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
20 yard Stardot
40 yard Kicks
40 yard Stardot