. I did notice a bit of wear on the shotgun rib where the magnets made contact. I wiped this down after each session.
Cleaning the sight was straightforward. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removed any mud, dust, or residue. The fiber optic elements remained bright and clear, even after exposure to rain and mud. Overall, it outperforms a standard bead sight, but the movement issue is a drawback.
Breaking Down the Features of Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight
Specifications
- The Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight is designed for shotguns with a rib width between .330 and .355 inches. This is crucial for ensuring proper magnetic adhesion and alignment.
- The sight features interchangeable green and orange fiber optic light pipes. These offer versatility in different lighting conditions.
- The mounting system is magnetic, allowing for quick and easy attachment and removal. This eliminates the need for gunsmithing.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the sight’s compatibility, visibility, and ease of installation. The rib width is a critical factor in ensuring a secure fit. The interchangeable colors optimize the sight for various hunting environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight performs its primary function of enhancing target acquisition effectively. The bright fiber optic provides a clear aiming point. This is a significant improvement over traditional bead sights, especially in low light.
The main weakness is the tendency for the sight to shift position under heavy recoil. This requires periodic adjustments and can impact accuracy. The sight’s performance meets expectations for visibility but falls short in terms of recoil resistance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hi-Viz sight features a low-profile design that doesn’t significantly alter the shotgun’s balance or handling. The build quality is adequate, with durable fiber optic elements. The magnetic base is strong and easy to attach.
The sight is user-friendly with no learning curve. Swapping the fiber optic pipes is a simple process that requires no tools.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight is reasonably durable. The fiber optic elements are well-protected. However, the long-term integrity of the magnetic base under repeated recoil is a concern.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down after use is all that’s needed to keep the sight clean and functional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight comes with both green and orange fiber optic pipes. These can be swapped based on personal preference and lighting conditions. There are no other accessories included.
There aren’t any real options for further customization or accessories from Hi-Viz or other brands that directly integrate with this specific sight. However, some users might experiment with adding thin shims under the magnetic base to improve adhesion on ribs that are slightly out of spec.
Pros and Cons of Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight
Pros
- Enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions.
- Easy magnetic mounting system, requiring no gunsmithing.
- Interchangeable green and orange fiber optic pipes for versatility.
- Low-profile design that doesn’t affect shotgun handling.
- Simple maintenance.
Cons
- Tendency to shift position under heavy recoil, requiring readjustment.
- Magnetic base can potentially cause slight wear on the shotgun rib.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight?
The Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight is perfect for:
- Hunters who need improved visibility in low-light conditions, such as early morning waterfowl hunts or wooded turkey hunts.
- Sporting clays shooters looking for a quick and easy upgrade to their shotgun’s sighting system.
- Individuals who want a non-permanent sighting solution that can be easily removed for cleaning or storage.
Who should skip this product?
- Competitive shooters who demand absolute stability and repeatability in their sighting system.
- Individuals who use extremely heavy shotgun loads on a regular basis.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A small microfiber cloth for cleaning the fiber optic elements.
- Consider a thin protective film for the shotgun rib under the magnetic base, to prevent wear.
Conclusion on Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight
The Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight offers a noticeable improvement in target acquisition, especially in low light. Its magnetic mounting system is convenient. The sight is an affordable and easily installed upgrade for many shotguns.
The tendency to shift under heavy recoil is a significant drawback. The Hi-Viz sight provides a good value for the price, but it’s important to be aware of its limitations.
I would recommend it with reservations. It’s a decent option for casual hunters and sporting clays shooters who want a simple and affordable visibility upgrade.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enhance your shotgun’s sighting capabilities, the Hi-Viz Two-In-One Magnetic Front Wide Green/Orange Fiber Optic Shotgun Sight is worth considering. Just be prepared to make occasional adjustments in the field.