Let’s Dive into Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge
The Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge promises enhanced accuracy and rapid target acquisition for your 12-gauge shotgun. Wilson Combat is a name synonymous with quality and performance, and these sights aim to deliver on that reputation. Are these sights worth the upgrade for your Remington 870, 1100, or 1187?
As someone who has spent years fiddling with shotguns in various tactical and hunting scenarios, I was intrigued. I needed a more reliable aiming solution for my home defense shotgun, moving away from bead sights. I wanted something that offered quick target acquisition in low-light conditions.
Upon unboxing, the Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge immediately impressed me with its robust construction. The CNC-machined steel felt solid and durable, promising a long service life. The fiber optic front sight glowed brightly, even in dim indoor lighting.
I considered other options like Trijicon ghost ring sights, known for their tritium illumination, and XS Sights’ Big Dot system, focused on extremely fast acquisition. I chose the Wilson Combat set due to the combination of fiber optic visibility and the Trak-Lock system. This lock promised secure and repeatable zeroing, a major concern with shotgun sights.
My initial reaction was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. The build quality was undeniable, but I needed to see how it performed under real-world conditions. Would the fiber optic be bright enough outdoors? Would the Trak-Lock system truly hold zero after repeated recoil?
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge at my local shooting range. This range offers both indoor and outdoor lanes, allowing me to test the sights in varying lighting conditions. I used my trusty Remington 870, a shotgun I’ve relied on for years, and patterned different loads at 15 and 25 yards.
The fiber optic front sight was incredibly bright and easy to acquire in the well-lit outdoor lanes. Even in the dimmer indoor lanes, the front sight provided a clear focal point. Aligning the front sight within the ghost ring was intuitive and significantly faster than using the factory bead sight.
Installation wasn’t done by me directly but my gunsmith followed the provided instructions and noted they were clear and easy to follow. The initial zeroing process was straightforward, and the Trak-Lock system seemed secure. After about 50 rounds of mixed birdshot and buckshot, the sights remained firmly in place.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice that the fiber optic front sight, while bright, could be too bright in direct sunlight. It created a bit of a halo effect, requiring me to slightly adjust my focus.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. I’ve taken my 870 out for several hunting trips and used it in a few tactical training scenarios. The sights have held up remarkably well.
Despite exposure to rain, mud, and the occasional bump, there are no significant signs of wear and tear. The steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion. The fiber optic rod remains securely in place.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed. I did notice some minor loosening of the Trak-Lock screw after approximately 200 rounds. But a quick tightening with the included Allen wrench resolved the issue.
Compared to my previous experience with bead sights, the Wilson Combat set offers a vastly improved sight picture and faster target acquisition. The increased accuracy and confidence they provide is a game-changer, especially in close-quarters situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge
Specifications
The Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge is designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns. It fits Remington 870, 1100, and 1187 models. The set features a CNC-machined steel construction for durability.
- Material: Constructed from rugged CNC machined steel. This ensures resilience and longevity, even under harsh conditions.
- Front Sight: Fiber Optic provides enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions. This allows for quick and accurate target acquisition.
- Rear Sight: Ghost Ring design promotes rapid target acquisition and improved situational awareness. It is designed for intuitive aiming.
- Trak-Lock System: A patented locking system that securely holds the rear sight in place. This ensures consistent zero retention.
- Height: The front blade height is 0.735 inches. This height allows for compatibility with most standard shotgun configurations.
- Color: Available in black. This provides a non-reflective, tactical appearance.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the sight’s performance and usability. The steel construction ensures durability, while the fiber optic and ghost ring design facilitate rapid and accurate aiming. The Trak-Lock system addresses a common concern with shotgun sights: maintaining zero under recoil.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge significantly improves the accuracy and speed of target acquisition compared to traditional bead sights. The ghost ring design allows for a wider field of view. This enhances situational awareness, while the bright fiber optic front sight draws the eye to the target.
The primary strength of this sight set is its ability to provide a clear and intuitive sight picture. This sight picture is even under less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The Trak-Lock system also works as advertised, maintaining zero even after repeated use.
A minor weakness is the potential for the fiber optic front sight to be too bright in direct sunlight. Another thing to consider is that the rear sight doesn’t include adjustments for windage or elevation. Adjustments need to be made by shimming during installation.
Overall, the Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge meets and exceeds expectations. This product provides a significant upgrade in aiming capability for compatible shotguns.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge boasts a compact and sleek design that complements the lines of a shotgun. The CNC-machined steel construction feels robust and well-made. The sights add minimal weight to the firearm.
The ghost ring aperture is appropriately sized. The aperture balances speed and precision. The fiber optic front sight is highly visible. The entire system promotes a natural and instinctive shooting style.
There is minimal learning curve. Most shooters will find the system intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge suggests that it should last for many years. The sights are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use and exposure to harsh environments. The fiber optic rod is well-protected, minimizing the risk of damage.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth after each use is typically sufficient. Occasional lubrication of the Trak-Lock screw will help to prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge includes the front and rear sights and all necessary mounting hardware. The set also comes with an Allen wrench for adjusting the Trak-Lock screw.
While the sights themselves don’t offer extensive customization options, they are compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories. Some users may choose to replace the fiber optic rod with a different color. Others may add a rail mount for attaching a light or laser.
The set is not designed to work with red dot optics without additional modifications. Those looking to co-witness with a red dot may need to explore different sight options.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge
Pros
- Enhanced Accuracy: Significantly improves aiming accuracy compared to bead sights.
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Allows for faster target acquisition, especially in dynamic situations.
- Durable Construction: CNC-machined steel ensures long-lasting performance.
- Bright Fiber Optic: Provides excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Secure Trak-Lock System: Keeps the rear sight firmly in place, maintaining zero.
Cons
- Fiber Optic Can Be Too Bright: May create a halo effect in direct sunlight.
- No Windage/Elevation Adjustment: Requires shimming for precise zeroing.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge?
The Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge is perfect for anyone looking to enhance the aiming capabilities of their Remington 870, 1100, or 1187 shotgun. This is a great product for home defenders, tactical shooters, and hunters who want a faster and more accurate sight picture. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently shoot in low-light conditions.
This product is not ideal for those who require precise windage and elevation adjustments without shimming. Those looking for co-witnessing capabilities with red dot sights may also want to explore other options.
A must-have accessory for this sight set is a high-quality gunsmith for proper installation and initial zeroing. A bore sighter can also be helpful for getting the sights on target quickly.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge
The Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge is a worthwhile upgrade for compatible 12-gauge shotguns. The sight set improves accuracy and target acquisition, making it a valuable addition to any home defense or tactical setup. The durable construction and secure Trak-Lock system ensure long-lasting performance and consistent zero retention.
The price is justified by the enhanced performance and improved confidence these sights provide. While not perfect, the minor drawbacks are outweighed by the significant benefits.
I would definitely recommend the Wilson Combat Trak-Lock II Ghost Ring Sight Set, Fiber Optic, 12 Gauge to anyone looking to upgrade their shotgun’s aiming capabilities. Enhance your accuracy and speed today – you won’t regret it!