Getting My Hands on the HiViz Turkey Sight
Turkey hunting is a tradition passed down through generations in my family. And for the past decade, I’ve taken pride in honing my skills, understanding turkey behavior, and, most importantly, ensuring an ethical and successful hunt. I always believed in using the best gear to enhance my accuracy. That’s why I was eager to try the HiViz Turkey Sight to improve my aim in the field.
I was looking for a sight system that would offer enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions. The factory bead sight on my old shotgun simply wasn’t cutting it anymore. I wanted something that would allow for quicker target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially during those crucial early morning or late evening hunts. The promise of fiber optic technology and a fully adjustable rear sight immediately caught my attention.
The HiViz Turkey Sight arrived in simple, functional packaging. Upon opening it, I was immediately impressed by the brightness of the fiber optic elements. The green was incredibly vibrant, even in indoor lighting, and the sight felt surprisingly robust for its size. The materials felt durable, and the overall build quality seemed solid, especially considering the price point.
I considered a few other options before settling on the HiViz Turkey Sight. TruGlo makes some excellent fiber optic sights, as does Williams Gun Sight. Ultimately, I chose HiViz due to its reputation for quality and the specific design of their turkey sight. It promised easy adjustability and a low profile, which were key features for me.
My first impression was definitely one of excitement. I couldn’t wait to get it mounted on my shotgun and see how it performed in the field. The vibrant green color of the fiber optics and the adjustability features gave me hope that this would be the upgrade I needed to bag more birds consistently.
Real-World Testing: Putting HiViz Turkey Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the HiViz Turkey Sight was a local shooting range specializing in shotgun patterning. I mounted the sight on my 12-gauge Remington 870, carefully following the instructions provided. I tested the sight at varying distances (20, 30, and 40 yards) to get a feel for its performance.
The weather conditions during my first range session were partly cloudy with a slight drizzle. The HiViz Turkey Sight truly shined in these less-than-ideal conditions. The fiber optics gathered ambient light exceptionally well, providing a bright and clear sight picture, even against a dark backdrop. The vibrant green dot stood out vividly, making target acquisition significantly faster and easier compared to my old bead sight.
Using the HiViz Turkey Sight was incredibly intuitive. The windage and elevation adjustments were straightforward and precise, allowing me to quickly zero in my shotgun for my preferred turkey load. I appreciated the low profile design, which didn’t interfere with my cheek weld or overall handling of the firearm.
The only minor issue I encountered was the hex head screw mounting system required a little fiddling to get perfectly aligned. But it was resolved quickly, and once secured, the sight held firm throughout the entire range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the HiViz Turkey Sight has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my turkey hunting setup. I’ve taken it on multiple hunts in various weather conditions, including early morning frost, heavy rain, and bright sunlight. The sight has consistently performed well in all situations.
The HiViz Turkey Sight has shown minimal signs of wear and tear despite being exposed to the elements. The fiber optic elements remain bright and the mounting system has held up without any loosening or shifting. I also appreciate that the sight is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a quick wipe down after each use to remove any dirt or debris.
Compared to my previous experience with a standard bead sight, the HiViz Turkey Sight is a significant upgrade. It has dramatically improved my accuracy and confidence in the field, resulting in cleaner, more ethical harvests. The enhanced visibility and adjustability make it a standout performer, far surpassing my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of HiViz Turkey Sight
Specifications
The HiViz Turkey Sight is designed specifically for turkey shotguns with ventilated ribs. HiViz offers two models to accommodate different rib widths: Model TS2002 fits vent ribs .165 – .315 inches, while Model TS1002 fits vent ribs .315 – .385 inches. The sight itself is constructed from durable materials, including steel and high-quality fiber optics.
The fiber optics are the key to the sight’s enhanced visibility, gathering ambient light to create a bright, easy-to-see aiming point. The rear sight is fully adjustable for both windage and elevation, allowing shooters to fine-tune their accuracy with different loads and distances. The low profile design is crucial for maintaining a comfortable cheek weld and preventing interference with the shooter’s line of sight.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the shooter’s ability to accurately and effectively target turkeys. The correct fit ensures secure mounting, while the adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing. The fiber optic technology ensures that the sight is visible in a wide range of lighting conditions, improving the chances of a successful hunt.
Performance & Functionality
The HiViz Turkey Sight performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It dramatically improves target acquisition speed and accuracy compared to traditional bead sights. The bright fiber optic elements make it easy to acquire a clear sight picture, even in low-light conditions. The adjustability of the rear sight allows shooters to fine-tune their point of impact for optimal performance with their preferred turkey load.
The main strength of the HiViz Turkey Sight is its enhanced visibility. The fiber optics make it significantly easier to see the aiming point, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The adjustability of the rear sight is also a major advantage, allowing for precise zeroing. One potential weakness is the hex head screw mounting system, which can be a little fiddly during initial installation.
The HiViz Turkey Sight exceeds my expectations in terms of performance and functionality. It has proven to be a reliable and effective tool for improving my accuracy and confidence while turkey hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The HiViz Turkey Sight features a sleek and functional design. The low profile ensures that it doesn’t interfere with the shooter’s cheek weld or overall handling of the shotgun. The materials used are durable and lightweight, adding minimal weight to the firearm. The fiber optic elements are well-protected from damage, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The sight is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve. The windage and elevation adjustments are easy to make, and the overall design is intuitive and straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The HiViz Turkey Sight is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. I expect it to provide many years of reliable service with proper care.
The sight is easy to maintain and repair. A simple wipe down after each use is typically all that is needed to keep it in good condition. Replacement fiber optic elements are readily available should they ever need to be replaced.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HiViz Turkey Sight typically comes as a standalone unit. There are no included accessories, which keeps the price point accessible. However, the sight is compatible with a wide range of turkey chokes and aftermarket accessories for the shotgun itself.
While the HiViz Turkey Sight doesn’t directly offer customization, the ability to adjust windage and elevation provides a crucial form of personalized adjustment. Users can further customize their shotgun setup with different chokes and loads to optimize performance in conjunction with the HiViz sight. This level of adaptability makes the sight a versatile tool for any serious turkey hunter.
Pros and Cons of HiViz Turkey Sight
Pros
- Enhanced Visibility: The fiber optic elements provide a bright and clear aiming point, even in low-light conditions.
- Adjustability: The fully adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing for different loads and distances.
- Durable Construction: The sight is made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting.
- Easy to Install: The mounting system is straightforward and simple, allowing for quick and easy installation.
- Affordable Price: The HiViz Turkey Sight offers excellent performance at a reasonable price point.
Cons
- Hex Head Screws: The hex head screw mounting system can be a little fiddly during initial installation.
- Limited Customization: There are limited options for further customization beyond the windage and elevation adjustments.
Who Should Buy HiViz Turkey Sight?
The HiViz Turkey Sight is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who are looking to improve their accuracy and confidence in the field. It is especially beneficial for hunters who frequently hunt in low-light conditions or who have difficulty seeing traditional bead sights.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who prefer using red dot sights or scopes, or those who require more advanced customization options. Someone who hunts exclusively in bright sunlight might not find the fiber optic advantage as significant.
A must-have accessory to pair with the HiViz Turkey Sight would be a high-quality turkey choke designed for tight patterns at various distances. Experimenting with different turkey loads will further enhance the performance of the sight and shotgun combination.
Conclusion on HiViz Turkey Sight
Overall, the HiViz Turkey Sight is an excellent upgrade for any turkey hunter looking to improve their accuracy and success rate. The enhanced visibility, adjustability, and durable construction make it a standout performer at an affordable price.
The value proposition is excellent. For under $20, you get a sight that dramatically improves target acquisition and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions.
I would personally recommend the HiViz Turkey Sight to any turkey hunter looking for a simple, effective, and affordable way to improve their shooting. It’s a game-changer that will give you the edge you need to bag more birds this season. So, ditch that old bead sight and step up your game with the HiViz Turkey Sight! You won’t regret it.