First Impressions of Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set
The Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set promises to be a significant upgrade for any Ruger SR1911 owner looking to enhance their pistol’s accuracy and low-light performance. Kensight is a reputable name in the firearms industry, known for producing high-quality sights. This particular set aims to replace the factory adjustable sights with a more robust and luminous option, a feature particularly appealing for defensive or tactical applications.
My journey to this particular sight set stemmed from a desire to improve the low-light visibility of my SR1911. I wanted a set that offered a clear and reliable sight picture in various lighting conditions. After countless hours of research and comparisons, I felt the Kensight option offered the best balance of durability, adjustability, and tritium illumination for the price.
Unboxing the Kensight sights revealed a well-machined set constructed from what appeared to be high-quality steel. The black finish was even and seemed durable, and the tritium vials glowed faintly even in moderate lighting. My initial impression was that these sights were a significant step up in build quality compared to the factory sights.
I considered several other night sight options from Trijicon and XS Sights, but ultimately chose Kensight due to their reputation for precise machining and adjustability. The contoured base also appealed to me, as it seemed like it would integrate seamlessly with the Ruger SR1911 slide. I was excited and hopeful this would finally give me the low-light accuracy I was seeking.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an indoor shooting range, providing a controlled environment to evaluate the sights. I focused on accuracy at various distances and transitioning between well-lit and dimly lit bays to assess the tritium’s effectiveness. The sights were relatively easy to install, requiring only minor fitting, as stated in the product description.
The tritium inserts were immediately noticeable in the low-light bays, providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture. Even in the bright bays, the blacked-out serrated rear blade offered excellent contrast against the target. The adjustable rear sight allowed me to quickly fine-tune my point of impact, ensuring accurate shots at different ranges.
There were no immediate issues after the first range session, and the sights performed as expected. The improved visibility in low-light conditions was a major improvement over the factory sights. The only surprise was just how bright the tritium was.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kensight sights have proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. I have put approximately 1000 rounds downrange with them installed. They have maintained their zero and the tritium vials still glow brightly.
The black finish has held up well, with only minor signs of wear near the edges of the rear sight. Cleaning is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a brush and solvent keeps them free of fouling.
Compared to other aftermarket sights I’ve used in the past, the Kensight set offers a superior blend of adjustability, durability, and low-light performance. I would say they definitely outperform similar offerings from other brands in the same price range. The ability to adjust the rear sight makes a huge difference when using different grain bullets as well.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set
Specifications
The Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set is designed as a direct replacement for the factory adjustable sights on Ruger SR1911 pistols. This eliminates the need for extensive gunsmithing or slide modifications.
The rear sight features a rounded, fully serrated blade for reduced glare and improved sight picture clarity. The front sight is a standard Kensight contoured design with a single tritium dot insert.
The sight set is constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. This robust construction is essential for withstanding the rigors of daily carry and frequent range use.
The front blade height is 0.200 inches, but blade heights from 0.150” to 0.220” are available upon request, allowing for further customization. The sights are compatible with Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″).
The adjustable rear sight allows for precise windage and elevation adjustments, enabling users to fine-tune their point of impact. This is particularly beneficial for shooters who use different ammunition types or prefer a specific sight picture.
The inclusion of tritium inserts in both the front and rear sights provides excellent low-light visibility, crucial for defensive or tactical scenarios. The tritium lamps provide a continuous, self-illuminated sight picture without the need for batteries.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the sight’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The steel construction ensures longevity, the adjustable rear allows for personalized accuracy, and the tritium inserts provide a clear advantage in low-light conditions. It adds another dimension to the usability of the 1911 platform.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set performs admirably. Its ability to be adjusted, along with its extreme visibility, truly makes this a must have for the SR1911.
The strengths of the set lie in its robust construction, precise adjustability, and excellent low-light visibility. However, the serrated rear blade, while effective at reducing glare, may not be to everyone’s preference.
The Kensight set exceeds expectations by delivering a clear and reliable sight picture in a variety of lighting conditions. The positive click adjustments and the overall build quality inspire confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight sights boast a functional and aesthetically pleasing design. The contoured base integrates seamlessly with the SR1911 slide.
The sights are built with high-quality materials, and their weight contributes to a sense of solidity and durability. The serrated rear blade effectively reduces glare, but the sharp edges could be slightly more rounded for enhanced comfort.
The Kensight sights are exceptionally user-friendly. The adjustments are intuitive, and the tritium inserts are immediately visible in low-light conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight sight set is built to last. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction ensures years of reliable service.
Maintaining the Kensight sights is simple. A regular cleaning with a brush and solvent is all that’s needed to keep them in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set comes as a complete set, eliminating the need for additional accessories. The various front sight heights available do allow for customization of the sight picture.
While no additional accessories are directly included, the sight set’s compatibility with Novak-type front sight dovetails opens up possibilities for using aftermarket front sights from other brands. This allows users to experiment with different sight styles and configurations. It is also worth noting the tools needed to adjust the sights are sold separately.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set
Pros
- Exceptional Low-Light Visibility: The tritium inserts provide a bright and clear sight picture in low-light conditions, significantly enhancing accuracy and target acquisition.
- Precise Adjustability: The adjustable rear sight allows for fine-tuning of windage and elevation, ensuring accurate shots with different ammunition types and at varying distances.
- Durable Construction: The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction ensures exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear, making these sights suitable for daily carry and frequent use.
- Easy Installation: The sight set is designed as a direct replacement for the factory adjustable sights on Ruger SR1911 pistols, minimizing the need for gunsmithing or slide modifications.
- Improved Sight Picture: The serrated rear blade reduces glare and enhances sight picture clarity, improving overall accuracy and target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
Cons
- Serrated rear blade can be abrasive to some shooters.
- Tools to adjust the sight are sold separately.
Who Should Buy Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set?
The Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set is perfect for SR1911 owners who prioritize low-light performance and accuracy. It benefits competitive shooters needing adjustability, tactical users who rely on their firearm for defense, and anyone who wants to upgrade their factory sights.
Those who are comfortable with the factory sights and don’t require enhanced low-light visibility might skip this product. Also, those who are not comfortable making adjustments to their sights may also wish to skip this.
A quality sight pusher tool is a must-have accessory for installing these sights without damaging the slide or sight. Also, I would highly recommend a small screwdriver set for making windage and elevation adjustments.
Conclusion on Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set
The Kensight Ruger SR1911 Adjustable Contoured Base Tritium Night Sight Set is a worthwhile upgrade for any Ruger SR1911 owner looking to improve their pistol’s performance. It boasts durable construction, precise adjustability, and exceptional low-light visibility.
The price is justified by the quality of materials, enhanced functionality, and overall improvement in shooting experience. In my opinion, the enhanced visibility that the tritium offers is worth the price alone.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Kensight sight set to anyone seeking a reliable and accurate night sight solution for their Ruger SR1911. Upgrade your SR1911 today and experience the difference that quality sights can make!