The Remington 870 shotgun is a legendary firearm, renowned for its reliability and versatility. But even a classic needs upgrades, and one common modification is replacing or enhancing the rear sight. This guide delves into everything you need to know about Remington 870 rear sights, from understanding their importance to choosing the right one for your needs.
Why Upgrade Your Remington 870 Rear Sight?
The factory-installed rear sight on many Remington 870s is often basic, sometimes even absent. This can significantly impact accuracy, particularly at longer ranges. Upgrading your rear sight offers several key advantages:
- Improved Accuracy: A better sight allows for more precise aiming, leading to tighter shot groups. This is particularly crucial for hunting or competitive shooting.
- Enhanced Visibility: Many aftermarket sights offer improved visibility in low-light conditions or against various backgrounds. Features like fiber optic inserts or ghost ring designs greatly enhance target acquisition.
- Increased Durability: Factory sights can sometimes be made of less durable materials. Aftermarket sights are often constructed from more robust materials, capable of withstanding recoil and harsh conditions.
- Customization: Upgrading your rear sight allows you to personalize your Remington 870, adapting it to your specific shooting style and preferences. There's a wide variety of sights available, offering different heights, profiles, and sighting systems.
Types of Remington 870 Rear Sights
The market offers a wide range of rear sights compatible with the Remington 870, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:
1. Bead Sights
- Description: These are the simplest type, consisting of a single bead mounted on the receiver. They're inexpensive and easy to install.
- Pros: Simple, cost-effective, easy installation.
- Cons: Limited accuracy at longer ranges, can be difficult to see in low-light conditions. Good for close-range shooting only.
2. Ghost Ring Sights
- Description: Feature a large, circular rear aperture and a front sight post. The large aperture provides a fast sight picture, ideal for quick target acquisition.
- Pros: Fast target acquisition, excellent for low-light conditions, improved accuracy compared to bead sights.
- Cons: Can be slightly more expensive than bead sights.
3. Fiber Optic Sights
- Description: Utilize fiber optic rods to enhance visibility. These rods gather and amplify ambient light, making the sight picture much brighter and easier to see.
- Pros: Exceptional visibility in low-light conditions, very bright and easy to acquire, suitable for both close and mid-range shooting.
- Cons: Can be more fragile than other sight types. The bright fiber optic can be distracting in extremely bright sunlight.
4. Adjustable Sights
- Description: Allow for windage and elevation adjustments. This is crucial for precise zeroing and compensating for different ammunition types or shooting distances.
- Pros: Precise zeroing capability, adaptability to various shooting conditions and ammunition.
- Cons: More complex installation and adjustment; more expensive than fixed sights.
Choosing the Right Remington 870 Rear Sight
Selecting the appropriate rear sight depends on several factors:
- Your Shooting Style: Are you primarily a close-range shooter, or do you need accuracy at longer distances?
- Shooting Environment: Do you often shoot in low-light conditions?
- Budget: Prices range significantly across different sight types.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best sight is the one that you find most comfortable and effective.
Installation and Adjustment
Installing a Remington 870 rear sight is relatively straightforward, though the exact process varies depending on the specific sight. Most installations involve removing the existing sight (if any) and attaching the new one using screws or other mounting mechanisms. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions for detailed guidance.
Adjusting the sight involves changing its windage (left-right) and elevation (up-down) to achieve accurate zeroing. This typically requires adjusting screws on the sight itself. Practice and careful adjustment are key to obtaining optimal accuracy.
Conclusion: Enhancing Your Remington 870
Upgrading your Remington 870 rear sight can significantly improve your shooting experience. By carefully considering the different sight types and selecting the one best suited to your needs, you can enhance accuracy, visibility, and overall performance. Remember to prioritize safety and always follow proper gun handling procedures when installing or adjusting any firearm components.