Rem 870 utilizing bead AND red dot

[jambulo]

I just bought a Remington 870 express mainly for HD, but will also be using it for fun(target practice, clay shooting). Anyone have a suggestion on a good set up to where I can run a red dot for clay shooting(long distance) while still being able to use the bead sight for HD(or close range)?

Option 1:
I was thinking a UTG/Leapers rail mount which is slightly raised to allow visibility of the bead as well as the red dot at the same time. No need to ever remove the red dot.
Leapers Rail Mount

Option 2:
Weaver rail mount, which is a much lower profile, along with some kind of raised front sight. Front sight has to be high enough to be seen over the Weaver rail. I'm thinking the sights on the ATI heat shield might be high enough. Will need to remove red dot in order to see the front sight.
Weaver Rail Mount
ATI Heat Shield with Ghost Ring Sights

[Synchronizor]

I've never seen anyone run a red-dot for clays.

Just pick up a normal vent-rib RemChoke barrel, and you'll be good to go. It'd probably be cheaper as well.

[nbk13nw]

I use a Burris Speedbead along with the supplied mount. This allows me to use the red dot and the bead together.

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[Kentactic]

yeah you deffinatly dont want a red dot for shooting clays. In my opinion which varies from many others, a red dot has no bussiness on a 12 gauge shotgun with a smooth bore under any circumstances.

[rythomas0704]

yeah you deffinatly dont want a red dot for shooting clays. In my opinion which varies from many others, a red dot has no bussiness on a 12 gauge shotgun with a smooth bore under any circumstances.

I agree. Kind of unneeded if you ask me. Not to mention you would have to get a VERY GOOD red dot... otherwise you will be zeroing that sight... alot. LOL

In my opinion it takes less time to acquire with my bead then it would a red dot. Only time you should have an optic on your 12 ga is if you are building a slug gun with a rifled barrel, shooting only Sabot Slugs for hunting. Even then I wouldn't use an optic. I used to hunt with a Moss 20ga with a rifled barrel and only used the rifle sights.... I rolled plenty of white tail with that bastard.

[Kentactic]

Exactly. Deer/Dedicated slug gun or no red dot. Even then its not required.

[rythomas0704]

Only reason I could see a red dot needed is for the elderly or poor sighted. If you cant bag a deer from 100 yards with a slug gun with rifle sights you shouldn't be hunting let alone shooting. You need to master the basics first.

[jambulo]

I ended up going with option 1. Picked up a UTG rail and a cheap UAG red dot sight. I've brought the gun to the range twice already, and probably shot about 70 rounds through it. The sight actually held up better than expected. I really only had to readjust it once. Still not sure if I'll be leaving the red dot on.

[Kentactic]

... shot about 70 rounds through it. The sight actually held up better than expected. I really only had to readjust it once. Still not sure if I'll be leaving the red dot on.

That would mean id have to adjust it 3-4 times every time i trained with my 870.

"Cheap" and Optic never mix well brother. Plus your paying more to make your shotgun less effective.

[rythomas0704]

..."Cheap" and Optic never mix well brother. Plus your paying more to make your shotgun less effective.

I fully agree with you here. When you are buying an optic, for ANY firearm, you should never pinch pennies. Why sacrifice quality and reliability when an optic's goal is to insure that hit your target every time?