First Thoughts on the XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight
The XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight is a dedicated upgrade designed to significantly improve target acquisition in less-than-ideal lighting conditions for the venerable Remington 870 shotgun. Offered by XS Sights, this product combines tritium illumination with a high-visibility orange outer ring for enhanced visibility. This sight is a game-changer for home defense and tactical scenarios.
As someone deeply invested in tactical gear and responsible firearm ownership, I was seeking a more reliable and intuitive aiming solution for my home defense 870. Factory bead sights are often inadequate in low-light situations. They can hinder quick target acquisition when every second counts.
Upon unboxing the XS Big Dot, I immediately noticed its robust construction and the intense glow of the tritium insert. The optic orange ring surrounding the tritium vial appeared incredibly vibrant. The sight exudes quality, hinting at a durable and effective performance upgrade.
I considered options like fiber optic sights and even a red dot optic. Ultimately, I chose the XS Big Dot for its simplicity, ruggedness, and always-on illumination without batteries. My goal was to achieve a low-profile, intuitive sighting system that would remain reliable under stress. My initial reaction was excitement – this felt like a serious upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing occurred at an indoor shooting range under varied lighting conditions, ranging from bright daylight to near darkness. I wanted to simulate realistic home defense scenarios. The XS Big Dot excelled in low-light.
The bright orange ring was easily visible in normal light, providing a fast and intuitive aiming point. Switching to near-darkness, the tritium insert provided a clear, constant aiming reference without any reliance on ambient light. Installation required basic tools and the two-part epoxy as recommended, but it was straightforward.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use and drills, the XS Big Dot has proven to be incredibly durable. It has shown no signs of wear or loosening. The epoxy bond has remained strong despite repeated recoil.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent. The XS Big Dot requires no batteries or adjustments. It is a significant improvement over the factory bead sight on my 870. The tritium maintains its glow, providing consistent visibility when I need it most.
Breaking Down the Features of XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight
Specifications
The XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight boasts the following specifications:
- Fits Remington shotguns where 0.125″-0.140″ diameter bead sits on a pedestal. This ensures compatibility with most Remington 870 variants without requiring extensive modification.
- Optic Orange Glow Dot: Provides a high-contrast sight picture in bright light while maintaining visibility in decreasing light levels. The optic orange helps create a fast target acquisition point.
- Tritium Insert: Offers continuous illumination in low-light and no-light conditions. Tritium provides a constant glow without the need for batteries or charging.
- Designed to be installed over the existing bead. This simplifies the installation process, requiring only epoxy adhesive and minimal gunsmithing skills.
These specifications are crucial for creating a highly visible, reliable, and easily installed sighting solution for home defense shotguns. The large, bright dot is easy to acquire under stress, regardless of lighting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The XS Big Dot dramatically improves target acquisition speed and accuracy, particularly in low-light scenarios. The large, visible dot naturally draws the eye, facilitating faster target engagement. The sight proved to be effective at various distances, from close-quarters engagements to medium-range targets.
The XS Big Dot meets and exceeds expectations for a simple, robust, and highly visible shotgun sight. The design is exceptionally practical for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The XS Big Dot is designed for simplicity and functionality. The convex dot shape increases light absorption, enhancing the glow properties. The sight’s low profile ensures it does not interfere with handling or snag on clothing.
Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and the included epoxy. The intuitive design requires no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The XS Big Dot is built to last, using high-quality materials and a robust design. The sight is resistant to impacts and recoil, holding up well under heavy use. Maintenance is minimal.
Occasional cleaning with a solvent is all that is needed to maintain optimal performance. The tritium insert has a lifespan of several years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The XS Big Dot itself is the primary upgrade. No additional accessories are required for its functionality. Compatibility is limited to Remington 870 shotguns that have the specified bead size on a pedestal.
Users may want to consider upgrading other components on their 870 such as the stock or forend. Doing so can improve the ergonomics and overall performance.
Pros and Cons of XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight
Pros
- Dramatically improved target acquisition in all lighting conditions.
- Easy installation with included epoxy.
- Robust and durable construction for long-lasting reliability.
- Tritium illumination provides constant visibility without batteries.
- High-visibility optic orange ring offers a clear aiming point.
Cons
- Installation requires permanent modification (epoxy). Removal is difficult.
- May not be ideal for precision shooting at longer ranges due to the large dot size.
Who Should Buy XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight?
The XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight is perfect for:
- Home defense users seeking a reliable and intuitive aiming solution in low-light environments.
- Law enforcement and tactical personnel who require fast target acquisition under stress.
- Anyone who wants to upgrade their Remington 870 with a simple yet effective sight.
This product is not ideal for precision shooters who prioritize long-range accuracy. The large dot size might obscure small targets at extended distances.
A sling is a must-have accessory for any tactical shotgun. A quality light mounted on the forend will further enhance the effectiveness of the 870 in low-light situations.
Conclusion on XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight
The XS Big Dot for Remington 870 Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to improve the low-light performance of their Remington 870. The $59.99 price is justified. The improvement in target acquisition speed and reliability is substantial.
I highly recommend this product to anyone prioritizing home defense or tactical applications. It’s a simple, effective, and durable upgrade. Consider the XS Big Dot to enhance your shotgun’s effectiveness and your peace of mind.