Taller beads for short shotguns?

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ichbins

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I have a 14" 870 Wingmaster with a standard bead on it. Like all of these shorties, it shoots way high (at least 1ft at 25yd) when sighting over the bead, because there is no rib, the muzzle is a fair bit below the top of the receiver, and the barrel is short.

I've been looking for taller beads but they seem to be a rare commodity. The only one I've found is the XS Big Dot sight which apparently is glued over the standard bead. It's 55 USD + shipping from brownells which is a bit excessive for a shotgun front sight in my mind. Especially since I'd be quite happy with a plain old brass or ivory bead that doesn't glow in the dark. I also had a look at those snap-on plastic ones, but they seem really flimsy and cheap.

Has anyone found an alternative big or tall front sight that would be available in Canada?
 
I have this on the way for my 870 from Brownells. For 5.55$ its worth a try... also ordered so Hi-Viz to try out.

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I looked at a few different options and ended up going with the XS Big Dot. Not concerned about the Tritium, at least, isn't really a feature for me. It does provide a nice, easy to pick up aim point in any light conditions, though, and once installed, fits nice and clean against the barrel.

As far as "glueing" - I used Gorrila Glue 2-part epoxy, and the Big Dot "clipped" quite snugly onto the bead, the epoxy was under the category of "suspenders and a belt".

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Thanks. That fibre optic one looks like it would get snagged a bit too easily. Guess I'll have to bite the bullet and order the big dot after all.

By the way, nice leather shell holder! Is that home made?
 
ichbins said:
Thanks. That fibre optic one looks like it would get snagged a bit too easily. Guess I'll have to bite the bullet and order the big dot after all.

By the way, nice leather shell holder! Is that home made?
Click to expand...

Picked it up off an eBay seller from the Ukraine, err, I guess he's in Russia now, but didn't change his address. He has tons of nice quality leather for 1/2 or less (even after shipping) what you'll pay from anyone in Canada. IM if you want a link.
 
You can buy a pedestal from Brownells for cheap but then you have to silver solder it to the barrel or I guess you could try a metal epoxy of some sort.
It would allow you to try different beads.

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