870 Deer Gun - Sight Options ?

[karinkharris]

I suppose depends on your shooting distance. My slug barrel has factory tritiums, they're pretty coarse for 100 yards but that's further than I'd shoot with my slugs anyhow.

Have you considered mounting an optic? A low power scope or even a red dot might be something to consider. Trick is to mount as low as possible so it still fits decently.

You are right It depends on shooting distance.

[ABL1111]

I went with Williams Fiber Optic sights made specifically for the older Remington. They look amazing. Very bright. I recommend them.

You have to be sure you order the right ones - the 870 goes a long way back and the older 870's ( mine is a late 1950's Wingmaster ) needed a specific sight that was not readily advertised online - it was a model #: 056530 @ $32. I had to call Williams and they were excellent to deal with. Note: I installed this on a Remington, unknown year rifled barrel that fit perfectly onto the old Wingmaster.

They mounted into place although the front dovetail definitely needs to customized ( filed with small jewelers files ) to fit in just right. Out of the box, they were way too tight. I slowly! filed/ sanded things a little at a time - Williams said to file until you push the sight in about 1/3 or 1/2 way ( from right to left - removal of old sight is left to right ) - then, try to use a bronze or plastic punch the rest of the way. I used a regular punch with rubber in between it and the sight. It worked with no marring. They mentioned using a 'smoking method' to ID where the sight might be rubbing. I used a black marker and saw quickly where it needed extra filing.

This is a simple and awesome upgrade for my aging eyes !

I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THE NEED TO SIGHT IN AFTER INSTALLATION !!!!

A STORY - First hunt, last week, I had a big buck in my sights, 40 yards away - fired and missed completely ! I did not have time too sight in prior to the hunt ( I had alined the new sights in their centers, front and back ). Needless to say, I went to the range a few days after ( and re-living that @#$#%$^&^%^&$%^ decision to use this shotgun and not my known-to-be-accurate, Ithaca Deer Slayer with a smooth barrel ), and was shocked how off the sights were, 10" low and 10" to the left. I adjusted all ( the front sights are now noticeably off center to get accuracy ). The OEM sights also were set off-center, so, I'm not sure if it's a sight-mount thing on the barrel, or my barrel is F'd up ? Either way, I was getting tight shots at 50 yards ( it took 15 rounds - my shoulder was cooked ). I used (3) different types of ammo until I figured out that

Federal Trophy Copper 12 gauge, 300 grain, 1900 FPS

was the ticket. I had always heard that shotgun barrels were picky ( my trusty Ithaca smooth loves Remington 1 oz slugs ) and this became very obvious.

I missed a really nice buck and anyone who has done that, knows how you re-play that in your mind ( even more than the nice deer you have gotten ). I own this mistake in judgement. A little cathartic to write it... Aggravating, but part of the process to become a better hunter. Glad I shot a nice buck earlier in the rifle season... But, damn...

[edsaqwer]

Honestly, I've never considered sights a vital attribute of a gun. My father taught me to hunt according to some prehistoric rules. However, when I gained more experience and built my hunting strategy, I realized that it is very necessary in some cases.
It was difficult for me to choose a specific model because, in the beginning, I did not understand at all what the difference was. But thanks to the reviews on Link Deleted, I managed to form some opinions.
The main thing is that it is convenient for you to aim and adjust it to your weapon. Weight and size also matter.

Mod Edit:
Deleted link to a Glock review. Because Glock sights don't work on an 870 and I suspect you are a Bot.