Fragility of HiViz fiber optic sights in holster?

[losangeles]

I'm wondering if these sights break taking them in and out of a holster. They look pretty fragile to me.

I understand that HiViz sights are now allowed in those Glock competitions, and I need something like this due to my bad eyes. However, there are other types of competitions where you need to draw from a holster, and with Production class you need a conventional type of holster.

Sure'd hate to break these things.

[Speedrock]

They are not fiber optic either, just plastic that solvent eats like crazy. The one's I had broke on a regular basis but never did determine the reason. Mfg. is good about sending replacement "pipes" 'tho. They have tendancy to blur out in very bright light outdoors. Dawson's front or any with rebated optic rod keeps the sight from "haloing" and still can use top flat of actual sight plus they are serrated, simply use sight black at GSSF Match's.

[frankt]

I know you mentioned HiViz sights but there are others out there. I have used the Dawson Fiber Optic front sight on a Glock 19 & 34 for IDPA. I use a regular Comp-Tac paddle holster and during practice,matchs and dry firing I have holstered and reholstered a bunch and have never broken a fiber optic.

On the Dawson it is pretty well protected and they are actually pretty durable and are not fragile like glass.

If you did break one or wanted to have extras or different colors you can buy bulk fiber optic by the foot at a low price.
http://www.fiberopticproducts.com/Flourescent.htm

[losangeles]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I'm going to check out the Dawson products.

Also, I just realized HiViz hs some more durable type sights with special molding protecting the pipe, for a little more money. Check it out: https://www.hivizsights.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=3&cat=Handgun

Well, I'm beginning to see there are some options out there.

[Bushflyr]

Don't get the "tactical" overmolded ones, they suck. The rounded top of the sight makes it really hard to get a precise sight picture. Instead of having a flat plane to line up, you're trying to line up an arc with a flat plane. When the light changes, so does your sight picture. Stick with the Dawson's.

[losangeles]

Originally posted by Bushflyr
Don't get the "tactical" overmolded ones, they suck. The rounded top of the sight makes it really hard to get a precise sight picture. Instead of having a flat plane to line up, you're trying to line up an arc with a flat plane. When the light changes, so does your sight picture.

Thanks, that's the kind of feedback that I need. From folks who've tried these products.

[HAMMERHEAD]

Thanks for those links fella's.
I ordered a set of Dawson adjustables optic rear with a .125" optic front for my 17L. Should post monday here with results.

[ShipWreck]

I may get one for a 1911 soon, depending on which one I buy. I am not sure if the .100 or .090 sight is better to get for the Dawson. What do ya'll think?

[Glockbuster]

To the original poster: The hi viz pipes are not really fiber optic, nonetheless, they are very durable. I use one for my everyday carry G22 with a fobus paddle holster--no problems. Plus, you can take out the pipe for cleaning and then put it back on. For competition, I use the Dawsons fiber optic red front only and black rear.

[losangeles]

I'm not committed to HiViz. I have one for my Ruger Mark III which I use for target shooting but don't holster it up. I'll check out all these different options and giving a close look at Dawson.

[Bushflyr]

I had a Dawson .105 on a Kimber. Best sight I've ever used.

[Glockbuster]

Yep, very nice. Except that losangeles asked about durability. Dawsons .040 fiber optic will need replacing often, which to me is no problem, but hi viz pipes are closer to .060 fiber optic and tougher, and plus you can remove it for cleaning whereas you cannot remove the fiber optic temporarily.

[Navy87Guy]

Originally posted by losangeles
I understand that HiViz sights are now allowed in those Glock competitions, and I need something like this due to my bad eyes. However, there are other types of competitions where you need to draw from a holster, and with Production class you need a conventional type of holster.

Sure'd hate to break these things.

I use my Beretta 92G and Glock 17 with HiViz sights and have never had a problem with them being fragile. Likewise, I've never had a problem with cleaning solvents, either. Frankly, I've heard more about that problem with TFO's.

What competitions don't allow HiViz sights? GSSF? How can they be ruled out when other fiber optic sights are not? This is the first time I've ever heard of an FO-style sight being illegal for any kind of competition.

Jim