First Impressions of XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning
The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning promises to enhance target acquisition speed and accuracy, a constant pursuit for any serious shooter. The XS Sight Systems name carries weight in the tactical and hunting communities, known for durable and practical sighting solutions. I was intrigued by the claim of faster sight acquisition, especially in low-light conditions, a common scenario during my hunting trips in the Pacific Northwest.
For years, I’ve been tweaking and modifying my Browning BLR, always searching for that perfect balance of accuracy and speed. My aging eyes needed something better than the factory sights. I needed something that could quickly draw my eyes to the target in dense cover. I hoped the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning would deliver that edge.
The package arrived neatly, the steel components hinting at ruggedness. The blued finish appeared even and well-applied, and the white stripe on the front sight stood out vividly. Compared to the Skinner Sights I’ve used on my lever-action rifles, the XS Sight Systems offering seemed more geared toward rapid target acquisition rather than precision shooting at longer distances. It seemed a trade-off I was willing to explore. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – could this sight system really improve my close-quarters hunting capabilities?
Real-World Testing: Putting XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning was at my local outdoor range. The weather was typical for Oregon in the fall: drizzly and overcast, testing the system’s low-light visibility claims immediately. The installation process was relatively straightforward, although adjusting the rear sight for windage and elevation required some patience.
The ghost ring design took some getting used to after years of using traditional buckhorn sights. Initially, I found myself focusing too much on the ring itself, rather than the front sight and the target. However, after a few magazines, I began to understand the system’s strength: rapid target acquisition.
In low-light conditions, the white stripe on the front sight became a beacon, easily visible within the ghost ring. This was a marked improvement over my factory sights, which tended to disappear against dark backgrounds. Despite the initial adjustment period, I found the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning offered a noticeable improvement in speed and visibility, especially in less-than-ideal lighting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning, I’ve grown quite fond of its capabilities. The all-steel construction has proven exceptionally durable, resisting scratches and dings from regular use and transport in the field. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session.
I recently took the rifle on a deer hunt in the Cascades. The thick brush and fluctuating light conditions made target acquisition challenging, but the ghost ring sights consistently allowed for quick and accurate shots. Compared to my previous experiences with open sights, the XS Sight Systems offered a significant advantage in speed and low-light performance. It outperformed my expectations, solidifying its place as a permanent upgrade on my Browning BLR.
Breaking Down the Features of XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning
Specifications
- The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning is specifically designed for Browning BLR rifles. This ensures a proper fit and optimal performance.
- It features a blued steel construction, offering exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This ensures that the sight can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
- The front sight features a painted white stripe for enhanced visibility. This contrast provides excellent target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
- The rear sight is a ghost ring design with two included apertures (.230in and .191in inside diameter). The two apertures allow users to customize the sight picture for different lighting scenarios.
- The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. This allows for precise zeroing and accurate shooting at different distances.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the sight’s performance in the field. The steel construction ensures longevity. The adjustable rear sight ensures accuracy, and the white stripe on the front sight enhances visibility in low-light situations, crucial for hunting or tactical applications.
Performance & Functionality
The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning excels at its intended job: enabling rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy. The ghost ring design forces the eye to focus on the front sight. This helps to quickly align the sight with the target.
The system’s primary strength lies in its speed. The large ghost ring provides a wide field of view. This facilitates quick target acquisition, especially in dynamic shooting situations. The only potential weakness is that it may require some initial practice to master the sight picture.
The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning certainly meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations. Its performance in low-light conditions is particularly impressive. The durable construction and easy adjustability further enhance its value.
Design & Ergonomics
The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning features a robust, all-steel design. This build makes it feel solid and reliable. The matte black finish reduces glare. This contributes to a clear sight picture.
The system is relatively user-friendly. Experienced shooters will likely adapt to the ghost ring quickly. However, some shooters unfamiliar with this type of sight may experience a slight learning curve initially.
Durability & Maintenance
The all-steel construction of the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning suggests excellent long-term durability. The blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance. This makes it suitable for use in various environments.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth is typically sufficient to keep the sight in good working order. No specialized tools or procedures are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning comes with two different sized rear apertures (.230in and .191in). This allows shooters to choose their preferred sight picture. Due to the change in sight height, XS Sight Systems offers alternate front sight heights to compensate for zeroing issues.
While the system itself is not highly customizable, it is compatible with standard Browning BLR rifles. This opens possibilities for adding aftermarket accessories such as slings or improved buttstocks.
Pros and Cons of XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning
Pros
- Faster Target Acquisition: The ghost ring design facilitates rapid target acquisition, especially in close-quarters scenarios.
- Enhanced Low-Light Performance: The white stripe on the front sight provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Durable Construction: The all-steel build ensures long-term reliability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Adjustable Windage and Elevation: Allows for precise zeroing and accurate shooting at various distances.
- Easy Installation: The system can be installed relatively easily with basic tools.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Some shooters may require time to adjust to the ghost ring sight picture.
- Potential Zeroing Issues: Moving the rear sight from the barrel to the receiver may lead to zeroing challenges that require alternate front sight heights.
Who Should Buy XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning?
The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning is perfect for hunters who frequently encounter close-range targets in dense environments or low-light conditions. It is also a great option for tactical shooters who prioritize speed and situational awareness. This system will benefit anyone using a Browning BLR who wants to upgrade from factory sights.
This product may not be ideal for shooters who primarily engage targets at long distances and prioritize pinpoint accuracy above all else. The ghost ring design favors speed over extreme precision. Those who prefer traditional iron sights or magnified optics might not find this system to their liking.
Must-have accessories would include a high-quality gun cleaning kit and potentially different front sight heights if zeroing is an issue.
Conclusion on XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning
The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning is a well-designed and durable sighting system that delivers on its promise of faster target acquisition. While there may be a slight learning curve for some users, the benefits in speed and low-light performance are undeniable. The durable steel construction ensures that this system will withstand the rigors of regular use in the field.
At $94.79, the price is justified by the quality and performance of the product. It represents a worthwhile investment for Browning BLR owners seeking to enhance their rifle’s capabilities.
I would personally recommend the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning to anyone looking for a fast, reliable, and durable sighting solution for their lever-action rifle. Upgrade your Browning BLR with the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Browning today and experience the difference!