The ball, rifle sights or ghost rig? Do the sights have a distinct advantage over the brass bead at longer ranges? Most shot guns I have shot have the brass bead, but I have shot with rifle sights on a few occasions… I am not sure what I really want since the bead is all I know
I am torn between ball and rifle sights. It looks like I have the opportunity to pick up a used 870p at a really good price, but it has the ball sight.
My thoughts are to get it and if the sights dont work out, buy a 18.5" barrel with rifle sights.
Get ghost rings. I have the barrel mounted rifle sights on my personal gun and they are better than the bead but slower to pick up than ghost rings. The barrel mounted sights also have a very short sight radius. Our work guns all have ghost rings and they are the best as far as iron sights go for a stompy. I don’t think you’ll find anyone that would recommend the barrel mounted sights over ghost rings.
The bead is great for clays and birds and Germans back in 1917.
What is the shotgun going to be used for? I installed a rail on top of my 870’s receiver and mounted a Primary Arms micro dot on it. I use it mostly for 3 gun matches, the dot is fast and holds zero, even shooting slugs.
If you want iron’s I would probably recommend Ghost Rings.
I drilled and tapped it, measure twice drill once. I think I bought the rail piece from Brownells along with the tap and screws.
I don’t have any pics here with me but here is a video from my first 3 gun match. Just remember, it was my first match, I did much better running the shotgun the next few times.
Running any type of optic on your shotgun, in a 3gun match , puts you in OPEN. And running a pump in OPEN is the best way to come in last.
If you are serious about 3gun your gunna have to get a SA. M2, SLP, 1100 or a 930 with 21"- 24" barrel are all good choices. Extended magtubes also.
Shell caddies are also a must. Learn how to weakhand reload from the belt, and practice the reload about a million times.
Sights on SG? Depends on use.
I do ok with a ghost-ring (Benelli M4 and FN SLP) for 3-gun and “combat” type application.
If shooting flying clays, the bead works better.
I find that the ghost ring is the best compromise for me, as my shotgun is simply a toy. I have no intention of going to the shotgun except as a last resort before emptying the dishwasher at the night bump.
For me, optics are out as they raise my head too far off the stock and I don’t use them in competition as I don’t want to get bumped to “open”.
You will looooooooooose a match if you try to shoot like that.
I installed scattergun tech Ghost right on My 870 and I find that it is easier to Pick targets for me and the green Glow of the front sight is great for low light