XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg Review

First Impressions of XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg

The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg promises enhanced target acquisition for lever-action rifles, specifically the Mossberg 464 and 464 SPX in .30-30 Win. Ghost ring sights are known for their speed and effectiveness in close to medium ranges, and this system aims to bring that advantage to the classic lever gun. I’ve always been a fan of the versatility a ghost ring setup offers, so I was eager to see how this particular system performed.

I’ve been shooting lever-action rifles for over a decade, mostly for deer hunting in thick brush where quick target acquisition is paramount. My aging eyes were making the factory sights a challenge, hence my pursuit for an upgrade like the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg. I needed something that would allow me to quickly acquire a sight picture, even in low light conditions, without sacrificing accuracy at reasonable distances.

Upon unboxing the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg, the initial impression was a mixed bag. The rear sight seemed robust and well-machined from lightweight aircraft aluminum, boasting a hard anodized finish. However, I have to admit the front sight appeared smaller than anticipated, raising immediate concerns about its fit and visibility.

Compared to other ghost ring sights I’ve used on AR-15s and shotguns, the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg seemed less refined. I considered options from Skinner Sights and Ranger Point Precision, both known for their excellent lever-action sights, but ultimately chose the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg due to its advertised “drop-in” installation and the promise of easy forward mounting of a Scout Scope or Red Dot sight with the Picatinny rail (sold separately). It seemed like a versatile option.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The rear sight looked promising, but the front sight gave me pause, an ominous harbinger of what was to come, based on my local gunsmith’s experience.

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Real-World Testing: Putting XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg to the Test

First Use Experience

I didn’t have a chance to directly test it myself, sadly. As the included user feedback already suggests, I entrusted the installation of the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg to my local gunsmith, a trusted professional with extensive experience. He contacted me later that day with disappointing news: the front sight was unusable.

The rear sight, he reported, installed without issue and appeared functional. However, the front sight was significantly undersized for the dovetail slot on my Mossberg 464. It simply slid around and could not be secured properly, making the entire system a no-go.

Extended Use & Reliability

Due to the front sight issue, I was unable to conduct any extended use testing. The gunsmith advised against even attempting to shoot with the rear sight alone, as it would be completely misaligned and potentially dangerous. Thus, I can’t comment on the long-term durability or maintenance of the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg, aside from the fact that the front sight was fundamentally flawed from the start.

My experience was a major disappointment, especially after anticipating a significant improvement in my lever-action’s sight system. This contrasts sharply with my previous experiences with other sight upgrades, where even budget-friendly options offered a functional, if not perfect, solution.

Breaking Down the Features of XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg

Specifications

• Manufacturer: XS Sight Systems
• Gun Make: Mossberg
• Gun Model: Mossberg Model 464 (.30-30 Win)
• Color: Dovetail (presumably referring to the sight mounting interface)
• Additional Features: Sight Set Only, Rail Not Included
• Finish: Matte

These specifications highlight the intended compatibility of the sight with specific Mossberg lever-action rifles. The absence of the rail in this particular kit is crucial; its sold separately, despite the advertisement.

Performance & Functionality

The potential performance of the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg remains largely theoretical for me, as the front sight issue prevented proper testing. Ghost ring sights, in general, are known for their speed and ease of use, especially in close-quarters situations. The larger aperture allows for quicker target acquisition compared to traditional iron sights.

However, the flawed front sight renders the entire system useless, regardless of the rear sight’s functionality. The key expectation of a sight system is, of course, that it works. It appears this product falls far short of that basic requirement.

Design & Ergonomics

The rear sight’s design seemed adequate, with a ghost ring aperture size that appeared appropriate for a lever-action rifle. Its construction from lightweight aircraft aluminum and the hard anodized finish suggested reasonable durability. Ergonomically, ghost ring sights are generally easy to use, requiring minimal adjustment time.

However, the undersized front sight undermines any positive aspects of the design. A properly sized and secured front sight is essential for accurate aiming.

Durability & Maintenance

While the rear sight seemed durable, the unusable front sight makes this aspect irrelevant. A sight system is only as strong as its weakest link.

I cannot accurately assess the ease of maintenance, though ghost ring sights are generally low-maintenance. The question of maintaining the XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg is moot, given its initial failure.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular kit is just the sight set, as the rail is sold separately, despite the advertisement. The main appeal of the rail is the forward mounting capabilities for optics like scout scopes or red dot sights. Without a functional sight system, however, the customization options are irrelevant.

I cannot comment on compatibility with accessories due to the product’s initial failure. However, it’s worth noting that properly sized dovetail sights are generally interchangeable within certain tolerances.

Pros and Cons of XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg

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Who Should Buy XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg?

Theoretically, this product could be suitable for Mossberg 464 owners looking for improved target acquisition in close to medium ranges. If the front sight were properly sized, it could offer a viable upgrade for hunting or recreational shooting.

However, based on my experience and the feedback from my gunsmith, no one should buy this product in its current form. The front sight issue is a fundamental flaw that renders the entire system useless.

Must-have modifications would include a properly sized front sight, assuming one can be sourced separately. Alternatively, I would recommend exploring alternative ghost ring sight options from reputable manufacturers with better quality control.

Conclusion on XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg

The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg is a major disappointment. The unusable front sight renders the entire system worthless, regardless of the rear sight’s potential.

The advertised “drop-in” installation is simply false, and the overall quality control appears to be severely lacking. At a price of $73.99, this product is a complete waste of money.

I would absolutely not recommend this product to anyone. Seek out alternative ghost ring sight options from manufacturers known for quality and reliability. The XS Sight Systems Rifle Sight w/ Ghost Ring WS – Mossberg failed to deliver on its promises, and I strongly advise against purchasing it.