Dialed in my 8.5 bear stopper today....very happy

[Outcast]

So I decided to head to the range today and dial in my 8.5 Grizzly with the new Bushnell TRS-25. Even though it was raining and a little chilly I toughed it out and banged away with the little beast. Took four rounds to dial it in, pretty painless really. First round was at the right level but 6 inches to the right at 25 yards. couple more rounds and a few turns of the dial and she was bang on. Took a couple pics of the finished product and the target which was shot at 30 yards. This is all I need for my main pack gun and bear stopper. I've done a few 10KM hikes with this hanging at my side on the single point and you dont even know its there... very happy with the set up.

8.5 Grizzly, Urbino stock, oversized safety, no jam high viz follower, 870 top rail, Bushnell TRS-25, ambi single point sling attachment, and MS3 Sling. My build is complete.

This target was shot at 30 yards standing unsupported 4 rounds in about 4-5 seconds...basically what I think I would have in a bad day bear encounter.

 

[canucklehead]

Very cool - the nicest 8.5" setup I've seen!

Personally, I would go with a good set of irons over a red dot for a bear gun, but that's just personal preference. I don't like trusting my life to 'inexpensive' optics.

How long did it take you to paint the nice watercolour artwork?

 

[Outcast]

Very cool - the nicest 8.5" setup I've seen!

Personally, I would go with a good set of irons over a red dot for a bear gun, but that's just personal preference. I don't like trusting my life to 'inexpensive' optics.

How long did it take you to paint the nice watercolour artwork?

Ya my painting skills are not that good, my wife would attest to that.

 

[muscles1000]

Nice hipster target.

I like the results as far as the grouping goes but have to agree with the above poster, a proper set of irons, perhaps ghost rings, if they can be found and installed for a good price would be my choice when under stress.

EDIT: it is a really nice looking gun, by the way. Very cool!

 

[Outcast]

Nice hipster target.

I like the results as far as the grouping goes but have to agree with the above poster, a proper set of irons, perhaps ghost rings, if they can be found and installed for a good price would be my choice when under stress.

Oh I dont know, it seems pretty easy to put a red dot on your target and squeeze...I run red dots and various other illuninated sights at work and thats been working for nearly 20 years.

 

[supernova]

I thought you meant grizzly or black bears, you could take that guy down with a couple well placed shots from a .22. Just sayin...

 

[canucklehead]

Oh I dont know, it seems pretty easy to put a red dot on your target and squeeze...I run red dots and various other illuninated sights at work and thats been working for nearly 20 years.

No doubt a red dot is 'quicker' and easier... but it's a little more 'snaggy' and easy to damage. Plus you better make sure that dot is on alllll the time. I like my predator shotgun to be as low profile as possible.

Where did your score the Urbino stock? How do you like it compared to a standard speedfeed pistol grip stock?

 

[Outcast]

The urbino I picked up at wolverine supplies... And I love it. The length of pull is perfect for me, and the general ergonomics are great. Nice tight fit of the hand in the pistol grip. Best stock I've had on a shorty yet.

 

[River runner]

Looks great! I know how you feel.... the last piece for my camp defence/ hiking short barrel 12 guage just arrived yesterday. My build is now complete and ready to go!

 

[MetalMike]

Dang that is one short bear cannon... nice stock. I like that bushnell trs too, good optic for a good price. Durable too.

 

[ARmike]

Where did you get your top rail from and what make? Is that the mesa tactical pic rail?

 

[Outcast]

It's a rail I bought from S&J hardware made specifically for the 870. Had a smith drill and tap the receiver and mount it up.

 

[hkr]

Looking good. Does the single point sling keep the gun from moving around and getting in the way? I am considering a similar setup for my 8.5 grizzly for hiking and as a way to keep it close at hand when dressing game in bear country, but don't have any experience with single points.

 

[Outcast]

Looking good. Does the single point sling keep the gun from moving around and getting in the way? I am considering a similar setup for my 8.5 grizzly for hiking and as a way to keep it close at hand when dressing game in bear country, but don't have any experience with single points.

Standing or walking I find its not an issue, but if your kneeling, bending over hands on something you might find it bothersome as it would likely keep sliding/falling forward from your side. The good thing about the MS3 sling is you can go from single point (when hiking) to a two point (when working on game) so it can be slung across your back, as long as you have two points to attach.

 

[hkr]

That makes sense, would be nice to have the two options. I'll keep that in mind for attachment points on this build.

Do you know what the battery life is supposed to be on that red dot? Been searching but can't find it.

 

[Rick911]

The optic is useless on a 8.5 barrel.

Bead sight is also much faster.

My opinion.

Besides this its perfect.

 

[Cyanide Ride]

Nice setup, I am finding the ability to resist buying one becoming harder and harder!.

 

[farmer47]

That makes sense, would be nice to have the two options. I'll keep that in mind for attachment points on this build.

Do you know what the battery life is supposed to be on that red dot? Been searching but can't find it.

i do not know what the life of the battery is supposed to be but i have a similar red dot and i have owned it for two months and replaced the battery already . the control switch on the side does not work either . really not impressed at all . it will let you down just when you need it the most in my opinion.

 

[Outcast]

i do not know what the life of the battery is supposed to be but i have a similar red dot and i have owned it for two months and replaced the battery already . the control switch on the side does not work either . really not impressed at all . it will let you down just when you need it the most in my opinion.

Do you have a "similar" optic or a Bushnell TRS25? Because everyone I've spoken to who has run thousands of rounds through their shotguns has nothing but good things to say.

Ultracompact for fast target acquisition
Ideal for plinking, turkey hunting or tactical uses
3-MOA dot
Tested in heavy-recoiling rifles
A nonmagnifying, ultracompact red-dot sight engineered for fast acquisition on close-in targets. Ideal for plinking, turkey hunting or tactical applications, it has a 3-MOA dot and will stand up to heavy-recoiling rifles and shotguns. Recoil-tested in rifles up to .375 H&H. 3,000-hour battery life. Weaver-rail-compatible.

 

[Outcast]

The optic is useless on a 8.5 barrel.

Bead sight is also much faster.

My opinion.

Besides this its perfect.

Ya that group I shot at 30 yards unsupported Is pretty Sh!tty... I'll rely on a messed up bead sight on a short barrel. You stick with your set up, and I'll happily stay with mine.