Okay, now that I "see" it I can say without a doubt you can either go with 6 O'Clock hold since you are already familiar with the process OR yes you can most DEFINITELY go smaller with the front sight. It may not appear to you that it's overly large but in actuality that's a pretty large front. I'll have to look but I'm pretty sure I don't have anything that would fit that without some file work but I'll look anyway. And I'll also check around with a couple friends to see if they have something that would better suit you.

As agreed with SH, I as well "See" what we are dealing with. First off, nice shotgun. I have never seen one like that. I like it.

1st. You know your limits from correct practice. I was not aware that rifled slug barrels began that early. Glad you have already tried other slugs to find what has worked the best to date. Good Job!!!
2nd. I would take a piece of emery cloth and LIGHLTY touch up the viewing side of that bead to produce a more visible bead. Just take the tarnish off it is all you need. GREAT PHOTOS as well!!!
3rd. I would say maybe work on your trigger control. Take the weapon to an area that is clear and void of all ammo and take 2 or 3 EMPTY hulls and practice your trigger SQUEEZE, not SLAP or PUNCH. This I have found to be a huge contributor to some peoples grouping issues.
4th. If and when you go to range again. Try to use a smaller target in place of a pie plate or such. Try something that is 4-6 inches in diameter. Like a circle in paper and then color in with a black highlighter. I use the bottom of a small coffee can cut out on plywood and spray paint. Fast and cheap.
Reason being, aim small, miss small. ONLY if u can see it.
Give these a try and see what happens. If nothing else, you are on the right road to backstrap BBQ!!!!

That was Savage's predecessor to the Savage 212 and 220. And you are correct that that one is a fine example. Dang pretty slugger. And I'll bet it's a heavy beast as well!

I see. Thanks. I really like that. With what looks like Lyman rear peep sight. Shame it didn't have a touch better front sight. And I 100% agree with the weight on that one!!!! I bet with a trigger tune and a slightly better sight, it would one heck of a shooter!!!!!! Maybe a barrel scrubbing to clean who knows how much lead in the lands. Beautiful wood though.

Thanks for the comments guys. Good idea about polishing up that front sight - that really made a lot more difference than I thought would. I've been taking practice "shots" every chance I get (from realistic hunting postures) but will be keeping that up for sure. And the next chance I get to practice will be with the 6 o'clock hold, too.

The gun was a gift from my father-in-law who heard me admire it while we were at a gun store together looking for a 20-gauge for him. It was only $139, but the bolt operates nice and smooth and the rifling seems in excellent condition from what I can tell.

Weight? Well... does 7.5 pounds sound heavy? ;)

The trigger could use a bit of work eventually, and someday I'd like a modern, scoped 20-gauge of my own, but for now I'm pretty happy with this little guy. And I'm sure I'll be able to step it up a notch thanks to your help. Who knows - maybe in a few seasons I won't see any need to upgrade. I've always kind of liked iron sights anyway.

See, your half way home to deer in the skillet. You like the weapon and have an idea of what you want done to improve it to your likings and are working on what you have already diagnosed as your down falls. Great job and good luck!!!!

Is that a 12 gauge or 20?

It's a 12.

MidwestMatthew I sent you a PM