Big Bird
03-11-2011, 07:20
I was fixing up an old 870 express and researching installing some ghost ring sights... I considered doing it myself as I have a drill press and a killer set of taps/dies and torches. Plus I build 4 or 5 flintlock guns a year. But it takes time and a perhaps a jig
As I called around I found most people wanted quite a bit to install a pair of ghost rings.
I looked on Wilson's web-page and saw they charge $140 which includes the cost of the sight (Tritium front but not rear--you can get the tritium rear for another $20)! Also add $20 for return ship.
That was less than half what their nearest competitor charged!
So I called and asked if that was correct and they verified it was... I inquired as to time to delivery and the lady I spoke with said 4-6 weeks but probably sooner.
So I boxed up the receiver and barrel and sent it to Wilson's via USPS for about $12. I got an e-mail and phone call confirming they got the gun the next week.
Three weeks later I got a call and an e-mail letting me know the work was done and the gun was shipped vis UPS and to my home. A few days later the Brown Truck of Happiness came by and I was required to sign for the package--they would not leave it on the stoop.
The work was as one would expect from Wilson--first rate. I took the gun to the farm last weekend and the sights were spot on at 25 yards with buckshot and slugs.
A couple of things--I didn't get this gun refinished and they told me the barrel will have some marks on it and need to be refinished. My gun is going off to Birdsong's for a Black T finish anyhow. But I will tell you the tool marks on the barrel from the front sight install are very minor--the finish is rubbed off on either side of the barrel just behind the sight and two very small lines--maybe 3/8 long. You could easily put a little cold blue on it and never knwo the difference. Or just leave it alone. As I said--its barely noticable. Certainly not worth the cost of refinishing unless you are just SUPER anal about a few minor marks.
One of the criticisms of the Wilson Sights are the front sight is only epoxied on. Not true. On a Remington barrel with a bead base the epoxy the sight AND drill a hole through the sight base and the bead base and pin it to the barrel as well. I had an original Scattergun Tech border patrol model back in the early 90s and never had a problem with this sight and they only used epoxy back then--no pin. But with the pin there's no way this sight is going anywhere.
One of the other criticisms is the sights aren't protected with "wings"... Folks, these are NOT delicate sights. They are VERY robust and rugged. If you manage to damage these sights you would have damaged ANY sights. These are rugged and simple sights--which is a quality unto itself.
I had great service and can highly recommend Wilson Combat if you are looking for a set of ghost rings. Communication was superb and service was faster than quoted.
As I called around I found most people wanted quite a bit to install a pair of ghost rings.
I looked on Wilson's web-page and saw they charge $140 which includes the cost of the sight (Tritium front but not rear--you can get the tritium rear for another $20)! Also add $20 for return ship.
That was less than half what their nearest competitor charged!
So I called and asked if that was correct and they verified it was... I inquired as to time to delivery and the lady I spoke with said 4-6 weeks but probably sooner.
So I boxed up the receiver and barrel and sent it to Wilson's via USPS for about $12. I got an e-mail and phone call confirming they got the gun the next week.
Three weeks later I got a call and an e-mail letting me know the work was done and the gun was shipped vis UPS and to my home. A few days later the Brown Truck of Happiness came by and I was required to sign for the package--they would not leave it on the stoop.
The work was as one would expect from Wilson--first rate. I took the gun to the farm last weekend and the sights were spot on at 25 yards with buckshot and slugs.
A couple of things--I didn't get this gun refinished and they told me the barrel will have some marks on it and need to be refinished. My gun is going off to Birdsong's for a Black T finish anyhow. But I will tell you the tool marks on the barrel from the front sight install are very minor--the finish is rubbed off on either side of the barrel just behind the sight and two very small lines--maybe 3/8 long. You could easily put a little cold blue on it and never knwo the difference. Or just leave it alone. As I said--its barely noticable. Certainly not worth the cost of refinishing unless you are just SUPER anal about a few minor marks.
One of the criticisms of the Wilson Sights are the front sight is only epoxied on. Not true. On a Remington barrel with a bead base the epoxy the sight AND drill a hole through the sight base and the bead base and pin it to the barrel as well. I had an original Scattergun Tech border patrol model back in the early 90s and never had a problem with this sight and they only used epoxy back then--no pin. But with the pin there's no way this sight is going anywhere.
One of the other criticisms is the sights aren't protected with "wings"... Folks, these are NOT delicate sights. They are VERY robust and rugged. If you manage to damage these sights you would have damaged ANY sights. These are rugged and simple sights--which is a quality unto itself.
I had great service and can highly recommend Wilson Combat if you are looking for a set of ghost rings. Communication was superb and service was faster than quoted.