Let’s Talk About XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight
The XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight offers a compelling upgrade to standard bead sights on Remington shotguns. It provides faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially at extended ranges. I’ve always been a fan of ghost ring sights for their intuitive nature and versatility.
My older Remington 870, a trusty companion on many hunts, was begging for an upgrade. Its factory bead sight was adequate, but I craved the speed and precision of a ghost ring setup. I’d used similar setups on AR-15s and pistols, and missed that quick target acquisition on my shotgun.
The XS Sight Systems arrived well-packaged. My initial impression was that they were robust and well-machined. The steel construction felt solid and durable, instilling confidence that they could withstand the rigors of field use.
Compared to other ghost ring options, like those requiring gunsmithing, the XS Sight Systems stood out for its simple installation. I considered some fiber optic options, but wanted the tritium front sight for low-light scenarios. The XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Ring design appeared to offer superior protection for the rear aperture, a key consideration for rugged use.
I was genuinely excited. The prospect of easily improving my 870’s sighting system with a durable and highly functional set of sights appealed greatly. The promise of faster target acquisition and enhanced accuracy had me eager to get to the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight at my local shooting range. The weather was mild, providing ideal conditions for sighting in. I primarily used 00 buckshot and rifled slugs to assess performance at various distances.
The improved sight picture was immediately noticeable. Acquiring the target was significantly faster than with the original bead sight. The ghost ring design allowed for rapid alignment, and the tritium front sight provided a clear aiming point, even in shaded areas of the range.
Installation was straightforward, though the missing front sight screws (as mentioned in some user reviews) did cause a slight hiccup. Luckily, I had spares on hand. After initial sighting in, the XS Sight Systems proved to be remarkably accurate at both 15 and 45 yards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight has held up admirably. There are no signs of loosening or shifting, even after repeated exposure to recoil. The blued finish shows no signs of rust or significant wear.
Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to keep them in good condition. I’ve taken the shotgun through dense brush and in light rain, and the sights have performed flawlessly each time.
Compared to my previous bead sight experience, the XS Sight Systems is a night-and-day improvement. The increased accuracy and speed of target acquisition are invaluable, especially in dynamic shooting situations. It has noticeably improved my confidence and performance with the shotgun.
Breaking Down the Features of XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight
Specifications
The XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight is designed as an upgrade for Remington 870, 1100, and 1187 shotguns with plain barrels. The Manufacturer is XS Sight Systems. It features a ghost ring rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, and a banded tritium front sight.
The front sight is designed to fit barrels with a diameter between 0.860″ and 0.880″. The sights are constructed from Steel with a Matte Black finish. The front sight uses Tritium for illumination.
The steel construction provides excellent durability and resistance to the elements. The tritium illumination ensures visibility in low-light conditions, a crucial advantage in hunting and tactical scenarios. The adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing with different ammunition types.
Performance & Functionality
The XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight performs its job exceptionally well. It dramatically improves target acquisition speed and accuracy compared to traditional bead sights. The ghost ring design is intuitive and allows for rapid sight alignment.
The only potential weakness lies in the banded front sight installation, which may not be compatible with all barrel configurations, as some users have reported. The lack of included screws for some users is also a drawback. Overall, the XS Sight Systems meets and exceeds expectations for a shotgun sight upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The sights feature a robust, all-steel construction. The matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface that minimizes glare. The winged design of the rear sight offers excellent protection against impacts, ensuring the aperture remains intact.
The ghost ring is appropriately sized for fast target acquisition without sacrificing precision. While there is a slight learning curve for users unfamiliar with ghost ring sights, the intuitive nature of the design makes it easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the all-steel construction and protective wings, the XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight is built to last. Regular cleaning with a solvent and light oil will prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring years of reliable service. The tritium lamp in the front sight is expected to maintain its brightness for approximately 12 years.
The sights are designed for simple installation and require minimal maintenance. The rugged construction and durable finish ensure long-term reliability, even under harsh conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight package includes the rear sight, the banded front sight, and mounting hardware. There are no specific accessories designed solely for these sights. However, the banded front sight design allows for compatibility with aftermarket barrel extensions and magazine tube accessories.
The sights are designed to be a standalone upgrade, focusing on improving the existing sighting system rather than offering extensive customization options. The compatibility with standard Remington 870 accessories ensures versatility.
Pros and Cons of XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight
Pros
- Dramatically improved target acquisition speed compared to bead sights.
- Enhanced accuracy at both close and extended ranges.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Tritium front sight provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Relatively easy installation without requiring gunsmithing (though some fitting might be necessary).
Cons
- Potential compatibility issues with certain barrel configurations due to the banded front sight design.
- Missing screws for the front sight out of the box as some users have reported.
- The front sight may be too wide for some users.
Who Should Buy XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight?
These sights are perfect for hunters who need a fast and accurate sighting system for their Remington 870 shotgun. They are also ideal for home defense users who prioritize rapid target acquisition in low-light scenarios. Tactical shooters who require a durable and reliable sighting system will also benefit from the XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight.
Anyone with a Mossberg 500 or similar shotgun where the barrel is flush with the magazine tube should skip this product, as the banded front sight will not fit. Also, those unwilling to potentially source their own front sight screws should be aware this has happened to other customers.
A gunsmith may be needed, depending on your level of comfort, with installing the sight and ensuring that it fits properly.
Conclusion on XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight
The XS Sight Systems Winged Ghost Rifle Scope Rings w/Dot Front Sight offers a significant performance upgrade for Remington 870 shotguns. It enhances target acquisition speed and accuracy, making it a worthwhile investment for hunters, home defense users, and tactical shooters. While there are some potential compatibility issues and occasional missing parts, the overall value and performance are impressive.
At a price of $57.99, the improvement in sighting capability is well worth the investment. The XS Sight Systems is a must-have upgrade for anyone looking to improve their shotgun’s performance and versatility. I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone looking to enhance their Remington 870’s capabilities. Upgrade your shotgun today!