Dear Guys,
When I spoke of really large groups at 50 yards from using a shotgun with a bead front sight only, I was speaking from personal experience and observation. Over the years, I have tried three different shotguns with front bead only and foster slugs, and I continually got terrible groups at 50 yards. My comment about trash can size was definitely an overstatement, for which I apologize, but my groups were generally 12 to 14 inch big, with no real consistency.
I think that maybe I just have a cheekbone that cannot consistenty settle into the exact shooting position every time, and get the same sight picture every time, with just a front shotgun bead. I was also using 12 gauge, and maybe the big time recoil from the bench was also playing a big part. I have seen the exact same results, year after year, from other guys trying to shoot slugs from their 12 gauges, with front bead only, at the range.
So, in my hands, and certainly in the hands of the people I have seen at the range, the bead only sight would be a horrific wounder. I realize, of course, that other people may not have the same experience and may be able to get a more consistent cheek weld. The bead only system may also work better with a 20 gauge, which certainly has sufficient power. (I just don't own one.)
So I guess you are right. Perhaps he should take his shotgun out to the range first and see how well the bead only system works for him form the bench!
I like the scope, though, because with the rifled slug barrel and sabots, you have a good 100 yard rig. In places with very heavy woods, however, I can see how this may not matter much.
Best Regards,
Big Paulie