The Road Test: HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight
The HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight promises to revolutionize your shotgun aiming experience, offering improved visibility and faster target acquisition. This aftermarket sight aims to provide a simple, cost-effective upgrade for both seasoned shooters and novices alike. It’s from HiViz, a company known for its fiber optic sights.
For years, I struggled with accurately aiming my shotgun, especially in low-light conditions while duck hunting at dawn. The factory bead sight was often difficult to see against dark backgrounds, leading to missed shots and frustration. I needed a solution that offered improved visibility without requiring permanent modifications to my beloved shotgun.
My first impression upon unboxing the HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight was positive. The lightweight polymer construction felt durable, and the bright fiber optic inserts were immediately noticeable. The magnetic base seemed strong enough to provide a secure attachment to the shotgun’s rib.
I considered the TruGlo Magnum Gobble-Dot and the Williams Gun Sight FireSight before choosing the HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight. The TruGlo required adhesive mounting, which I wanted to avoid. The Williams FireSight, while excellent, was more expensive and involved gunsmithing for proper installation. The HiViz sight offered the perfect balance of affordability, ease of installation, and enhanced visibility.
I was excited to test the HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight. I hoped it would solve my visibility issues and improve my accuracy in various lighting conditions. It felt like a simple and potentially transformative upgrade to my shotgun.
Real-World Testing: Putting HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight at my local shooting range and during a weekend dove hunting trip. The range provided a controlled environment to assess its accuracy and adjust my aiming technique. The dove hunt offered a real-world scenario to evaluate its performance in dynamic conditions.
The sight performed exceptionally well, even in challenging conditions. During the range session, the bright fiber optic helped me quickly acquire the target, regardless of the lighting. On the dove hunt, I used it during a light rain and the sight did not have issues,
I needed a few minutes to adjust my aiming point to compensate for the height of the HiViz sight. Once I made that adjustment, I was consistently hitting clay targets and doves. After the adjustment period, it was a seamless experience.
The only surprise was how easily the sight could be knocked off during the dove hunt when brushing against thick vegetation. It reinforced the need for a secure attachment method or careful handling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight has held up remarkably well. It has become a permanent fixture on my hunting shotgun. The fiber optic inserts remain bright, and the magnetic base is still strong.
There are minor cosmetic scratches on the polymer housing, but the sight functions perfectly. The magnet strength holds steady.
Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes any dirt or grime. No special maintenance is required.
The HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight significantly outperforms the factory bead sight in terms of visibility and target acquisition speed. I’m consistently hitting more targets, especially in low-light conditions. It has boosted my confidence and overall shooting experience.
Breaking Down the Features of HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight
Specifications
- The HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight features a polymer construction, making it lightweight and resistant to the elements. This ensures it won’t add unnecessary weight to your shotgun.
- It utilizes fiber optic inserts for enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions. These inserts gather ambient light, creating a bright aiming point.
- The sight attaches via a magnetic base, allowing for easy installation and removal without permanent modifications. This is incredibly convenient for switching between different sight options.
- It’s designed to fit ventilated ribs ranging from .165″-.562″, making it compatible with a wide range of shotgun models. This compatibility is a key selling point.
- The M-Series includes four LitePipes (2 green, 2 crimson), allowing customization of sight color. The ability to switch colors can be beneficial in different environments.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the sight’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The polymer construction keeps it lightweight. The fiber optics provide superior visibility, and the magnetic base offers convenient installation.
Performance & Functionality
The HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight excels at its primary function: improving visibility and speeding up target acquisition. The bright fiber optic stands out clearly against various backgrounds. It enables faster and more accurate aiming.
The main strength lies in its ease of installation and improved visibility. A minor weakness is the potential for the sight to be knocked off with rough handling.
It meets and exceeds my expectations. It has significantly improved my shooting accuracy and confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight features a simple, functional design. The polymer construction is lightweight and durable. It adds minimal weight to the shotgun.
The sight is user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
With reasonable care, the HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight should last for years. The polymer housing is resistant to impacts and the elements.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps it clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight comes with interchangeable LitePipes. They allow you to customize the sight color.
It is compatible with various HiViz LitePipe colors and sizes. No other major accessories exist for this sight.
It works well with any shotgun sling.
Pros and Cons of HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight
Pros
- Easy Installation: Attaches quickly and securely to the shotgun rib via a strong magnet. No gunsmithing required.
- Improved Visibility: The bright fiber optic inserts significantly enhance visibility in various lighting conditions, making target acquisition faster and easier.
- Cost-Effective: A relatively inexpensive upgrade compared to other sighting systems.
- Customizable: Interchangeable LitePipes allow you to choose your preferred sight color for optimal visibility in different environments.
- Lightweight: Polymer construction adds minimal weight to your shotgun, preserving its balance and handling characteristics.
Cons
- Potential for Knock-Off: The magnetic attachment, while convenient, can be dislodged if the sight comes into contact with vegetation or other objects.
- Limited Adjustment: The sight offers no elevation or windage adjustments, relying on the shooter’s technique for precise aiming.
Who Should Buy HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight?
- Perfect for: Hunters seeking improved visibility in low-light conditions. Also great for recreational shooters. It is ideal for those wanting a simple, affordable sight upgrade.
- Who should skip this product? Those requiring precise elevation or windage adjustments. Or, those who need an extremely rugged sight for harsh environments.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider a small tube of adhesive for a more permanent attachment (though it defeats the purpose of the magnetic base).
Conclusion on HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight
The HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight is a simple and effective upgrade. It significantly improves visibility and target acquisition. It’s a great option for hunters and recreational shooters alike.
The price is certainly justified, given the noticeable improvement in shooting performance. The cost is minimal.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their shotgun’s sighting system without breaking the bank or requiring permanent modifications.
Give the HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight a try. You will improve your shooting!