I have been trying to get the Longbeards to work in my 870 but they were shooting high. I bought a Williams Firesight set to put on and cleaned the barrel really good like someone on here suggested and it made a difference in grouping POI and grouping size. I think I ended up shooting about 9 times Saturday but was tickled with the outcome. I have been using the Kick's Gobblin Thunder (.655) with Winchester Extended Range #5's and #6's with equally good results. For some reason the Longbeards, in either #5's or #6's did not do as well through it, even tried 3" and 3.5" with no better results. But when I put in the old Stardot (.668) the group tightened up and POI shifted as well. I used 2.75" to get my POA and POI close at 20 yards and then moved back to 40 yards.
I have kept all my pattern targets over the years from Rem Hevi Shot chokes to Kicks, Jellyheads, Stardot, Mad max and a dozen different shot sizes and brands. It is amazing the difference they all make through the same barrel. I will wait until after turkey season to try the 26" barrel and number #6 shot but I am pleased with what I am going into turkey season with. Point of aim on each target was the same, at the bottom of the black. The 9" instead of the standard 10" circle is because I use a paper plate to draw my circle. I centered the Point of impact on each and the Stardot was the one I sighted in with so it is more centered.
I really like the sights. Bought them at Gander Mtn and when I went to put them on there was a screw missing. I called them and they said come by and get one. I told them it was a long ways from home to the store so the guy sent me a screw packet overnight. I was impressed to say the least.
20 yard Kicks
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l71/Tony_Harris/Misc%20Pictures/Shotgun%20Pattern%202.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/Tony_Harris/media/Misc%20Pictures/Shotgun%20Pattern%202.jpg.html)
20 yard Stardot
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l71/Tony_Harris/Misc%20Pictures/Shotgun%20Pattern%201.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/Tony_Harris/media/Misc%20Pictures/Shotgun%20Pattern%201.jpg.html)
40 yard Kicks
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l71/Tony_Harris/Misc%20Pictures/Shotgun%20Pattern%204.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/Tony_Harris/media/Misc%20Pictures/Shotgun%20Pattern%204.jpg.html)
40 yard Stardot
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l71/Tony_Harris/Misc%20Pictures/Shotgun%20Pattern%203.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/Tony_Harris/media/Misc%20Pictures/Shotgun%20Pattern%203.jpg.html)
A minor sight adjustment and the Kicks is what I'd hunt!!!
I like the stardot patterns. That kicks is super tight at 20
Give me the Star Dot, a lot of flyers in that Kick's 20 yard pattern. Star Dot seems most even to my eye.
StarDot would be a great choice although you can't go wrong either way....good luck :OGturkeyhead:
those stardot patterns will put a hurting on a turkey
Thanks for the comments and the info in other threads. I put it all to use this past weekend and it left turkeys flopping.