The XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight Made a Bold First Impression
The XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight promises a significant upgrade for any home-defense shotgun. XS Sights aims to dramatically improve sight acquisition in all lighting conditions, a crucial factor when lives are on the line. As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless attempts to enhance shotgun sighting, but the Big Dot concept, combined with tritium and Optic Orange, piqued my interest like few others.
My aging Remington 870, a reliable workhorse, has always been hampered by its standard bead sight. In low-light scenarios, it becomes practically useless, demanding a solution. I needed a sight that was fast, intuitive, and highly visible, regardless of ambient light levels.
Unboxing the XS Big Dot, I was immediately struck by its size and the vibrant Optic Orange color. It felt robust and well-made, a definite step up from the factory bead. The sheer size of the dot gives a clear indication of its purpose – rapid target acquisition.
Compared to fiber optic sights, which require ambient light, or traditional tritium sights, which can be small and difficult to see in daylight, the XS Big Dot offers a potentially superior solution. The combination of tritium for darkness and Optic Orange for daylight is a unique selling point. I chose this over a simple fiber optic because of the all-light capability and I passed on a smaller tritium sight in hopes that the large dot would prove easier for fast target acquisition in a home defense situation. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; the design is bold and purposeful, but the proof would be in its performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an indoor shooting range, simulating the dimly lit conditions of a home. The range allowed me to evaluate the sight in both moderate and low light. Installing the sight, after ensuring my Remington’s bead was within the specified .125″-.140″ diameter range, was straightforward.
The XS Big Dot immediately proved its worth in low light conditions. The tritium insert glowed brightly, providing a clear and easy-to-acquire aiming point. Even in brighter conditions, the Optic Orange stood out against the dark targets. I found myself acquiring the target much faster than with the original bead sight. The large dot made it easier to “paint” the target, leading to quicker and more instinctive shots. One surprise was just how much faster my target acquisition became with the big dot front sight.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and some dry-fire drills at home, the XS Big Dot has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the tritium insert continues to glow brightly. The sight has remained securely mounted, with no loosening or shifting.
Maintenance is incredibly simple: a quick wipe with a clean cloth is all that’s needed. Compared to other sighting systems I’ve used, such as red dot sights that require batteries and occasional cleaning of the lens, the XS Big Dot is virtually maintenance-free. It significantly outperforms the standard bead sight in speed and visibility. My confidence in the reliability of my home defense shotgun has increased dramatically thanks to the XS Big Dot.
Breaking Down the Features of XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight
Specifications
- Tritium Night Sight: Provides a constant, reliable glow in low-light conditions without the need for batteries. This ensures visibility even in complete darkness.
- Optic Orange Glow Dot: Offers a high-contrast sight picture in bright light, while also maintaining visibility in decreasing light levels. This design ensures a bright, easily visible sight in varying lighting conditions.
- Convex Dot Design: The increased surface area of the convex dot enhances light absorption, intensifying the glow. This improves visibility and allows for faster target acquisition.
- Bead Compatibility: Designed for shotguns with a .125″-.140″ diameter front bead. This ensures a secure and proper fit.
- Replacement Bead (Mossberg): The kit includes a replacement bead for Mossberg shotguns. This accommodates different shotgun models.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the sight’s performance in various conditions. The tritium ensures nighttime visibility, the Optic Orange handles daylight, and the large dot facilitates quick target acquisition. The bead compatibility ensures the sight can be installed on a wide range of shotguns, enhancing its versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight performs its primary job exceptionally well: improving sight acquisition speed and accuracy in all lighting conditions. The large, high-contrast dot makes it incredibly easy to quickly acquire a target. Follow-up shots are also faster, as the sight picture is clear and intuitive.
One minor weakness is that precise aiming for very long-range shots is difficult due to the size of the dot. For its intended purpose – close-quarters home defense – this is not a significant issue. Overall, the XS Big Dot exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The XS Big Dot’s build quality is excellent. The materials feel durable and robust, and the sight is securely mounted. Its large size and bright color might not appeal to everyone aesthetically, but the focus is clearly on functionality over form.
The sight is incredibly user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. Anyone familiar with a shotgun can immediately benefit from the improved sight picture.
Durability & Maintenance
The XS Big Dot is built to last. The tritium insert has a lifespan of many years, and the durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. The robust design ensures it will remain reliable for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The XS Big Dot itself is a standalone upgrade. There are no additional accessories needed for its basic function.
While not a customizable part per se, the sight’s primary customization aspect lies in its initial installation. Ensuring the proper bead diameter is crucial.
Pros and Cons of XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight
Pros
- Significantly improved sight acquisition speed in all lighting conditions.
- Durable and robust construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Tritium insert provides reliable nighttime visibility.
- Optic Orange dot offers high-contrast visibility in daylight.
Cons
- The large dot is not ideal for very long-range precision shots.
- Requires ensuring the shotgun bead is within the specified diameter range.
Who Should Buy XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight?
The XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight is perfect for homeowners seeking to upgrade their home defense shotgun. It’s also a great choice for law enforcement officers or security personnel who rely on shotguns in close-quarters situations. Anyone who values speed and visibility in their sighting system will appreciate this upgrade.
Those primarily interested in long-range precision shooting with a shotgun should skip this product. Also, those unwilling to ensure their shotgun bead meets the diameter requirements should consider other options. A gunsmith installation may be required for some shotguns if the bead is too large or must be replaced.
Conclusion on XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight
The XS Big Dot Front for Plain Barrel Remington Orange Tritium Shotgun Sight is a highly effective upgrade that delivers on its promise of improved sight acquisition in all lighting conditions. For $59.99, it’s an excellent value proposition, offering a significant performance boost for a relatively small investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance the capabilities of their home defense shotgun. If you want to improve your chances of quickly and accurately acquiring a target in any situation, the XS Big Dot is a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your shotgun and gain peace of mind knowing you have a sighting system you can rely on!