slick 12.5" 870 build: ghost rings or XS Big Dot bead?

[jlomein]

Had a Grizzly with red dot and AR stock. While fun, it felt a little impractical for a shotgun.

Now I want a 12.5" Wingmaster and send it to Casey at TacOrd for a slick, snag free, no frills build. I asked about XS Big Dot bead sights. He can order them but doesn't keep them in stock, which makes me think they aren't popular.

Will I have trouble running the Big Dot on a short 12.5" barrel at distance? I know it was optimally designed for an 18.5" barrel. Never used a bead sight, but I've heard they're faster, especially on moving targets, lending to its popularity in shooting sports and hunting.

With ghost rings I've heard its easier to shoot at distance, and elevation/windage can be adjusted for your ammo. I also assume having a rear aperture helps to sight in when in awkward shooting positions where you may not get a proper cheek.

Anyone used both a standard bead and XS Big Dot on short barrels and found the Big Dot too big? Any opinions on the Big Dot versus ghost rings?

 

[supernova]

While I can't comment on the size of the big dot I am looking for one. Did Casey give you a price? FWIW I'm starting to like a bead for up close shooting over ghost ring. For longer shots I still prefer GRS but my current bush gun is bead only.

 

[jlomein]

His prices may change over time but he currently quoted me $70 to order in the Big Dot sight, and $20 installation plus tax.

Brownells is a little cheaper if you can install it yourself. I'm having the Wingmaster refinished so I figure I can pay Casey for a pro install.

 

[Greenhorse six]

You might also have a look at Meprolight tru dot for a night sight big bead.

 

[supernova]

But where do you get them?

You might also have a look at Meprolight tru dot for a night sight big bead.

 

[freddyfour]

I have a XS big dot on my 14"er, I really like it. I also had a set of Wilson combat GRS that I thought about putting on instead and now I'm glad I went with the XS! But I am also more familiar with shooting bead sights then GRS.

 

[johNTO]

IMO short SG's only need a bead sight....that said they do look BAD A$$ with GR sights

 

[Greenhorse six]

But where do you get them?

Brownells

 

[supernova]

I was under the impression ITAR restricted the export of tritium sights? Id be happy to be wrong on this one though.

Brownells

 

[freddyfour]

Nope, I ordered my XS big dot from them (tritium inserts)

 

[Greenhorse six]

I was under the impression ITAR restricted the export of tritium sights? Id be happy to be wrong on this one though.

Be happy,as long as the maker is licensed for export and your order is under.....what ever the limit is now you're good to go.

 

[MrSchultz]

awesome shotty! I just don't think that stock belongs on it. where does one find a mag tube for a 12" barrel? I'd like to start a 12" build.

 

[badboybeeson]

awesome shotty! I just don't think that stock belongs on it. where does one find a mag tube for a 12" barrel? I'd like to start a 12" build.

All standard 870 have a 12.5 inch mag tube

 

[MrSchultz]

All standard 870 have a 12.5 inch mag tube

that makes sense, thank you

 

[Samson23]

I have fiber optic ghost rings on my 14" Fabarm and love them.