870 Deer Gun - Sight Options ?

[ABL1111]

I have a late 1950's 870 Wingmaster BDL with a newer 18" rifled barrel ( gun and all barrels are MINT ). Just shot a nice buck this past weekend with it but realized I could not see the front sight well at all ! The current sights are white and small. I'm in the over 50 YO crowd ( don't know how it happened - it just did !? ) so, my eyes ain't what they used to be. My love hunting is still that of a 16 year old !

I've researched a bit and have come up with (3) companies who make a glowing type sight set up that directly replace my current sights. I've decided against a ghost ring.

- TruGlow TG110W
- Williams 56530
- Meprolight Tritium for 870

My questions:

Are these style a good option for a slug rifle for deer ?
will they help with getting a better sight of my target ?
Anyone have personal experience with these (3) and or any other manufacturers - and want to weigh in ?

Thanks...

[ChillyB]

I suppose depends on your shooting distance. My slug barrel has factory tritiums, they're pretty coarse for 100 yards but that's further than I'd shoot with my slugs anyhow.

Have you considered mounting an optic? A low power scope or even a red dot might be something to consider. Trick is to mount as low as possible so it still fits decently.

[ABL1111]

Want to keep it simple. I have rifles with scopes, but for me, I like a shotgun to be streamlined - open sights. I would probably never shoot anything past 60-70 yards with iron sights.

[ChillyB]

I agree about liking a slick 870.

My tritium sights are XS. The front has white circle around the lamp, and it stands out pretty well.

[Scorpion8]

...I like a shotgun to be streamlined - open sights.

Does your rifled barrel have a blade or bead-type front sight? I use those magnetic HiViz front sights with interchangeable light pipes, like this (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1005835132?pid=999691) on some of my shotgun barrels and it shows up very well in fading light. Plus the different color light pipes let you pick and choose what works best for your eyes (green for me, and I'm 60).

[ABL1111]

The front is the blade type held in place with a dovetail. I’ve never used a rifle/shotgun with the glow sights - would be nice to check out which colors and combinations my eyes like.

Chilly - what brand sights are you using ?

[ChillyB]

XS brand.

[ChillyB]

Not 100% sure about rear, but front has XS logo embossed on front. My rear sight looks like a standard Remmy rear iron but with a dot on either side of notch. I like the rear that comes with this XS set better.

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[Scorpion8]

The front is the blade type held in place with a dovetail.

You can get replacement front blades that have the lite pipe built in also. It makes a very effective front aiming point.

[ABL1111]

It'd be nice to have the rear sight have (2) sides lit up. My stock rear sight has a small white arrow in the center - I can barely see it.

In the front, I have the one small white dot facing me. Can barely see that. The one thing the gun does have is a natural aiming feel. You get the stock to your cheek and it lines up the sights pretty well.

I do not want to block my line of sight. I think it would be nice to have the rear sights be lit up on each side and the front lit up - all small 'lights'. I think green would work for me.