XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 Review

First Thoughts on the XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70

Lever-action rifles, especially chambered in the venerable .45-70, hold a special place in the hearts of many shooters. The classic lines and potent cartridge evoke images of the Old West, but sometimes, traditional sights leave something to be desired in terms of speed and accuracy, particularly in less-than-ideal lighting. That’s where the XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 comes in, promising to modernize this classic platform without sacrificing its inherent charm.

For years, I struggled with acquiring targets quickly and confidently with the factory sights on my Henry .45-70, especially in dense brush where light was limited. I needed a sighting system that improved my target acquisition speed and low-light performance, without requiring extensive gunsmithing. I’d used ghost ring sights on other platforms before and appreciated their effectiveness.

Upon unboxing, the XS Sights system felt robust and well-made. The steel construction of both the ghost ring and the lever rail instilled confidence. The finish was a non-reflective matte black, appropriate for a hunting rifle.

I considered other options like peep sights from different manufacturers, and even some low-power red dot optics mounted directly to the receiver. Ultimately, I chose the XS Sights system for its balance of speed, ruggedness, and ease of installation – all while maintaining the classic lines of my Henry. My first impression was excitement, mixed with a healthy dose of anticipation to see if it would truly deliver on its promise of faster target acquisition.

Real-World Testing: Putting XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, under bright daylight conditions. I wanted to get a feel for the sight picture and how quickly I could acquire a target at varying distances. I focused primarily on targets placed at 25, 50, and 100 yards.

The difference compared to the factory sights was immediately noticeable. The large ghost ring aperture allowed me to quickly center the front sight post on the target. Even under pressure to shoot quickly, target acquisition was far faster. There were no issues with glare or obstructed sight pictures, which I had encountered with the original sights.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including a deer hunting trip in the Appalachian mountains, the XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable. The sight system has endured rain, snow, and the occasional bump against trees and rocks without any noticeable wear and tear. The finish is still pristine, and the sights have held their zero perfectly.

The minimal design of the XS Sights system makes cleaning extremely easy. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is all it takes to keep it in top condition. This far exceeds the maintenance required for scopes with multiple lenses that can be affected by the elements. It has outperformed my expectations regarding durability, making it a worthy upgrade to my Henry .45-70.

Breaking Down the Features of XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70

Specifications

• The XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 is specifically designed for Henry .45-70 lever-action rifles. This ensures a proper fit and alignment.
• The rear sight is a ghost ring aperture, providing a wide field of view and fast target acquisition. This design is especially beneficial in low-light conditions.
• The lever rail allows for the mounting of various optics, such as red dots or scout scopes. This adds versatility to the rifle.
• The system is constructed from durable steel. This ensures long-lasting performance under harsh conditions.
• The finish is a matte black. This minimizes glare and provides a stealthy appearance.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the shooter’s ability to effectively use the rifle. The ghost ring increases speed and accuracy, while the lever rail allows for customization. The durable construction ensures that the system will withstand the rigors of field use.

Performance & Functionality

The XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 significantly improves the performance of the Henry .45-70, especially in scenarios where quick target acquisition is crucial. Accuracy is also improved because the ghost ring promotes better alignment of the eye, front sight, and target. The rail system also provides added utility with ability to add optics.

The main strength of the system is its ability to drastically reduce target acquisition time. The only improvement I could suggest would be to offer different aperture sizes for the ghost ring. Overall, the system meets and exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 is excellent. The steel construction feels solid and durable. The matte black finish provides a clean and professional look.

The system is generally user-friendly, with a relatively simple installation process. There is a slight learning curve associated with using ghost ring sights if you’re accustomed to traditional iron sights, but it’s easily overcome with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its steel construction and simple design, the XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 should last a lifetime with proper care. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The durable finish resists scratches and corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory for the XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70 is any optic that can be mounted to a Picatinny rail. This includes red dot sights, holographic sights, and scout scopes. It’s compatible with most standard Picatinny accessories.

Pros and Cons of XS Sights Ghost Ring WS use with Lever Rail – Henry .45-70