Night Sites -- Best? Easiest to Install?

[JustSomeDude]

Hey everyone,

I've read a lot on here about different opinions on night sites. My biggest question is - what are the easiest to install? I have fixed sites on my Gen 3, G9, and I have no idea how to remove the sites. I've heard some aftermarket sites come with removal tools, and some do not.

Can some one please list the night sites that come with tools, and how easy they are to install?

Thanks!

[rray]

Sights are a "personal" thing. Get to know the people at your range and you can generally try their gun and find out what you like most.

I would suggest you find out a gunsmith in your area and let them install the sights for you. You can also send your slide to various dealers who will often install the sights free if you buy from them. Pretty good deal actually.

[stangyg123]

I have tried Ameriglo, Meprolight and Trijicon, I prefer the Trijicon sights. As far as installation I have found they are all about the same but become very easy to install with a sight pusher.

[AFD]

The only night sites, that I'm aware of, that can be installed without the rear site pusher tool (or hammer and dowel) is the Ameriglo Smooth Slope (http://www.ameriglo.net/store_pages/glock_tritium_sights.html) or Smooth Operator (http://www.ameriglo.net/store_pages/specials.html). They're advertised as "user installed", since the rear sight is secured into place by two set screws, using the included allen wrench - a front sight tool is also included. They're great sights, and installed very easily. But check around for a local shop that offers free installation w/the purchase of sights, if you're not interested in Ameriglo's snag-free design.

[lastevolution]

I like my AmeriGlo Operators the best so far. I've had Trijicon and Meprolights pass through my hands.

[IndyGunFreak]

I like Express Big Dot sights..., but I've also used Ameriglo and Trijicon on other guns with no probs.

Like others have said, on Glocks, the Installation will be pretty straightforward, and if you've installed 1 set, you've pretty much installed them all.

[ShackleMeNot]

Originally posted by IndyGunFreak
I like Express Big Dot sights..., but I've also used Ameriglo and Trijicon on other guns with no probs.


XS Big Dot sights are the best defensive sights currently made. They do not provide the "standard" three dot sight picture that most people are used to but they are very easy to align quickly and users typically get better hits shooting on the move or shooting moving targets.

People will say you can't get hits past 21 feet or so but that's just because THEY can't shoot. Here's a video of James Yeager shooting pepper poppers at 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards with XS Big Dot sights on a Glock 19:
http://www.xssights.com/assets/XS_Sights_Demo_LoRes-1.wmv

They are easy to install yourself.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by ShackleMeNot
XS Big Dot sights are the best defensive sights currently made. They do not provide the "standard" three dot sight picture that most people are used to but they are very easy to align quickly and users typically get better hits shooting on the move or shooting moving targets.

People will say you can't get hits past 21 feet or so but that's just because THEY can't shoot. Here's a video of James Yeager shooting pepper poppers at 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards with XS Big Dot sights on a Glock 19:
http://www.xssights.com/assets/XS_Sights_Demo_LoRes-1.wmv

They are easy to install yourself.

I don't like the XS sights for the accuracy they give up and I can shoot thank you. Bowling pins at 75 yards is no problem with my Wilson equiped with Night eyes. If you can't hit a popper at 75 yards with almost any sight you suck. Poppers are fairly large easy targets not a very hard test.
Pat

[1337-G]

:upeyes:

[mfetty]

My G19 has Ameriglo Classic's on it. Like them alot better than the basic stock ones.

[ShackleMeNot]

Originally posted by 355sigfan
I don't like the XS sights for the accuracy they give up and I can shoot thank you. Bowling pins at 75 yards is no problem with my Wilson equiped with Night eyes. If you can't hit a popper at 75 yards with almost any sight you suck. Poppers are fairly large easy targets not a very hard test.
Pat

Great.

They may not be the best target sight but they are the best defensive sight.

[Custom Glock Racing]

Of the quality well designed sights Ameriglo will be the easiest to install. Unfortunatly best sights and easy install dont go together.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by ShackleMeNot
Great.

They may not be the best target sight but they are the best defensive sight.

Thats your opinion. My guns are not target pistols their duty pistols and I don't care for the XS system. They are not much if any faster for a good shooter and they do have considerably less accuracy potential as the range extends. Not all gunfights are up close.
Pat

[happyguy]

Originally posted by 355sigfan
I don't like the XS sights for the accuracy they give up and I can shoot thank you. Bowling pins at 75 yards is no problem with my Wilson equiped with Night eyes. If you can't hit a popper at 75 yards with almost any sight you suck. Poppers are fairly large easy targets not a very hard test.
Pat

So does this mean you suck with XS sights?

Regards,
Happyguy:)

[Custom Glock Racing]

It means that XS sights are not as good for precision shooting as other designs, and with good skills they are either not or insignificantly faster.

[happyguy]

Originally posted by Custom Glock Racing
It means that XS sights are not as good for precision shooting as other designs, and with good skills they are either not or insignificantly faster.

Perhaps when your eyesight starts to fade, you'll be able to see their virtues. But then again, perhaps not, as I see they're not in your catalog.

Disclaimer: No financial interest (NFI) in XS Sights.

Regards,
Happyguy:)

[Custom Glock Racing]

I know exactly what they have to offer as I used them for several years. How is poor eyesight going to make them more precise?

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by happyguy
So does this mean you suck with XS sights?

Regards,
Happyguy:)

No it means XS sights suck. I can hit with them but they are noticably less precise than conventional sights while gainly only a slight amount of speed if any. Of course this is my opinion. The statements that they are the best combat site is also an opinion and not a fact. If you like them fine I don't.
Pat

[happyguy]

Originally posted by Custom Glock Racing
How is poor eyesight going to make them more precise?

What on earth are you talking about?

Disclaimer: No financial interest (NFI) in XS Sights.

Regards,
Happyguy:)

[happyguy]

Originally posted by 355sigfan
No it means XS sights suck. I can hit with them but they are noticably less precise than conventional sights while gainly only a slight amount of speed if any. Of course this is my opinion. The statements that they are the best combat site is also an opinion and not a fact. If you like them fine I don't.
Pat

You might consider that some people (we aren't all the same, you know, physical limitations and all that stuff) have difficulty focusing on something as close as a handgun sight. By making it larger it becomes much easier for us with "old guys eyes" to see.

I shot for forty years with conventional sights and I know how to use them. But as I get older they get more difficult to pick up quickly and it is not because of technique.

I'll go with Jeff Cooper on this one, get a good (reliable) gun with sights you can see and good trigger and that's all you need.

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest (NFI) in XS Sights.

Regards,
Happyguy:)

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by happyguy
You might consider that some people (we aren't all the same, you know, physical limitations and all that stuff) have difficulty focusing on something as close as a handgun sight. By making it larger it becomes much easier for us with "old guys eyes".

I shot for forty years with conventional sights and I know how to use them. But as I get older they get more difficult to pick up quickly and it is not because of technique.

I'll go with Jeff Cooper on this one, get a good (reliable) gun with sights you can see and good trigger and that's all you need.

Regards,
Happyguy:)

I have no problem with some people liking Express Sights I do have a problem with someone stating their the best combat sight made as a fact. That is an opinion and one I don't share.

ShackleMeNot is entitled to his opinon but he should learn not to state it as a fact. His is not the only one who teaches people to shoot to live as part of his job.

Pat

[happyguy]

Originally posted by 355sigfan
I don't like the XS sights for the accuracy they give up and I can shoot thank you. Bowling pins at 75 yards is no problem with my Wilson equiped with Night eyes. If you can't hit a popper at 75 yards with almost any sight you suck. Poppers are fairly large easy targets not a very hard test.
Pat

ShackleMeNot is entitled to his opinon but he should learn not to state it as a fact. His is not the only one who teaches people to shoot to live as part of his job.


Seems like your whole post is pretty much stated as fact. :cool:

Why don't you post a video of yourself shooting steel at 100 yards or bowling pins at 75 yards. I always enjoy seeing that kind of shooting. :devilishgrin:

Regards,
Happyguy:)

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by happyguy
ShackleMeNot is entitled to his opinon but he should learn not to state it as a fact. His is not the only one who teaches people to shoot to live as part of his job.


Seems like your whole post is pretty much stated as fact. :cool:

Why don't you post a video of yourself shooting steel at 100 yards or bowling pins at 75 yards. I always enjoy seeing that kind of shooting. :devilishgrin:

Regards,
Happyguy:)

Its not that hard once you get the hold over. Bowling pins is 75 yards. Milk jugs are easy at 100. yards.
Pat

[happyguy]

Originally posted by 355sigfan
Its not that hard once you get the hold over. Bowling pins is 75 yards. Milk jugs are easy at 100. yards.
Pat

I'm looking forward to your video!

But seriously, if you can hit a man sized target at 100 yards, how much more accuracy do you need from a CCW?

Regards,
Happyguy:)

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by happyguy
I'm looking forward to your video!

But seriously, if you can hit a man sized target at 100 yards, how much more accuracy do you need from a CCW?

Regards,
Happyguy:)
I don't much like being called a liar. As for accuracy more is always better. You can never have too much.
Pat

[happyguy]

Originally posted by 355sigfan
I don't much like being called a liar. As for accuracy more is always better. You can never have too much.
Pat

Does that mean no video? :supergrin:

I don't recall saying you were a liar. But Yeager put his video out there for everyone to rundown or admire as they see fit.

As for 100 yard engagements with a handgun, those that believe in them are living in a fantasy world. There are other more important scenario's to train for, and much more important skills for the typical CCW'r to practice.

Accuracy is only important up to a certain point beyond which you are better served by further developing other skills.

It kind of reminds me of the martial artist who can break a stack of thirteen bricks. Yeah, he can generate a lot of power, but can he fight? In my experience many times he can't.

I think this thread has run it's course. At least for me it has.

Regards,
Happyguy:)

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by happyguy
Does that mean no video? :supergrin:

I don't recall saying you were a liar. But Yeager put his video out there for everyone to rundown or admire as they see fit.

As for 100 yard engagements with a handgun, those that believe in them are living in a fantasy world. There are other more important scenario's to train for, and much more important skills for the typical CCW'r to practice.

Accuracy is only important up to a certain point beyond which you are better served by further developing other skills.

It kind of reminds me of the martial artist who can break a stack of thirteen bricks. Yeah, he can generate a lot of power, but can he fight? In my experience many times he can't.

I think this thread has run it's course. At least for me it has.

Regards,
Happyguy:)

I would love to give you a video I also could get you a witness statement if you want. The problem is I don't have a video camera at all. Much less one that can show me shooting while at the same time having enough clarity to shot a pin falling 75 yards away.

As for long range engagements. I know of at least 2 where cops had to engage threats form long range with a handgun. One was a FBI agent who was being shot at by a rifle armed bad guy 80 yards away. The agent fired 8 rounds and hit with 4 stopping the threat. There was a trooper up here who was fired on from 35 yards out and fired 6 times and hit the bad guy 4 times. So long range accuracy can save your hide.
Pat

[kengps]

Something nobody has mentioned about the XS sights is there ability to work in all lighting conditions. The plain black rears such as Heine or WTS almost dissapear against dark targets unless the light is behind you when it starts to get a little dim. Wish I had found that out $120 ago. I really don't see what the complaint is with the precision of the big dot. The inner circle at .06-.07 is thinner than most all front post sights.

Forgot to add...they are easy to install. Two set screws to tighten. No grinding and pounding if your dovetail is a little tight.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by kengps
Something nobody has mentioned about the XS sights is there ability to work in all lighting conditions. The plain black rears such as Heine or WTS almost dissapear against dark targets unless the light is behind you when it starts to get a little dim. Wish I had found that out $120 ago. I really don't see what the complaint is with the precision of the big dot. The inner circle at .06-.07 is thinner than most all front post sights.

Forgot to add...they are easy to install. Two set screws to tighten. No grinding and pounding if your dovetail is a little tight.

The darker it gets the more your tritium inserts work. I don't think anyone here was recommending plain black sights.
Pat

[kengps]

I'm not referring to light levels low enough to to see the tritium glowing. I am having problems while the sun is up while practising indoors against dark objects. There are various lighting situations where It is very difficult to even see the notch in the rear sight.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by kengps
I'm not referring to light levels low enough to to see the tritium glowing. I am having problems while the sun is up while practising indoors against dark objects. There are various lighting situations where It is very difficult to even see the notch in the rear sight.

Thats strange because inside I can usually see the tritium glowing. But white outlines help too for daylight shooting
Pat

[kengps]

I've had no experience with all black sites before. I guess all the glowing reviews about Heines, Warrens, etc. is for compitition shooters. I've learned that you need black and white contrast on the sites for various target colors and backgrounds. The thing I like about the XS is that the front dot is very white but has a dark inner circle in the daytime. The rear is black but has a white vertical line. I much prefer a simple sight picture. I just work a lot faster with vertical lines as opposed to centering up a dot between two other dots on the rear. Even against bright snow in the daytime I've still got the front post and rear shallow-vee. I want something that has an FO front and a vertical line and bar in the back. Maybe a Hi-Viz FO front with the XS non-tritium rear. I'm going to experiment.

Are you in Anchorage? Would you know who sales the Berretta PX4 in town ?

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by kengps
I've had no experience with all black sites before. I guess all the glowing reviews about Heines, Warrens, etc. is for compitition shooters. I've learned that you need black and white contrast on the sites for various target colors and backgrounds. The thing I like about the XS is that the front dot is very white but has a dark inner circle in the daytime. The rear is black but has a white vertical line. I much prefer a simple sight picture. I just work a lot faster with vertical lines as opposed to centering up a dot between two other dots on the rear. Even against bright snow in the daytime I've still got the front post and rear shallow-vee. I want something that has an FO front and a vertical line and bar in the back. Maybe a Hi-Viz FO front with the XS non-tritium rear. I'm going to experiment.

Are you in Anchorage? Would you know who sales the Berretta PX4 ?

I am not in Anchorage about 2 hours away. But I would check Gun Runners. Personally I don't care for pistol caliber carbines and they are not too common in Alaska. Gun Runners seems a little shady but they have a large selection.
Pat

[kengps]

I'm talking about the new pistol. I think the carbine is called CX4. The PX4 is the new polymer version of the Cougar.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by kengps
I'm talking about the new pistol. I think the carbine is called CX4

I always check these shops when in town, Northern Security, Wild West guns, Alaska Tactical, and of course the Sportsman Wharehouse.
Pat

[happyguy]

Well, I got to the range yesterday and got to put a few rounds downrange with my G23 equipped with the new XS Big Dot sights. I got the non-tritium model.

How do they work? I found that I am both faster and at least as accurate, if not more so, with these sights.

I can actually focus on the front sight again and as strange as it may seem, it looks decidedly less blurry that the standard sight, even though it is the same distance from my eye.

Initial acquisition is faster and reacquisition between shots is much quicker. The damn thing just stands out better.

At ranges out to 10 yards I noticed a slight increase in accuracy and a dramatic increase in speed.

At 25 yards they didn't seem much, if any, faster but accuracy was substantially improved. Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Having a front sight that isn't a small blurry nub on the end of the gun actually contributes to accuracy! :supergrin:

Admittedly, it will take some time to get used to using the different sight picture for different ranges, but that is a price I'm willing to pay for increased speed and accuracy.

Lest anyone think that this is all in my imagination, I was shooting the G23 side by side with my G19 which is equipped with standard OEM night sights.

I will be ordering a set for the G-19.

I am not so arrogant to say that these sights are for everybody. Certainly if you are a young man or woman, with perfect vision you may be more accurate and just as fast with standard sights. Youth is a wonderful thing, enjoy it while you can. In the mean time, I'll be practicing with my Big Dots. :supergrin:

Edited to add: Installation was painless. A front sight wrench and a nylon punch for the rear sight are included in the package.

(NFI in XS Sights nor do I sell them.)

Regards,
Happyguy:)