adjustable or regular sights?

[twitch]

Hello,
What type of sights do you guys prefer to have on a self defense/ccw gun?

[stumbler]

The fixed sights currently available seem to have less things that will "hang" when the firearm is presented. I normally have adjustables on target guns, but my self-defense and game playing guns have fixed sights.


Be safe

[John]

The fixed sights currently available seem to have less things that will "hang" when the firearm is presented. I normally have adjustables on target guns, but my self-defense and game playing guns have fixed sights.


Be safe
You can have the best of both worlds, if you use the Novak adjustables. Externally similar to their Low Mount, and equally snag-free, but adjustable. But if you do have to make a selection, for a carry gun, fixed sights are the norm.

Rgds

[GCT00427]

In the fixed sight realm, I have had Novak and Heinie Straight Eights both. The Novak sights really give the tighter sight picture. The adjustable Novaks that John just described would probably be the perfect solution. I do know that they take one further cut to install in a slide. I may well have them installed in my next custom project if new sights are required and I am ever able to do another custom.

Take care,

Chuck

[Blasterboy]

There is no benefit to be gained by having adjustable style sights on a CCW gun. In that context, I agree with all the previous comments. Adj. sights should be on weapons used for hunting and competition, where the shots are taken at something more than "combat distance", say 3 to 10M's. For my carry piece, I use the Novak Lomount or Heine style sights systems. They present a much sharper and tighter sight picture than those factory GI type WWII things..!!

[SAWBONES]

Fixed sights are much to be preferred over adjustable sights on a CCW gun, IMNSHO.
Once set for your carry load, no further adjustment should be required, and a good fixed rear sight will be obviously more sturdy than even the best (MMC, BoMar, Novak's) adjustables.

And though it's not likely to ever be necessary, "one-handed clearance" actions and drills CAN be readily accomplished with a solid fixed rear sight without breakage of said sight, while the adjustables either don't lend themselves to such activities, or are too fragile to withstand such rigors without damage.

[rpelfrey]

I like fixed sights on a carry gun and they MUST be night sites.

[BGregory]

Novak Extreme Duty adjustables went on my first "custom" carry gun.
SDM fixed went on the second one.
Machs nichts...
Others have had Meprolights, Heinie Slant Pro Straight Eight, and Novak fixed.
I'm less interested in night sights these days and would rather have a good flashlight.
I'll agree that BoMar style target sights are probably not a good idea.

[Hawkmoon]

Fixed.

Adjustables are too prone to snag on something, and as already commented on, they just aren't necessary at "combat" (typical self-defense) range. Remember that the Tueller Drill magic number is 21 feet (7 yards). If a bad guy is acting aggressive at around that distance it's time to think about "haulin' iron," but much beyond that and the way most state laws are written (Florida now being a notable exception) it's better to think about haulin' a$$ rather than haulin' iron.

Up to 25 feet or so, unless your fixed sights are WAY off you shouldn't need any adjustability. Combat sights (sights on a self-defense pistol) should be regulated for a distance of around 20 to 25 feet. Most pistols I've shot (which isn't all that many, I'm not a gunsmith, FFL or instructor) seem to be pretty close at that distance. The worst was a used Colt Pony I picked up, and the rear sight on that was visibly off center in the slide. I took it home, adjusted it with a hammer and punch sort of by-guess-and-by-gosh, and when I went back to the range it was dead on.

[horse 91-A1]

In my smart carry, both the hammer and Bomar sights slow things down. My fixed sight M1911 needs smitty work, but it seems to be quicker out of the smart carry - even with the hammer back. Pancake holster doesn't matter which sight.

I'll probably change over to a more compact CZ or Springfield for the present smart carry set up or go to a completely different set-up for the compact.

Adios,
Bob

[OD*]

I've tried a bunch of sights over the years, I have fallen in love with the Yost-Bonitz Retro Sights.

http://www.yost-bonitz.com/products/retrosight/