Hi ugly dog,
Charlie hit that one squarely. And in case you are wondering why the differences....or why one would choose to "give up" precision (the smaller aperature)....it's a matter of application.
For someone that anticipated taking fairly short range shots at quickly moving targets.....or in a dimmer environment.....the "ghost ring" style is much quicker to acquire. But as you noted.....it lacks some precision. For a person that is more likely to need to take a shot at longer ranges.....has a little more time.....and needs the precision.....the smaller aperature works better. It matters on your perceived needs.
Also Williams does make what they call a "twilight aperature" which has a brass or bronze ring around the aperature....and helps during periods of dim light. I have both types of aperatures on differing firearms. It depends on what I perceive my primary function for using the firearm will be. On a defensive carbine we keep in the house.....I have a "ghost ring". On a shotgun we had sighted in for my son to hunt deer with years ago....we have a "ghost ring". (And by the way....I have used that shotgun and sight combination to shoot clay birds. All you do is find and follow the bird through the aperature.....and it nearly never misses. Yes, it's a fast sight for acquiring targets.) On a carbine chambered for heavy and or dangerous game, (ie. .45-70 guide gun), it has a "ghost ring". For rifles that I anticipate taking shots much in excess of 100 yards.....they have smaller aperatures. (And one of my favorite woods deer rifles....has a "twilight peep".)
In case you haven't noticed.....I like aperature sights! I spent over 20 years in the U.S. Army.......and literally have tens of thousands of rounds of practice with an aperature sight. So I have had a little experience with them....and it's like throwing a baseball. Once you know how....you never forget!
Good luck with your search!
Dave
P.S. The older I get though......the better the scopes look
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Rifle peep sights
