Defensive shotgun sights

STW · April 26, 2012, 02:02 PM

I purchased an 870 with two barrels a few years ago. One of the barrels was 20" for home defense. Now I've signed up for a June shotgun self-defense class. The single absolute requirement for the class is a shotgun. Recommendations, to get the most out of the experience, are another matter.
Recommended are a pump action, side saddle type ammo carrier, a sling, and rifle or ghost ring sights.
The first few are pretty straight forward. However, I need some recommendations on sights.
Presently there are no rear sights and a single bead up front.
Suggestions?

jonnyc · April 26, 2012, 02:13 PM

HD, right?
Unless you're taking it into combat, you don't really need any of that stuff, including the sights. A good, visible front bead is all you really need. Lots of info and opinions about HD shotguns on-line, read as many as you can find.

oneounceload · April 26, 2012, 03:25 PM

Your EYES are your rear sight - with shotguns you should be looking at your target, not the sights

okiewita40 · April 26, 2012, 03:30 PM

For HD a bead sight is just fine. On my riot shotgun for work i prefer the rifle sights over the ghost ring. I know there are others that like the ghost ring better. Just put on what you prefer. The most important thing to do though is to pattern your shotgun with the loads you are using.

NYCShooter · April 26, 2012, 07:33 PM

For HD a bead is fastest, IMO. You might consider an XS Big Dot for better acquisition at night. When at the range, with slugs, I switch to a rifle sighted barrel, which I prefer to GR sights. A disadvantage of GR sights is that the rear sight is permanently installed on the receiver, preventing one from using other barrel/sight options.

oneounceload · April 26, 2012, 07:45 PM

When it comes to HD, many think they need the latest video game version with all of the doodads on it. Do yourself a favor and measure the absolute longest straight line in your house you might have to shoot. In MY house, it is right at 52' - that is both bedroom doors open and from one end of the house to the other - that is all of 17 yards - at the MAX. Any shot would most likely be closer to 36' or 12 yards. At those distances, a quick bead sight will work just fine - in MY home as there is enough ambient lighting from outside and the "voltage vampires" or LEDs that glow in the dark. At 12 yards, the typical 00 buck from a C or IC choke barrel is going to be about 8-10 inches in diameter or half the width of most torsos.

Don't over-think or over-accessorize to the point that the gun becomes so heavy you can't move to quickly to the target

zippy13 · April 26, 2012, 08:05 PM

If you want a red dot, take some nail polish to the existing front bead.

PetahW · April 27, 2012, 09:39 AM

.

STW · April 27, 2012, 12:10 PM

The class calls for 50 rounds of slug ammo. I believe the sights are for shooting slugs.
And yes, in real life if I was shooting out 50 or 100 yards I'd grab a rifle not a shotgun but the class is what it is. It's also why I'm looking for a bit of guidance. I don't like spending a C note on sights I'd only use for a (portion) of one class.
So, what is best recommendation for this scenario?

Lee Lapin · April 27, 2012, 12:15 PM

How far out will you be shooting slugs? A lot of folks can manage out to 50 or 75, even a hundred yards with a bead sight. Try your existing barrel first, and see how it goes. Brenneke KO slugs have always worked well for me, and don't usually cost an arm and a leg.

For a multi-purpose gun, I prefer rifle sights on the barrel. That way, when the barrel is swapped, the sights go with it. A 20" rifle sighted smoothbore slug barrel shouldn't be too hard to find, new or used, or too expensive either - almost certainly less than it would cost to buy a good set of GRs and get them installed.

Bill from Boomhower, · July 17, 2012, 06:22 PM

Any of you snap-shots read what he was asking? He had a bead sighted bbl already I went back and re-read it myself. Requirement - shotgun. The rifle or Ghost Ring sights are something benificial to firing the slug portion of his course, however, not neccessary, as many folks do very well with just a bead, even at surprising distances. The photo Petahw posted says a lot about rifle type sights; at least in a home defense situation. I wish I could recommend a sight sir, but I'm not aware what's available. If it's only for benifit of the class, it would seem that a stick-on adheasive type sight may be availible.

Creeper · July 17, 2012, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STW

The class calls for 50 rounds of slug ammo. I believe the sights are for shooting slugs.

Slugs for HD huh? Do you know what the range is for this slug portion of the course? Is this an outdoor course of fire?
I know some training courses, like Gunsite for example, require slugs for all 4 levels of HD/tactical training, but typically, shots are taken at 25 yds to sight in, then 50, 75 and 100 yds to fine tune adjustable sights and/or POA/POI.

Just trying to narrow down your particular requirements, to see if the single bead is a viable sight for all your training needs, or if a sight "upgrade" would be beneficial.

Cheers,
C

LSnSC · July 18, 2012, 06:29 AM

Go out and shoot a few with just the bead. You might be pleasantly suprised. I was. My 21" vent ribbed 870 will put 5 Remington Sluggers center mass on an IDPA target at 75 yds.

If the bead doesnt work , the XS Express sights are a good option without getting too far away from how a shotgun is meant to be shot.

http://www.xssights.com/index.php?nI...&pID=specialty

g.willikers · July 18, 2012, 10:19 AM

How about inexpensive sights that mount on the barrel rib?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/671...tNumber=671251

Old Grump · July 18, 2012, 01:19 PM

I found a clamp on hi viz tube that slips over the barrel and fits in place against the bead. does wonders for old eyes and low light conditions and you can take it off and put it on another gun if you want. Not quite up to the gun with rifle sights or my scoped gun but it beats the plain bead all to heck and gone for me.

This one for a shotgun with a rib.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/952...ble-lite-pipes

They also have magnetic ones, mine is just a 3/4 ring of plastic that spreads apart and fits over the barrel, sorry I don't remember where I got it but its stood up to a lot of shooting in the last 6 or 7 years.

TheKlawMan · July 19, 2012, 01:21 AM

Quote:

How about inexpensive sights that mount on the barrel rib?

Those look nice, but he may not have a barrel rib.

Al Den · July 19, 2012, 05:33 PM

A little mid-barrel bead is always nice if u have a rib. I do like a single or double beads myself, rifle sights (which you can look over), and even three-dot sights. I HATE ghost ring sights -- look cool on a gun but in use they block too much of your close vision, interfere with rapid target aquisition, and truly only promote accurate longer-range shots which is NOT what a shotgun is ususlly for. See pic...

scottd913 · July 23, 2012, 11:56 PM

if it all about shooting slugs at 50-100 yrds its not home defense

TheKlawMan · July 24, 2012, 12:12 AM

You do realize the post was about what was recommended for a June self-defense class and here July is almost past. I wonder if the OP was actually signed up for a general tactical shotgun class.

April 26, 2012, 02:02 PM	#1
STW Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2002 Location: Montana Posts: 147	Defensive shotgun sights I purchased an 870 with two barrels a few years ago. One of the barrels was 20" for home defense. Now I've signed up for a June shotgun self-defense class. The single absolute requirement for the class is a shotgun. Recommendations, to get the most out of the experience, are another matter. Recommended are a pump action, side saddle type ammo carrier, a sling, and rifle or ghost ring sights. The first few are pretty straight forward. However, I need some recommendations on sights. Presently there are no rear sights and a single bead up front. Suggestions? __________________ "What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter." - Terry Pratchett

April 26, 2012, 03:30 PM	#4
okiewita40 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 409	For HD a bead sight is just fine. On my riot shotgun for work i prefer the rifle sights over the ghost ring. I know there are others that like the ghost ring better. Just put on what you prefer. The most important thing to do though is to pattern your shotgun with the loads you are using. __________________ What on god's green earth do you think your doing?

April 27, 2012, 12:10 PM	#9
STW Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2002 Location: Montana Posts: 147	The class calls for 50 rounds of slug ammo. I believe the sights are for shooting slugs. And yes, in real life if I was shooting out 50 or 100 yards I'd grab a rifle not a shotgun but the class is what it is. It's also why I'm looking for a bit of guidance. I don't like spending a C note on sights I'd only use for a (portion) of one class. So, what is best recommendation for this scenario? __________________ "What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter." - Terry Pratchett

April 27, 2012, 12:15 PM	#10
Lee Lapin Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: SE NC Posts: 1,239	How far out will you be shooting slugs? A lot of folks can manage out to 50 or 75, even a hundred yards with a bead sight. Try your existing barrel first, and see how it goes. Brenneke KO slugs have always worked well for me, and don't usually cost an arm and a leg. For a multi-purpose gun, I prefer rifle sights on the barrel. That way, when the barrel is swapped, the sights go with it. A 20" rifle sighted smoothbore slug barrel shouldn't be too hard to find, new or used, or too expensive either - almost certainly less than it would cost to buy a good set of GRs and get them installed. __________________ Mindset - Skillset - Toolset. In that order! Attitude and skill will get you through times of no gear, better than gear will get you through times of no attitude and no skill.

July 17, 2012, 06:22 PM	#11
Bill from Boomhower, Member Join Date: July 13, 2012 Posts: 20	Rifle or Ghost Ring sights Any of you snap-shots read what he was asking? He had a bead sighted bbl already I went back and re-read it myself. Requirement - shotgun. The rifle or Ghost Ring sights are something benificial to firing the slug portion of his course, however, not neccessary, as many folks do very well with just a bead, even at surprising distances. The photo Petahw posted says a lot about rifle type sights; at least in a home defense situation. I wish I could recommend a sight sir, but I'm not aware what's available. If it's only for benifit of the class, it would seem that a stick-on adheasive type sight may be availible. Last edited by Bill from Boomhower,; July 20, 2012 at 01:36 AM.

April 26, 2012, 02:13 PM	#2
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	HD, right? Unless you're taking it into combat, you don't really need any of that stuff, including the sights. A good, visible front bead is all you really need. Lots of info and opinions about HD shotguns on-line, read as many as you can find.

April 26, 2012, 03:25 PM	#3
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Your EYES are your rear sight - with shotguns you should be looking at your target, not the sights

April 26, 2012, 07:33 PM	#5
NYCShooter Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 2009 Posts: 103	For HD a bead is fastest, IMO. You might consider an XS Big Dot for better acquisition at night. When at the range, with slugs, I switch to a rifle sighted barrel, which I prefer to GR sights. A disadvantage of GR sights is that the rear sight is permanently installed on the receiver, preventing one from using other barrel/sight options.

April 26, 2012, 07:45 PM	#6
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	When it comes to HD, many think they need the latest video game version with all of the doodads on it. Do yourself a favor and measure the absolute longest straight line in your house you might have to shoot. In MY house, it is right at 52' - that is both bedroom doors open and from one end of the house to the other - that is all of 17 yards - at the MAX. Any shot would most likely be closer to 36' or 12 yards. At those distances, a quick bead sight will work just fine - in MY home as there is enough ambient lighting from outside and the "voltage vampires" or LEDs that glow in the dark. At 12 yards, the typical 00 buck from a C or IC choke barrel is going to be about 8-10 inches in diameter or half the width of most torsos. Don't over-think or over-accessorize to the point that the gun becomes so heavy you can't move to quickly to the target

April 26, 2012, 08:05 PM	#7
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	If you want a red dot, take some nail polish to the existing front bead.

April 27, 2012, 09:39 AM	#8
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	.

July 18, 2012, 06:29 AM	#13
LSnSC Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2010 Posts: 514	Go out and shoot a few with just the bead. You might be pleasantly suprised. I was. My 21" vent ribbed 870 will put 5 Remington Sluggers center mass on an IDPA target at 75 yds. If the bead doesnt work , the XS Express sights are a good option without getting too far away from how a shotgun is meant to be shot. http://www.xssights.com/index.php?nI...&pID=specialty

July 18, 2012, 10:19 AM	#14
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	How about inexpensive sights that mount on the barrel rib? http://www.midwayusa.com/product/671...tNumber=671251 __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

July 18, 2012, 01:19 PM	#15
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	I found a clamp on hi viz tube that slips over the barrel and fits in place against the bead. does wonders for old eyes and low light conditions and you can take it off and put it on another gun if you want. Not quite up to the gun with rifle sights or my scoped gun but it beats the plain bead all to heck and gone for me. This one for a shotgun with a rib. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/952...ble-lite-pipes They also have magnetic ones, mine is just a 3/4 ring of plastic that spreads apart and fits over the barrel, sorry I don't remember where I got it but its stood up to a lot of shooting in the last 6 or 7 years. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

July 23, 2012, 11:56 PM	#18
scottd913 Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2012 Location: Texas ... north of houston, east of el paso Posts: 214	if it all about shooting slugs at 50-100 yrds its not home defense

July 24, 2012, 12:12 AM	#19
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	You do realize the post was about what was recommended for a June self-defense class and here July is almost past. I wonder if the OP was actually signed up for a general tactical shotgun class.