Let’s Dive into Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights
The Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights promise enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, a critical upgrade for any shotgun used for home defense or tactical applications. Manufactured by Meprolight, these sights are designed to directly replace the factory front sight on compatible Remington shotguns manufactured after 2009. The allure of tritium illumination, known for its constant glow without requiring batteries, immediately piqued my interest.
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve always emphasized the importance of reliable aiming systems. The factory bead sight on my Remington 870 served me adequately for years, but aging eyes and a desire for improved low-light performance pushed me towards exploring night sight options. I recall a particularly unnerving hog hunt under a near-full moon where target acquisition felt like guesswork, a scenario I was keen to avoid repeating.
Upon unboxing the Meprolight sight, I was struck by its solid construction and matte black finish. It felt robust, hinting at the durability needed for the rigors of tactical use; however, it was also noticeably smaller than I anticipated. Comparing it to similar offerings from Trijicon and XS Sights, the Meprolight seemed less bulky but also potentially less visible, a trade-off I hoped wouldn’t compromise its effectiveness.
I chose the Meprolight sight primarily due to its purported reputation and relatively budget-friendly price point. While the Trijicon name carries significant weight, the cost difference was substantial enough to warrant giving Meprolight a try. My initial excitement was tempered by some concerns about the sight’s size and potential longevity, but I was optimistic about its potential to enhance my Remington 870’s capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights at an indoor shooting range with controlled lighting conditions and during a dusk-time training session on my personal property. The indoor range allowed me to assess the sight’s clarity and brightness in a completely dark environment, while the dusk session simulated a more realistic low-light scenario. Under complete darkness, the tritium dot was easily visible, providing a clear aiming point.
However, even with minimal ambient light, the dot’s brightness diminished significantly, blending with the target in low-contrast situations. I did not need significant time to adjust, and the sight’s simple design and straightforward installation meant immediate use was possible. After the first use, I was underwhelmed, and the sight was less impactful than I’d hoped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of intermittent use, the Meprolight sight has shown minimal signs of physical wear. The matte black finish remains intact, and the sight itself is firmly secured to the shotgun, with no loosening or shifting. Cleaning and maintenance have been minimal; a quick wipe with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is sufficient to keep it in good condition.
Unfortunately, my initial concerns about the tritium’s longevity appear to be justified; the sight’s brightness has diminished noticeably over time. Compared to my experience with other tritium sights (from different brands), the Meprolight seems to fade faster, and the sight is below my expectation. I cannot recommend this product.
Breaking Down the Features of Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights
Specifications
The Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights are designed as a direct replacement for the factory front bead sight on Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns manufactured after 2009. The sight utilizes a tritium lamp to provide constant illumination in low-light conditions, eliminating the need for batteries or external light sources. The stated height is 0.75 inches, contributing to a relatively low profile on the shotgun’s barrel.
The construction consists of metal (unspecified type) and tritium, materials chosen for their durability and consistent light output. The black color of the sight blends seamlessly with the shotgun’s finish. These specifications collectively contribute to a sight that is intended to be robust, reliable, and easy to integrate into the existing shotgun setup.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of functionality, the Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights perform adequately in very low-light conditions. The tritium dot provides a visible aiming point when ambient light is virtually nonexistent. However, the sight’s performance is less impressive in transitional lighting or against targets with complex backgrounds, where the small dot can be difficult to distinguish.
The main weakness lies in the tritium’s apparent lack of long-term brightness and the somewhat small size of the sight. It neither meets nor exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and utilitarian, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The low profile minimizes snagging and interference with other accessories. Installation is straightforward, requiring basic gunsmithing skills or a professional’s assistance.
The build quality appears solid, and the materials feel durable enough to withstand typical shotgun usage. The sight’s small size, while potentially advantageous for maintaining a clean sight picture, may also hinder quick target acquisition in stressful situations.
Durability & Maintenance
The Meprolight sight seems reasonably durable, showing no signs of damage or degradation after several months of use. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The tritium lamp’s lifespan is a concern, based on my experience, but only time will tell how long it will continue to provide usable illumination.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights are primarily a standalone replacement for the factory front sight. No additional accessories are included, and customization options are limited. Compatibility with aftermarket front sight bases may exist, but this would require further research and potentially gunsmithing modifications.
Pros and Cons of Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights
Pros
- Provides a visible aiming point in very low-light conditions.
- Relatively easy to install for someone with gunsmithing experience.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Cost-effective compared to other night sight options.
Cons
- Tritium brightness diminishes quickly after a year or two.
- Small sight size can be difficult to acquire quickly in stressful situations.
- Limited visibility in transitional lighting or against complex backgrounds.
Who Should Buy Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights?
The Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights are perfect for budget-conscious shotgun owners seeking a basic low-light aiming solution for home defense or recreational shooting. It is best for individuals who primarily use their shotgun in environments with minimal ambient light and prioritize simplicity and affordability.
Individuals seeking maximum visibility, long-lasting tritium illumination, or enhanced performance in diverse lighting conditions should skip this product. Consider higher-end options from Trijicon or XS Sights. A gunsmith might also recommend other modifications based on your shotgun’s specific needs and application.
Conclusion on Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights
The Meprolight Remington 870, 1100 & 11-87 Post-2009 Front Night Sights offer a budget-friendly entry point into the world of night sights for Remington shotguns. However, the quickly diminishing tritium brightness and small sight size limit its overall effectiveness. The price is justified if you need some low light capability, but do not need high reliability.
I personally would not recommend this product due to the issues with longevity and visibility. Invest in a higher-quality sight from a reputable brand like Trijicon or XS Sights.