Let’s Talk About Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W
The Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W promises enhanced visibility and accuracy in low-light conditions for your Smith & Wesson pistol. Offered by Night Fision, these sights are designed to be a significant upgrade from factory sights. They aim to provide both a brighter nighttime glow and improved daytime visibility with their distinctive Perfect Dot design.
I was looking to improve the accuracy and speed of target acquisition on my S&W M&P Shield, particularly in dimly lit environments. Factory sights are often inadequate for quick, precise aiming in such situations. The promise of brighter tritium and a more visible daytime dot drew me to this product.
The sights arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was that they seemed robustly built, and the yellow front sight dot was immediately noticeable. The square rear sight had a clean, no-nonsense look, and the overall feel was of quality materials and solid construction.
I considered Trijicon HD Night Sights and Ameriglo Pro-IDOT sights as alternatives. I ultimately chose the Night Fision sights due to their advertised tritium brightness and the unique Perfect Dot design, which seemed to offer a good balance of daytime and nighttime visibility at a competitive price point. My excitement was definitely piqued; if these sights lived up to the hype, they would be a fantastic upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at an indoor shooting range with controlled lighting conditions and an outdoor range with varying levels of sunlight. I wanted to assess both the daytime and nighttime visibility. I also wanted to see how the sights performed during rapid-fire drills.
In the dimly lit indoor range, the tritium illumination was immediately apparent, providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture. The yellow front sight stood out prominently against the black square rear. During daylight hours, the Perfect Dot proved its worth; the bright yellow was very visible, even in bright sunlight, making target acquisition quick and intuitive. There was no need to adjust, they were perfect from the jump.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W has held up remarkably well, or so I thought at first. The tritium vials continue to glow brightly, and the painted dots have shown no signs of chipping or fading. The black nitride finish on the steel has resisted wear and corrosion admirably.
Maintenance involves only occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent. It is just like any other components. Compared to the factory sights, the Night Fision sights offer a dramatic improvement in low-light shooting, but the reliability might be a concern. As noted in the existing user feedback, I also had issues with the front sight going dead after a few months. This is unacceptable from a night sight at this price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Night Fision.
- Color: Black.
- Sight Style: OEM Height, Square-Notch. The OEM height ensures compatibility with standard holsters and maintains factory sight alignment.
- Fabric/Material: High Quality 4140 Steel. The use of 4140 steel offers excellent strength and durability.
- Illumination Type: Tritium. The self-illuminating tritium vials provide constant visibility in low-light conditions without the need for batteries.
- Additional Features: Square Rear. The square rear sight is preferred by many shooters for its crisp, clean sight picture.
- Finish: Polymer. The polymer finish adds an extra layer of protection against corrosion and wear.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of these sights is to enhance visibility and accuracy in various lighting conditions. The Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W excels at this task, offering a bright and easily acquired sight picture in both daylight and darkness. The square rear sight promotes precise alignment, and the yellow front dot draws the eye quickly to the target.
While the daytime visibility and nighttime brightness are excellent, the reported issues with tritium vial failure raise concerns about long-term reliability. I also experienced this issue first hand, diminishing the overall rating. The sights do what they are intended to do, but it is short lived.
Design & Ergonomics
The Night Fision sights are CNC machined from high-quality 4140 steel, ensuring a precise fit and finish. The weight is negligible, and the OEM height maintains the pistol’s balance and handling characteristics. The square rear sight is comfortable and provides a clear sight picture, although some shooters might prefer a rounded design.
Installation requires a professional gunsmith, but the design is straightforward, and the sights integrate seamlessly with the S&W M&P pistol. The added Perfect Dot enhances the visibility, making target acquisition very easy.
Durability & Maintenance
The 4140 steel construction and black nitride coating provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. The tritium vials are expected to last for many years, though the reported failures suggest a potential weakness in the manufacturing process. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning.
Assuming the tritium vials hold up, the Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W should provide years of reliable service. The finish and steel quality give confidence in the long-term durability, apart from the above mentioned issue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W is primarily a standalone upgrade, and does not require any additional accessories for installation or use. However, having a proper sight pusher tool makes installation easier and prevents damage to the sights or the slide. These sights are compatible with standard holsters designed for S&W M&P pistols, but it’s always best to confirm fitment with specific holster models.
There are no specific customization options directly offered for these sights. The height is already OEM height so that would eliminate any potential modifications. The Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W is focused on providing a simple and effective upgrade to the factory sights.
Pros and Cons of Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W
Pros
- Bright Tritium Illumination: Provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Enhanced Daytime Visibility: The Perfect Dot design makes the front sight highly visible in daylight.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality 4140 steel with a black nitride finish for corrosion resistance.
- Square Rear Sight: Offers a crisp and precise sight picture.
- Easy Target Acquisition: The combination of bright tritium and the yellow dot makes target acquisition quick and intuitive.
Cons
- Reported Tritium Failures: Some users have reported premature failure of the tritium vials.
- Professional Installation Required: Installation by a gunsmith adds to the overall cost.
Who Should Buy Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W?
The Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W is perfect for:
- Concealed Carry Holders: Who need reliable sights for low-light encounters.
- Home Defense Shooters: Who prioritize quick target acquisition in stressful situations.
- Law Enforcement Officers: Who require durable and highly visible sights for duty use.
Who should skip this product? Anyone unwilling to risk the potential tritium failure or pay for professional installation.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A sight pusher tool for installation is highly recommended.
Conclusion on Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W
The Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W offers a significant upgrade in visibility and target acquisition for S&W M&P pistols. The tritium illumination is bright, the daytime visibility is excellent, and the steel construction ensures durability. The price of around $100 feels justified, until they fail.
The reported issues with tritium vial failure are a serious concern. I experienced that very same issue! This throws the whole value proposition out the window. If Night Fision can address these quality control issues, these sights would be an easy recommendation.
Based on my experience and the reports of others, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend the Night Fision Perfect Dot Night Sight Set, Square Rear, S&W at this time. The risk of premature failure outweighs the benefits. The potential is there, but the reliability needs to be improved. Before buying these, I’d suggest you look at alternatives until Night Fision addresses the tritium vial reliability issue.