Which Enhanced Front Sight to Get?

[OldLincoln]

I have to look harder for the front sight when I use it. In fact this was a primary motivator to go to point shooting. But I do want to be able to sight if necessary. I'm not terribly concerned about shooting in the dark, but need something bigger and brighter than the stock front sight - perhaps rear also.

I've looked many times for a comparison of different products from the shooter's perspective but they always show an oblique angle. I have liked the idea of the Big Dot but some claim it blocks the target. So I've looked at the smaller bright dots. I think I might like the 2 dot rear and matching dot front but I'm not sure and I wouldn't attempt to install the rear sight myself so there's that cost.

Also, I don't know anybody who has any of the above and am reluctant to troll the range while folks are shooting.

So how do you know?

[Bawanna]

XS does have a standard dot front sight as well as the big dot. It's still bright and clear. I have those on my full size guns.

Covering the target with the big dot isn't a bad thing really either but some don't like it.

[wyntrout]

That's like having a front sight that's too high... can't see the target or the POI... gets a LOT worse as the distance to the target increases. I like to see what I'm shooting at... POA = POI, where I'm using the top of the front and rear sights aligned with the desired POI.

If you're sending a slide off the have the sights upgraded, the smith needs to know what your desired POA is and what the current sights' is. I discussed that with the guy doing the work at Novak's Sights with my S.A. Champion... what the ones I took off were doing and what I wanted. I was getting elevation adjustable rear NS, so two clicks down and it was perfect for me. With fixed sights, you'll have to adjust your POA, and hopefully it won't be off much from the POI.

Wynn:)

[jeepster09]

I have the XS Big Dots on almost all of my guns and am really happy with them.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG_0495.jpg

[Bawanna]

And most of em are green too huh?

[OldLincoln]

I found a video (or 10 - how did I not see them before I asked) showing the big dot and I really like the brightness and size. They say up front these are gunfight sights, not target. One thing that struck me was how white they are (not racist!). If you were aiming at a white t-shirt at 10 yards, would you find the Big Dot or just see a bunch of white?

Also, will it work to just put the front Big Dot on a PM leaving the stock Kahr rear sight?

PS: I forgot to ask, how does the size of the the Big Dot compare to a regular wooden pencil eraser?

[BEARDOG]

I found a video (or 10 - how did I not see them before I asked) showing the big dot and I really like the brightness and size. They say up front these are gunfight sights, not target. One thing that struck me was how white they are (not racist!). If you were aiming at a white t-shirt at 10 yards, would you find the Big Dot or just see a bunch of white?

Also, will it work to just put the front Big Dot on a PM leaving the stock Kahr rear sight?

PS: I forgot to ask, how does the size of the the Big Dot compare to a regular wooden pencil eraser?

XS big dot on my G26 pics for ya.
White on white, pencil eraser and tried to get them both in focus, so you can see the rear shallow V shape and sight picture. I doubt the Kahr rear would work well with the big dot front.
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/ae70/BeardogV1/2011-09-23001.jpg

[Bawanna]

Good point and good pictures Beardog. I agree I don't think the rear sight would work nearly as well as the shallow V.

The thing I like alot about the XS sights both standard and Big Dot is you can see them well in the daylight. Many night sights work great in low light or dark but I can't see them in the light of day.

Ok, I'll say it again, I love XS sights.

[BEARDOG]

Ditto that Bawanna, I really am happy with my Big Dot's...

Have you guys seen these yet from Trijicon?
http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product1.php?id=HDNS

Kinda like XS Big dots+ Ameriglo i dots and operators combined with colored(yellow or orange) big rings that actually are glow in the dark when exposed to light.
I may try these on my XDM.

I don't know if they will make them for Kahr's??? But it would be worth a call if you are interested and anticipating a lot of white "targets" Old Lincoln.

[WMD]

OldLincoln,

Type of sites you use really depend on how you are going to use the gun. I have the XS Big Dot on my PM9. My PM9 serves only one purpose. It is my CCW. If I wanted to target shoot, I would have stuck with the standard post and dot sites. The Big Dot's are for fast target aquisition in both daylight and dim light conditions. I went to Sig academy last summer and spent the day doing self defense drills. Every one of my shots (with Big Dot sites) went right where it was supposed to go. Whether it was a head shots or center mass...

Sooo, if you are an older guy with eye issues (like me) I would highly recommend the Big Dot sites on your CCW.

Just my 2 cents. :D

[OldLincoln]

Thanks Bear! That really does help give me a perspective. It's more the size of my mechanical pencil eraser. Maybe I'll put that on mine and see how it looks. I know I can do the front sight but I put a ding on my Mustang trying to adjust the rear sight with a punch and little hammer. That means I'm done with that stuff.

[wyntrout]

Those would be nice choices for Kahrs, too, if they make any for them. That yellow-dotted front NS with the larger rear notch and subdued NS might be great for "old eyes".

I just went to their site and sent a contact email with questions about availability for Kahrs. I would like them on my P40 NOW!

Wynn:)




Trijicon HD™ Night Sights
These three-dot tritium heavy duty night sights were created with the challenges of law enforcement and military duty in mind. With their yellow or orange photoluminescent paint outline and tall blade, the front sight increases visibility and quickens sight acquisition–even in transitional lighting. The rear sight is black-outlined and specially shaped for faster front sight acquisition. Additionally, the front surface is steeply hooked to assist in emergency one-handed slide operation. The Hard Duty Night Sights are designed to shine—even in the most demanding conditions.


This sounds like what I've been looking for! :)

[jeepster09]

And most of em are green too huh?


Why I hadn't noticed......:eek: Cool color, maybe I will get a green gun someday.:59:





http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/1257513125ppAJfg.jpg

[Markis82]

Here is a way to try some ideas, without spending much. They are stick on night sights. You buy a set or two. Try different combinations by sticking them on your stock sights. Then after you find what you like, find a real set of replacement sights that match, what you like, as closely as possible.

http://www.nitesiters.com/Nitesiters_Handgun_Night_Sights.html

[Barth]

I've got standard factory three dot NS, XS Big Dot 24/7 Express and my latest acquisition an
EXO G27 with Ameriglo I-Dot Pro's
http://www.gandrtactical.com/images/archive/Ameriglo/IDOT_PRO_MP.jpg

As usual, I love my new girl the best!

[BEARDOG]

Thanks Bear! That really does help give me a perspective. It's more the size of my mechanical pencil eraser. Maybe I'll put that on mine and see how it looks. I know I can do the front sight but I put a ding on my Mustang trying to adjust the rear sight with a punch and little hammer. That means I'm done with that stuff.

Had another thought...You said you aren't really needing night sights, so have you considered fiber optic sights?

Dawson sells Front FO sights that will work with the stock Kahr rear sight. I have been told they also include green and red FO inserts so you can change to what ever color works best for you, and as a bonus not have to change out the Kahr rear.
http://www.dawsonprecision.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=SIGHTS+FRONT%3AKahr+Fr ont+Sights:Kahr+Fiber+Optic+Inserted+Front+Sights
The Mod (Kraigster) over on elsiepea forum put them on his CM9 and posted some pics. I could find the link for you if you are interested.

Here is some more from the Kahr site.
http://www.kahr.com/Sights/Kahr-Williams-Firesights-Red-set.asp

[OldLincoln]

Thanks to All Yall, I know what I want now. There are a couple hitches in the plan but more later.

Here's what I want:

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/P1010743.jpg

Now I know you're wondering how I got that sight on so quick. The secret is in the detail:

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/P1010747.jpg

It's a tad dark but you might see it's a florescent green sticky pad held on the tape. It is a pretty good sight picture though.

The first hitch is I discovered when I got the gun out that it had both front and rear sights dovetailed. No way I'm messing with that so the cost just went up which is the second hitch in the giddyup.

Well, I didn't know I needed it a couple weeks ago and probably won't in a few days so no big deal. It'll come along in time as my pocket change jar grows.

[Bill K]

XS does have a standard dot front sight as well as the big dot. It's still bright and clear. I have those on my full size guns.

Covering the target with the big dot isn't a bad thing really either but some don't like it.

About how many yards back would you have to be to have the XS Big Dot front sight cover center mass? Seems if you get far enough back and had time you could use the very top of the dot for more precise sighting, no?

[BEARDOG]

About how many yards back would you have to be to have the XS Big Dot front sight cover center mass? Seems if you get far enough back and had time you could use the very top of the dot for more precise sighting, no?

yes.
http://www.xssights.com/index.php?nID=help&cID=Help%2fVideos&pID=help&sID=images

[JFootin]

Here is a way to try some ideas, without spending much. They are stick on night sights. You buy a set or two. Try different combinations by sticking them on your stock sights. Then after you find what you like, find a real set of replacement sights that match, what you like, as closely as possible.

http://www.nitesiters.com/Nitesiters_Handgun_Night_Sights.html

Why not just keep using these? You get a pack of 8 for $11.98. Put 1 on the front and one on the rear of the stock Kahr sights. When that pair get where they aren't getting bright enough, replace them. How long will 4 sets last? I'll bet long enough to be more than worth the $11.98. Shoot, splurge and get 2 or 3 packs, after you have tried 1 pack to see how you like them.

The Daysiters look interesting, too. Thanks Markis82!

[Markis82]

Why not just keep using these? You get a pack of 8 for $11.98. Put 1 on the front and one on the rear of the stock Kahr sights. When that pair get where they aren't getting bright enough, replace them. How long will 4 sets last? I'll bet long enough to be more than worth the $11.98. Shoot, splurge and get 2 or 3 packs, after you have tried 1 pack to see how you like them.

The Daysiters look interesting, too. Thanks Markis82!
Your welcome! Actually, they work very well. But, some people feel they are not permanent enough. Some people use a drop of super glue applied with a toothpick & a tweezers when installing them.

[OldLincoln]

My thing is I need a larger front (possibly rear also) sight for my less than optimal eyes. Night sights are a plus.

[JFootin]

I hear what you're saying, OldLincoln. Sorry for hijacking your thread. :o I got excited about those stick on sights. :tongue: So, I'll just post this and shut up. ;)


Here is a way to try some ideas, without spending much. They are stick on night sights. You buy a set or two. Try different combinations by sticking them on your stock sights. Then after you find what you like, find a real set of replacement sights that match, what you like, as closely as possible.

http://www.nitesiters.com/Nitesiters_Handgun_Night_Sights.html


Why not just keep using these? You get a pack of 8 for $11.98. Put 1 on the front and one on the rear of the stock Kahr sights. When that pair get where they aren't getting bright enough, replace them. How long will 4 sets last? I'll bet long enough to be more than worth the $11.98. Shoot, splurge and get 2 or 3 packs, after you have tried 1 pack to see how you like them.

The Daysiters look interesting, too. Thanks Markis82!


Your welcome! Actually, they work very well. But, some people feel they are not permanent enough. Some people use a drop of super glue applied with a toothpick & a tweezers when installing them.

Actually, I think the less than permanent nature of their glue is fine. That way, you can remove them and get your sights back looking OK. Also, I would want to remove them before replacing with new stickies. The super glue might make it a real mess to remove them, and make it very difficult to restore the sights to original appearance. Shoot, if one comes off, clean the sight up and replace it. No Biggie.

Another thought I had is to use one of these on the stock Kahr rear sight to compliment the Trijicon front sight replacement. Using them this way, you get 8 new sights out of the $11.88. Good idea, right? :D

I am going to try them.

I'm shutting up, now. :cool:

[OldLincoln]

J, you're posts are welcome anytime! Jack is a guy that lurks about here and we all say Hi to him frequently. I looked at the stickons and came close to buying but they are the same size as what I have and just glow in the dark. My issue is sight acquisition. They all are fuzzy and hard to focus on. My new glasses will be here in a week or so and that should help, but I'd still like to have that big ball out front.

[Rainman48314]

XS big dot on my G26 pics for ya.
White on white, pencil eraser and tried to get them both in focus, so you can see the rear shallow V shape and sight picture. I doubt the Kahr rear would work well with the big dot front.
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/ae70/BeardogV1/2011-09-23001.jpgAwesome job on the photography of that pencil etc.

[Rainman48314]

I have to look harder for the front sight when I use it. In fact this was a primary motivator to go to point shooting. But I do want to be able to sight if necessary. I'm not terribly concerned about shooting in the dark, but need something bigger and brighter than the stock front sight - perhaps rear also.

I've looked many times for a comparison of different products from the shooter's perspective but they always show an oblique angle. I have liked the idea of the Big Dot but some claim it blocks the target. So I've looked at the smaller bright dots. I think I might like the 2 dot rear and matching dot front but I'm not sure and I wouldn't attempt to install the rear sight myself so there's that cost.

Also, I don't know anybody who has any of the above and am reluctant to troll the range while folks are shooting.

So how do you know?I just ordered new sights for my M&P 9.

The range/gunstore guy is credible. We discussed what I would see in terms of daytime colors and night time, talked about Big Dot..I decided that I wanted to stick to a three dot system since all my other guns would have that. I felt BigDot went too far toward close quarter SD use and I had mixed use in mind (SD, HD and some target).

When I ordered, I found my front sight color choice, orange, rather than yellow, was the most popular as it was out of stock. Validation of my choice I suppose. My sights are Trijicon HD..a newer line $175, plus $20 installation added.

http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product1.php?id=HDNS

[OldLincoln]

After looking it over more and more Im convinced I want the big Dots. I want it for sight acquisition and a clincher was one review stating it makes sighting on a moving target much easier. I don't anticipate a bad guy posing while I shoot him so that's a big plus.

[Barth]

After looking it over more and more Im convinced I want the big Dots. I want it for sight acquisition and a clincher was one review stating it makes sighting on a moving target much easier. I don't anticipate a bad guy posing while I shoot him so that's a big plus.

Can't really go wrong with XS Big Dots.
Got to be one of the most popular and hot sights out there.
I've got one on the front of my S&W 342 and LOVE it!
Getting XS 24/7 Express Big Dot sights installed on my Sig Sauer P220
as we speak.

Well done!

[ltxi]

I'm obviously in an understandable minority, but I just don't like Big Dots. I find them obtrusive/distracting/whatever on a handgun. But, defensively I'm very much a point shooter and, although I am old and everything else is falling apart, I've been blessed with two things....still have good vision and a full head of hair.