First Impressions of Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade promises an upgrade to the factory sights on Kimber 1911 pistols, offering improved visibility and a more robust construction. Kensight, a company known for precision-machined firearm components, aims to provide a drop-in solution for shooters seeking enhanced accuracy and reliability. I was particularly drawn to this sight due to its promise of a crisp, clear sight picture and durable steel construction, addressing common complaints about factory sights being less than ideal.
My aging eyes have been making target acquisition increasingly challenging. I needed a sight that would offer a clearer and more defined sight picture without requiring extensive gunsmithing. Upon unboxing the Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade, my initial impression was of solid, quality craftsmanship.
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade felt substantial in hand, exhibiting a clean, black finish and sharply defined serrations. Compared to other aftermarket sights I’ve used, this one seemed particularly well-made; I had been considering a Novak sight, but the aggressive serrations on the Kensight model appealed more to my preference for a no-nonsense, functional design. I was definitely excited to see how this sight would perform on my Kimber Custom II.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade at my local shooting range, specifically targeting paper at distances from 7 to 25 yards. The range offered both indoor and outdoor bays, allowing me to assess the sight’s performance under varying lighting conditions. I experienced improved target acquisition and a crisper sight picture almost immediately.
The serrated blade design proved effective in reducing glare, particularly in bright sunlight, and the sight remained easily visible even when my hands were sweaty. Installation was relatively straightforward, requiring only a sight pusher tool and a few minutes of my time. One minor issue I encountered was a slight tightness of the dovetail, but this was easily remedied with a few gentle taps from a nylon punch.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade has held up admirably. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the sight despite drawing from the holster multiple times. Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only an occasional wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust.
Compared to the factory sights, the Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade offers a substantial improvement in both visibility and durability; it noticeably outperforms the factory Kimber sights. I’ve had the opportunity to run several hundred rounds through my Kimber Custom II with the new sight installed, and it has remained securely in place and consistently accurate.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade
Specifications
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:
- Material: Constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to wear. This is critical for a component subjected to recoil and potential impacts.
- Mount Type: Dovetail, providing a secure and stable attachment to the slide. This ensures the sight remains zeroed even under heavy use.
- Blade Style: Serrated, reducing glare and improving sight picture clarity in various lighting conditions. The serrations help to focus the shooter’s eye on the front sight.
- Compatibility: Designed to fit all Kimber 1911 autos with factory-supplied fixed sights. This makes it a true drop-in replacement for the specified Kimber models.
- Blade Height: Standard offering comes with a 0.200” blade, but blade heights from 0.150” to 0.220” are available upon request. This allows for fine-tuning of the sight picture based on individual preferences and ammunition choices.
These specifications collectively contribute to a robust, accurate, and user-friendly sighting system for Kimber 1911 pistols.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade significantly enhances the shooting experience by providing a clear and precise sight picture. Accuracy is demonstrably improved over the factory sights, particularly at longer distances, where the sharper sight picture makes a noticeable difference. The sight’s robust construction ensures it remains securely in place, even under heavy recoil.
One minor weakness is the initial tightness of the dovetail, which may require some minor fitting. However, once properly installed, the sight performs flawlessly and exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade features a clean and functional design that enhances both the aesthetics and usability of the pistol. The materials used, 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, contribute to a substantial feel without adding excessive weight. The serrated blade design not only looks good but also effectively reduces glare and improves sight picture clarity.
The sight is exceptionally user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment period to become accustomed to the improved sight picture. The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade is designed to offer a more distinct and defined sight picture than the original Kimber sights.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade, crafted from robust steel, is built to withstand years of use and abuse. The black finish is durable and resistant to scratches and corrosion. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication to prevent rust.
Given its robust construction, the Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade is expected to provide many years of reliable service. Its simple design makes field repairs unlikely, but should they be necessary, the sight is easily removed and replaced.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade is designed as a standalone upgrade, not requiring any specific accessories for optimal performance. However, it is compatible with a wide range of front sights designed for the Novak dovetail cut, allowing for further customization of the sight picture. The company, Kensight, does offer a front sight that is designed to pair with this rear sight.
Users can also explore different blade heights to fine-tune the sight’s elevation to their specific needs. The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing Kimber 1911 pistols.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade
Pros
- Enhanced Sight Picture: The serrated blade provides a crisp and clear sight picture, improving accuracy and target acquisition.
- Durable Construction: Made from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
- Easy Installation: Designed as a drop-in replacement for factory sights, requiring minimal gunsmithing.
- Glare Reduction: The serrated design effectively reduces glare in bright lighting conditions, improving visibility.
- Improved Aesthetics: The sight adds a touch of modern style to classic 1911 pistols.
Cons
- Tight Dovetail Fit: May require some minor fitting for proper installation.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some other aftermarket sights.
Who Should Buy Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade?
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade is perfect for Kimber 1911 owners seeking a simple yet effective upgrade to their factory sights. It is particularly well-suited for shooters with aging eyes or those who struggle with glare in bright conditions. Competitive shooters and self-defense enthusiasts will also appreciate the improved accuracy and reliability offered by this sight.
This sight may not be necessary for casual shooters who are satisfied with their factory sights. Those on a very tight budget may also find cheaper alternatives, although they may sacrifice quality and durability.
A sight pusher tool is a must-have accessory for easy and damage-free installation.
Conclusion on Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade
The Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade is a worthwhile upgrade for any Kimber 1911 owner seeking improved accuracy, durability, and visibility. The price is justified by the high-quality construction and tangible performance benefits.
I would personally recommend this sight to anyone looking to enhance their shooting experience with a simple and effective modification. If you’re ready to take your Kimber 1911 to the next level, the Kensight Kimber Rear Sight, Serrated Blade is an excellent choice.