The Mossberg 590 is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. However, the factory rear sight can leave some users wanting more, especially for precision shooting beyond close-quarters engagements. This guide delves into the world of Mossberg 590 rear sights, covering everything from understanding the factory setup to exploring aftermarket upgrades and essential adjustment techniques.
Understanding the Factory Rear Sight
The standard Mossberg 590 comes equipped with a simple bead sight. While functional for quick target acquisition at close range, this setup lacks the precision needed for longer-distance shots or more demanding shooting scenarios. The bead sight's limitations stem from its simplicity; it offers minimal sighting reference, making accurate shot placement challenging beyond a few yards. Many shooters find this inadequate for anything beyond home defense or close-range hunting.
Why Upgrade Your Mossberg 590 Rear Sight?
Upgrading your rear sight offers several significant advantages:
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Improved Accuracy: A ghost ring sight, adjustable ghost ring, or even a low-profile red dot sight dramatically improves accuracy at longer ranges. The clearer sight picture enables more precise shot placement.
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Faster Target Acquisition: While the bead sight is quick for close-range, improved sights can be even faster depending on the shooter and the style of sight. Ghost ring sights, for example, offer a bright, easily-acquired sight picture.
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Enhanced Versatility: An upgraded rear sight expands the shotgun's capabilities, making it suitable for a broader range of applications, such as sporting clays, hunting, or competitive shooting.
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Personalized Fit: Choosing an aftermarket sight allows for customization to suit your individual needs and shooting style.
Popular Mossberg 590 Rear Sight Upgrades
The market offers a variety of aftermarket rear sights for the Mossberg 590, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:
1. Ghost Ring Sights
Ghost ring sights are a popular choice among Mossberg 590 owners. These sights feature a large ring around a smaller post, providing a fast and intuitive sight picture that's easy to acquire, even under stress. They offer a significant improvement over the factory bead sight, enhancing both accuracy and speed.
2. Adjustable Ghost Ring Sights
These build on the standard ghost ring design by adding windage and elevation adjustments. This allows for precise zeroing of the shotgun to match your specific ammunition and shooting style, maximizing accuracy.
3. Low-Profile Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights are an increasingly popular option for shotguns, especially for close-quarters combat or fast-paced shooting situations. Their small size and low profile make them ideal for mounting on a shotgun, and the illuminated dot offers a quick and easy sight picture. Note that this often necessitates a rail system for mounting.
4. Fiber Optic Sights
Fiber optic sights utilize fiber optics to channel ambient light to the sight post, providing a bright and easily visible aiming point, particularly useful in low-light conditions. These can be found in various configurations, sometimes integrated with ghost rings.
Adjusting Your Mossberg 590 Rear Sight
Adjusting your rear sight, especially on adjustable models, is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy. The process typically involves adjusting windage (left and right) and elevation (up and down). Consult the specific instructions included with your chosen sight for detailed guidance. Generally, you'll use small adjustment screws to fine-tune your sight picture. This process often requires practice at the range to achieve a proper zero.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Mossberg 590's rear sight can significantly enhance its accuracy, versatility, and overall shooting experience. Carefully consider your shooting needs and preferences when selecting an aftermarket sight. With the right upgrade and proper adjustment, you'll unlock the full potential of your trusty Mossberg 590. Remember to always prioritize safety and practice responsible firearm handling.
