"Old Guy" Sights

[kendoka]

I want to solicit feedback from anybody using the big dot XS Sight system on a 1911. There were recommended to me by the instructor at Gunsite last summer, and I have been using them on three pistols (Les Baer, Springfield, and Sigarms GSR) since then. I have had happy with them, especially at close training distance. Maybe less happy at longer distances where the large visual angle subtended obscures the target more. Obvious problem, but I have adapted to it over time. But at 25 yards, it is a challenge to feel like I am aiming precisely. Not a big surprise. The most evident advantage is very rapid sight acquisition. The "big dot" is a good visual stimulus on which aging eyes can focus. But it did take a while to reliably get the right sight picture. I have it pretty well conditioned now however. What have been others' experience, and are there other viable alternatives for us old guys?

[Harlie]

The big dot, but had to open rear sights up to enhance finding front quickly. Has worked out for me, makes a u notch with a chain saw file. Could have used a narrower front, file was more expedient. At 66, eyes don't cooperate like yesterday. Bought a DW that was advertised w/Big Dots, but came with Novak's NS, can't use file on these due to NS tubes being so close togather, but seem to manage fairly well in competetion (IDPA) so far. Tried an XD-9 once that had Big Dots, was able to hit 10 rds of head shots at 15 yards, while taking my time to sight. Don't know what a really long shot might have produced. Extra daylight between front and rear helps me when sighting.

[Sifu]

Kendoka -

I have Tritiums on my Baer and Meprolights on my Kimber. I prefer the Meprolights because they are bigger. I've looked at the XS Sight system and it's more than just larger sights. The rear sight is designed to give the shooter faster target acquiition. I'm satisfied with the Meprolights but would try the XS Sight system if made available to me. Have yo checked out Meprolights?

[Chuck S]

I have XS 24/7 tritiums on half my M1911 pistols. Very fast and accurate enough at 25 yards. No confusion about which dot is the front sight.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/212454.jpg

These are standard dot. Big dots are even bigger!

-- Chuck

[Bear]

Just wanted to second Sifu's opinion on Meprolights. I have them on my Kimber and I think they are pretty hard to beat. Never tried a big dot, but I'm thinking about adding them to one of my other guns for a try out.

Enjoy safe shooting!

Bear

[kendoka]

I have Meprolights on a Kimber too. It is now in the hands of a smith who is giving it a major overhaul. One of the things he is doing is adding the XS sight system. I also just put them on a Springfield micro compact that is getting work done on it. I will pretty much be converted over to this system for 1911's. I have also had these sights on a Glock 17 for quite a while. In fact, I had better early luck on the Glock with the XS sights than on the 1911. Not sure why.

The first set of these sights I had were modified with a "U" notched rear sight much like that described by Harlie. That didn't work for me at all. Was hard for me to get that sighted. The sight picture of the "lollipop" of the front big dot sitting over the rear post works for me. All the young guys at the range just shake their heads slowly whenever they look at my pistols. I hope I live long enough to see what they think when they advance in years.

The funny thing is that my revolvers have everything under the sun, and I seem to do OK. It might be that I am not trying to draw from a holster and put two rounds center mass in a second and a half. But the two best revolver sights I have are a red high viz front sight on a S&W 329PD and a brass dot front sight on a S&W 627. I am thinking about putting a high vis on the 627.