XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber Review

Let’s Talk About XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber offers a compelling upgrade for Kimber 1911 owners seeking enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition, especially in low-light scenarios. XS Sight Systems has a reputation for durable, practical sighting solutions, and the DXW seems to carry that torch forward. The dot-the-“i” sight picture and tritium-powered front sight promise a rapid and intuitive aiming experience.

My aging eyes were the primary driver for seeking an upgrade. Standard iron sights were becoming increasingly difficult to see, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. I needed a sight system that could provide a clear, easily discernible point of focus, allowing me to maintain accuracy and speed.

Upon unboxing, the XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber exuded quality. The matte black finish was even, and the steel construction felt robust. The sights had a reassuring weight, and the tritium vial in the front sight was noticeably bright, even in daylight.

I considered the Trijicon HD Night Sights and the Meprolight Tru-Dot sights before choosing the XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber. While both are excellent options, the DXW’s unique dot-the-“i” configuration and the larger front sight dot appealed to my preference for quick target acquisition. The XS Sight Systems offering also came in at a slightly lower price point, making it an attractive choice.

My first impression was one of excitement mixed with a touch of skepticism. While the sights looked promising, I was eager to see if they would live up to the hype on the range. Would the dot-the-“i” system truly be as fast and intuitive as advertised? Only time, and plenty of rounds downrange, would tell.


Real-World Testing: Putting XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber at my local outdoor shooting range on a partly cloudy day. The range offered a mix of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to shaded areas, providing an opportunity to assess the sight’s performance in various environments. I was shooting my Kimber 1911 5in.

The sights performed admirably in all lighting conditions. The high-contrast white ring around the tritium vial made the front sight easily visible, even against cluttered backgrounds. The dot-the-“i” configuration proved to be surprisingly intuitive, allowing for rapid alignment and accurate shots.

The initial installation, using a hammer and punch as suggested, was a bit more involved than expected. However, with a little patience and some careful tapping, I managed to get the sights properly installed. There were no immediate issues after the first use; the sights felt securely mounted and performed as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. I’ve put several hundred rounds through my Kimber 1911 with these sights installed, and they haven’t shifted or shown any signs of wear. The tritium vial remains bright, and the white ring on the front sight is still crisp and clear.

The sights have held up remarkably well to the rigors of regular range use. There are no scratches or dings on the steel construction, and the finish still looks as good as new. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a clean cloth is usually all that’s needed.

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber has significantly outperformed my previous experiences with standard iron sights. Target acquisition is faster and more intuitive, and my accuracy has improved, particularly in low-light conditions. The sights have given me a renewed sense of confidence in my ability to accurately and quickly engage targets.

Breaking Down the Features of XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber

Specifications

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber is specifically designed for Kimber 1911s, including the 5-inch model and the Ultra Carry. Its features include:

  • Gun Make: Kimber – Specifically designed for Kimber 1911 pistols, ensuring a proper fit and function.
  • Gun Model: Kimber 1911 5in, Kimber Ultra Carry – Compatibility across various Kimber 1911 models offers versatility.
  • Color: Matte Black – A non-reflective matte black finish minimizes glare and provides a tactical appearance.
  • Front Sight Color: Green – The green tritium vial provides high visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Rear Sight Color: White – The white stripe on the rear sight creates a high-contrast sight picture.
  • Fabric/Material: Steel – Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting reliability.
  • Gun Type: Pistol – Designed specifically for pistol use.
  • Illumination Type: Tritium – Self-illuminating tritium provides constant visibility in low-light conditions without batteries.
  • Additional Features: Standart Dot’s Outside Diameter is 0.140in – The 0.140-inch dot size strikes a balance between visibility and precision.
  • Included Accessories: Red Threadlocker, Allen Key – Included accessories facilitate easy installation.
  • Mount Type: Dovetail – Dovetail mount ensures secure attachment to the slide.
  • Finish: Blued – Blued finish provides corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance.
  • Barrel Length: 5 in – Designed for 5-inch barrel 1911s, as well as shorter Ultra Carry models.

These specifications are crucial for optimal performance and user experience. The steel construction provides durability, while the tritium illumination ensures visibility in all lighting conditions. The dot-the-“i” sight picture promotes fast and accurate target acquisition, especially in high-stress situations.

Performance & Functionality

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber excels in its primary function: providing a clear, easily visible sight picture for rapid target acquisition. The dot-the-“i” configuration is intuitive and allows for quick alignment, while the tritium-powered front sight ensures visibility in low-light conditions. The large white stripe on the rear sight enhances contrast and further aids in rapid sight alignment.

The sight system’s strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It works perfectly as designed, providing a clear and concise sight picture that promotes both speed and accuracy. One area for potential improvement might be offering different front sight colors to suit individual preferences.

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition, making it a worthwhile upgrade for any Kimber 1911 owner.

Design & Ergonomics

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes functionality and durability. The steel construction feels solid and robust, and the matte black finish minimizes glare. The sights have a low-profile design that doesn’t interfere with holstering or handling.

The sights are user-friendly, with minimal learning curve required. The dot-the-“i” configuration is intuitive, and the high-contrast sight picture makes it easy to acquire and align the sights quickly. The rear sight ledge facilitates one-handed slide manipulations, which is a valuable feature in defensive situations.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber suggests that it will last for many years of use. The tritium vial has a rated lifespan of 10+ years, ensuring long-lasting illumination. The finish is durable and resistant to scratches and wear.

Maintaining the sights is simple. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is usually all that’s needed to remove dirt and debris. The sights are also resistant to corrosion, so they don’t require any special cleaning or maintenance products. XS Sight Systems also offers a 10-year warranty, adding to the peace of mind.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber comes with a red threadlocker and an Allen key for easy installation. There are limited customization options available directly from XS Sight Systems, but the sights are compatible with standard 1911 sight cuts, allowing for aftermarket replacements if desired.

Users can potentially swap out the front or rear sight for different colors or configurations from other manufacturers, but this would require careful consideration to ensure proper fit and function. The included accessories are sufficient for basic installation and maintenance.

Pros and Cons of XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber

Pros

  • Enhanced Visibility: Tritium-powered front sight and high-contrast white ring provide excellent visibility in all lighting conditions.
  • Fast Target Acquisition: Dot-the-“i” configuration allows for rapid and intuitive sight alignment.
  • Durable Construction: Steel construction ensures long-lasting reliability.
  • Easy Installation: Comes with all necessary tools for simple installation.
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty provides peace of mind.

Cons

  • Installation may require some gunsmithing skills.
  • Limited customization options directly from the manufacturer.


Who Should Buy XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber?

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber is perfect for:

  • Kimber 1911 owners seeking enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition.
  • Concealed carry holders who need a reliable sight system for low-light conditions.
  • Competitive shooters looking for a simple and effective sighting solution.
  • Individuals with aging eyes who struggle to see standard iron sights.

This product may not be ideal for individuals who prefer fully adjustable target sights or those who require a more complex sighting system with multiple aiming points.

Must-have accessories or modifications may include a professional gunsmith installation if you are not comfortable performing the installation yourself. A high-quality bore sight can also aid in ensuring proper alignment after installation.

Conclusion on XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber

The XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber is a well-designed and effective upgrade for Kimber 1911 pistols. It delivers on its promise of enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition, making it a valuable addition to any defensive or competitive firearm. The steel construction ensures durability, and the tritium illumination provides reliable performance in all lighting conditions.

The price of $109.99 is justified by the quality of the materials, the effectiveness of the design, and the peace of mind provided by the 10-year warranty.

I would personally recommend the XS Sight Systems DXW Standard Dot Sight – Kimber to any Kimber 1911 owner seeking a simple, reliable, and effective sighting solution. It’s a worthwhile investment that can significantly improve your shooting performance and confidence. Upgrade your Kimber today and experience the difference!

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