I have not been to Africa yet, but have plans to go several times between now & when I tip over.
I have about 20 African hunting video, mostly all good, some not so good. I am kind of a gun nut (not nearly as afflicted as others around here), so I find myself really looking at weapons of choice for clients & PH's alike (rewind and pause to look at certain rifles). There is definately one thing I noticed on all videos. Not one PH (that I noticed) has any type of big white bead/fiber optic bead, but I have noticed many clients' rifles wearing them.

So I got to thinking. Is it possible that these sites are just another "North American" gimmick?

I have the NECG flip-up white bead on my 375 H+H and I really like it (also wears a (QD)Vari XIII 1.76-6), the gold bead seems about perfect for my eyes.
I have the NECG hooded fiber optic bead on my new 458 Lott, dont like it so much (also wears a (QD)Leupold 2.5X). Bead is too big (for my eyes)for seeing smaller objects (propped up clay pigeons) much past 60 yards. I think I may change out to either a straight gold bead, or possibly the flip-up.

Whats your thoughts?

Thanks

Question:
Do you use above mentioned sites?

Choices:
Fiber optic
Flip-up white bead

Question:
If you answered yes to above

Choices:
Do you use only as back-up/trailing wounded nasties
Or do you use as primary site, when not using scope

 

Like you I had the fiber/red front sight and not so good for me, plus found that it does not take much of a bump to break it!! Of course you can break any of them, but little difficult to repair if needed. The flip up white bead is a useful one for me since I normally use 6 o'clock hold and overall size does not create a problem. The little bead w/ that folding front sight insert is a bit on the small side for my eyes. NECG's solid brass blade, which you can file to suit, is one I have been using lately on 9.3x62 w/ Lyman 48 rear is a good set up for iron sights or shallow express type as well.

I wished I had a flip-up night bead when we were chasing a problem elephant in the dark. I have a new .375 with fiber optic front bead which I will try now. Windowed hood to protect it (hopefully).

I have used fiber optics on air rifles and the like and they are much easier for me to pick up in low light than a fine bead, as you would expect.

I'm looking at them. The nice thing about having CZs is that the hood not only protects them, but gives a nice tunnel look with the cutout on top to get some light in. Consider a hood if you go that way.

Rich

Should add that I have a rifle with the H&H-style flip up and the night bead is nice but not really needed on that particular rifle.

I did not vote in the poll as you cannot select multiple answers.

quote:

Not one PH (that I noticed) has any type of big white bead/fiber optic bead,

That's because the turds can still see! Or in denial that they can't see.

I need a big white bead. It is plenty accurate for what I hunt.

I like the red fiber optic front sight and the windowed hood as I can see it well. But the hood dissapeared (I lost 2 hoods) then the fiber broke while shooting my .458 Lott, so despite my liking the bright red front site, I would not recommend it on a working rifle. I've not tried the flip up white bead but am curious to its durability. My presbiopia makes the front sight of a rifle blurry.
jpj3

Flip up white bead night sights are durable, if only because they live folded down most of their lives.

If you file a regular brass bead to a facet perpendicular to the bore, at about a 30* angle off vertical, with the low portion nearest the breach and the high side nearest the muzzles, you will find that it collects a whole lot more light than an an unfiled bead. Use a fine file and then a very fine emory board to polish.

I find the fiber optic sights require less diameter to achieve the same visibility as an unfiled brass bead, about the same as a filed bead.

The white flip ups obscur too much target for my taste.

JPK