View Full Version : I need advice on YOUR FAVORITE pistol sights
chuterigger
09-04-2007, 12:27
Hey guys,
I'm looking into getting some pistol sights. I've pretty much narrowed it down the either:
-Heinie Strait Eights (with tritium insert)
-XS 24/7 Big Dots
This is for carry, not "gun games"
Right now I am running the stock g19 plastic sights and they suck beyond belief. Apart from being flimsy, the front sight doesn't allow much light around it at all, making finding the sweet spot a real pain in the ass.
I, in my ignorance perhaps,"like the idea" of accentuating the front sight, as seen in the Big Dot, but...
My problem is that, while some swear by the Big Dot, others hate them, and noone in the SOF community to my knowledge is jumping on that bandwagon, making me think that its a training issue and not a gear issue.
Thank you in advance for your hard earned advice and for saving me some wasted cash.
-rigger
The Reaper
09-04-2007, 12:45
Hey guys,
I'm looking into getting some pistol sights. I've pretty much narrowed it down the either:
-Heinie Strait Eights (with tritium insert)
-XS 24/7 Big Dots
This is for carry, not "gun games"
Right now I am running the stock g19 plastic sights and they suck beyond belief. Apart from being flimsy, the front sight doesn't allow much light around it at all, making finding the sweet spot a real pain in the ass.
I, in my ignorance perhaps,"like the idea" of accentuating the front sight, as seen in the Big Dot, but...
My problem is that, while some swear by the Big Dot, others hate them, and noone in the SOF community to my knowledge is jumping on that bandwagon, making me think that its a training issue and not a gear issue.
Thank you in advance for your hard earned advice and for saving me some wasted cash.
-rigger
The Big Dots are, as you noted, an acquired taste.
They are fast, but I lack the precision with them that I need.
The Heinies and the standard Trijicon replacement sights are both GTG on a carry gun, IMHO.
HTH.
TR
NousDefionsDoc
09-04-2007, 14:27
I need advice on YOUR FAVORITE pistol sights
Why? Are you going to give me your gun for my birthday?
I like the big dots
Not SF, but:
I like the Big dots but having worked for XS Sights, I am admittedly biased. I have shot poppers with them on a Glock 17 out to 100 yds, and larger targets beyond that. I know some folks who like the Heinie straight 8s, and the Warnes are starting to develop some fans. Best way to go is to try them all if you can, then go with what works for you; to hell with everyone else's thoughts.
YMMV, HTH.
NDD:
PM sent.
Good times,
Blake
chuterigger
09-04-2007, 20:05
Why? Are you going to give me your gun for my birthday?
I like the big dots
Sneaky, that you?:p
Ambush Master
09-04-2007, 21:00
Sneaky, that you?:p
Who else?!?!?!:D:munchin
82ndtrooper
09-04-2007, 21:56
A friend on this board and who has posted on this thread sent me a pair of XS 24/7 Big Dots as a courtesy gift for my H&K USP.
They take getting used too and wraping your arms around the concept. I started off placing all of my shots low. Then started to concentrate just on the BIG DOT and placed them COM, but slightly high.
Now, I'm at the point were I'm "Dotting the I" or "Making an ice cream cone" on every shot. It takes some concsious effort to use these sights at first, but after 350-400 rounds it starts to sink in.
Now I'm at the point where I do appreciate the concept. The tritium shows super bright at night, but then again, these have not sat around for 10 years like some you might recieve. Target acquisition is fast. You'll see nothing but a big white dot in daylight and low light conditions. You'll get it when you start to wrap your mind around the concept.
I like them.
HTH
I have XS Big Dots on my two HK's and like them. As was mentioned, they are more for close in work. I don't know that most defensive guns will need to be super precise as most shootings seem to be inside of 7 yards.
Now, the rear sight I am now in love with is the 10-8 Performance with the "U" notch. It's much faster for the eye to pick up the front in my experience. I used to think three dots were the only way to go, but I have learned much in the last few years and now prefer a solid black rear sight that doesn't distract from the front sight.
The front I want is the TFO from Truglo. I'd be okay with their green, but would prefer a red front. Still, the combination of fiber optics and tritium seems to be the best of both worlds. They don't make it for my guns so I haven't tried them yet, therefore I cannot speak to their durability.
I am currently using a Dawson plain black rear sight with a tritium front also from Dawson. The front has a white ring that draws your eye to it during the day, and the tritium is very bright in low light.
82ndtrooper
09-24-2007, 16:37
I am currently using a Dawson plain black rear sight with a tritium front also from Dawson. The front has a white ring that draws your eye to it during the day, and the tritium is very bright in low light.
What pistol are you running the Dawsons on ?
I've got a couple Government models and a Commander with a mutated XS sight set-up. I use the Dot front in combination with a tunneled out Novak rear.
For me, it seems to give the speed of the Dot with the ability to "tighten" with a more traditional rear.
One of the Gov't models is my duty pistol. Again, fwiw.
I am running the Dawson's on my Glock 21.
Firearmz
01-04-2008, 06:40
A relatively new sight I have been using is the Sevigny Carry Sight. Similar to a Heine but larger opening on the rear sight. They do not make them for the 1911 yet (or if they ever will). I have XS Big Dots on a few Glocks also. On the 1911's I am running a 10-8 single dot tritium on the rear and a tirjicon white ringed tiritium on the front. I like the 10-8 on the 1911, the rear sight has .140 opening and allows for a great sight picture.