Let’s Dive into Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911
The Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911 promises enhanced visibility and quicker target acquisition, crucial for both range practice and self-defense scenarios. As someone who has spent over a decade handling firearms in various environments, I’m always looking for ways to improve performance and reliability. This sight aims to do just that, offering a bright, easily visible aiming point that can be customized with interchangeable light pipes.
My Kimber 1911 is a trusted companion, but its factory sights have always been a point of frustration, especially in low-light conditions. I needed a sight that offered better visibility without sacrificing the classic 1911 profile. The Hiviz Litewave seemed like a potential solution, offering a fiber optic upgrade that didn’t require extensive modification.
Upon unboxing, the sight felt solid and well-made. The included light pipes in red, green, and white were a welcome bonus, allowing for customization based on ambient lighting. The overall design was sleek and didn’t feel bulky, which was a primary concern.
I considered the Trijicon HD Night Sights and the Dawson Precision Fiber Optic sights, but the Hiviz stood out due to its ease of installation (or so I thought), and the multiple color options. The Trijicon sights are fantastic, but the price point is significantly higher, and the Dawson Precision, while excellent, seemed to require more extensive fitting. My initial excitement was tempered only by the user reviews mentioning tight dovetails and the potential need for professional gunsmithing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local indoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to assess the sight’s visibility and accuracy. After having a gunsmith install the sight, I ran several drills focusing on speed and precision.
The Hiviz Litewave Front Sight immediately proved to be a significant improvement over the factory sights. The bright fiber optic dot made target acquisition much faster, and the interchangeable light pipes allowed me to adjust the sight to the optimal brightness for the range’s lighting conditions. However, even indoors, I noticed the red pipe was noticeably brighter than the green.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions, I started carrying my Kimber 1911 with the Hiviz Litewave installed. After about a month of everyday carry, the sight has held up remarkably well. There’s no noticeable wear and tear, and the light pipe remains securely in place.
Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe with a gun cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to my previous experiences with standard iron sights, the Hiviz offers a much clearer and more visible aiming point, significantly improving my shooting speed and accuracy, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. It definitely outperforms the stock sights, but I still wish the green pipe was brighter.
Breaking Down the Features of Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911
Specifications
- The Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911 is designed specifically for Kimber 1911 pistols with a .330 x .075″ x 60-degree dovetail. This precise fit is crucial for proper installation and reliable performance.
- It features interchangeable LitePipes in red, green, and white. This allows shooters to customize the sight based on their preferences and the prevailing lighting conditions.
- The sight boasts a matte finish. This reduces glare and enhances visibility in bright sunlight.
- The beam colors are red, green, and white. Each color offers a different level of visibility in various lighting conditions.
- It does not fit the Kimber .22 caliber conversion. This limitation should be considered before purchasing.
Performance & Functionality
The Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911 significantly enhances target acquisition speed and accuracy. The bright fiber optic dot draws the eye quickly, allowing for faster and more precise aiming. The interchangeable light pipes allow for optimal customization.
The primary strength is its enhanced visibility. A weakness is the varying brightness of the different colored pipes. It meets my expectations for improved target acquisition, though the installation process was more challenging than anticipated.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, using durable materials that can withstand daily use. The weight is negligible, adding virtually no extra bulk to the pistol. It feels comfortable and secure once installed.
The sight is relatively user-friendly, though installation can be challenging. There is a slight learning curve in selecting the optimal light pipe color for different lighting conditions, but overall, it’s intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The sight appears to be durable and well-built, capable of withstanding regular use and carry. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe with a soft cloth. Regular inspection of the light pipe is recommended to ensure it remains secure and undamaged.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911 comes with three interchangeable LitePipes (red, green, and white). This allows shooters to tailor the sight to their specific needs and preferences. There are no other included accessories, but the sight is compatible with standard 1911 dovetail cuts, allowing for potential aftermarket replacements if desired.
Pros and Cons of Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911
Pros
- Enhanced Visibility: The fiber optic dot provides a bright, easily visible aiming point, especially in low-light conditions.
- Interchangeable LitePipes: Allows for customization based on ambient lighting and user preference.
- Improved Target Acquisition: Faster and more precise aiming compared to factory sights.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand daily use and carry.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple cleaning process.
Cons
- Installation Can Be Difficult: Tight dovetails may require professional gunsmithing.
- Varied Brightness of Light Pipes: Red pipe is noticeably brighter than green.
Who Should Buy Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911?
The Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911 is perfect for Kimber 1911 owners who want to improve their target acquisition speed and accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions. It’s also suitable for those who want a customizable sight that can be tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This sight is beneficial for both casual range shooters and those who carry their 1911 for self-defense.
Those who are not comfortable with basic gunsmithing tasks or do not want to spend extra money on professional installation should consider other options. Individuals who require tritium night sights for absolute darkness might also find this sight lacking. A must-have accessory is a sight pusher tool, but even with that, a gunsmith might be necessary.
Conclusion on Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911
The Hiviz Litewave Front Sight For Kimber 1911 is a worthwhile upgrade for Kimber 1911 owners seeking enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition. While the installation process can be challenging, the benefits of the sight outweigh the initial hassle. The price is justified given the improved performance and customization options.
I would personally recommend the Hiviz Litewave Front Sight to anyone looking to improve their Kimber 1911’s sighting system. It’s a cost-effective way to enhance accuracy and speed, making it a valuable addition to any shooter’s arsenal. Upgrade your Kimber 1911 today and experience the difference a brighter sight can make!