First Impressions of Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight is a premium upgrade designed to enhance the low-light shooting capabilities of the classic 1911 pistol. This set aims to provide shooters with a clear and reliable sight picture in challenging lighting conditions, offering improved accuracy and target acquisition. With its focus on durable materials and precision engineering, this sight set is a serious contender for anyone looking to upgrade their 1911’s sighting system.
After years of relying on standard iron sights, I found myself increasingly frustrated during low-light training scenarios. My aging eyes needed a more visible aiming point in dim conditions, and I began researching night sight options for my trusty 1911. I was specifically seeking a set that combined the classic Bomar-style rear sight with a tritium-illuminated front sight for optimal visibility.
Unboxing the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight, I was immediately impressed with the evident quality of construction. The sights felt substantial and well-machined, with a smooth, black finish and crisp edges. The tritium vials in both the front and rear sights glowed brightly, even in ambient light, promising excellent visibility in low-light situations.
I considered similar offerings from Trijicon and Novak, but the Kensight sight stood out due to its Bomar-style rear sight, which I preferred for its adjustability and clean sight picture. The price point was also a factor, as the Kensight set offered comparable features at a slightly more competitive price. Ultimately, the combination of the Bomar rear, tritium front, and the reputation of Kensight for quality made this my top choice.
My first impression of the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight was one of excitement and anticipation. I was eager to install the sights and see how they would improve my shooting performance in low-light conditions. The quality of the materials and the brightness of the tritium vials gave me confidence that this would be a worthwhile upgrade to my 1911.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an indoor shooting range, which provided a controlled environment for evaluating the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight. I specifically focused on testing the sights in dimly lit bays to assess their low-light performance. The sights were tested during a standard range session with approximately 200 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition.
The tritium sights were incredibly easy to acquire in the low-light conditions of the range. The bright, green glow of the tritium vials stood out against the darker backdrop of the target, making target acquisition significantly faster and more intuitive. I found that transitioning between targets in low light was much smoother and more efficient than with my old iron sights.
The sight picture was initially slightly different than what I was used to, but I quickly adapted to the Kensight set. I had to adjust the rear sight slightly to fine-tune my point of impact, but the Bomar-style adjustability made this a simple process. The only minor issue I encountered was some slight light reflection on the rear sight in brightly lit areas, but this was easily mitigated with a slight adjustment in my grip.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put approximately 1000 rounds through my 1911 with these sights installed. They have remained securely mounted and have consistently provided a clear and accurate sight picture.
The sights have shown no significant signs of wear and tear. The black finish remains intact, and the tritium vials continue to glow brightly. I clean the sights regularly with a soft cloth and solvent to remove any powder residue, and they have required no other maintenance.
Compared to my previous experiences with other night sights, the Kensight set has significantly outperformed them in terms of brightness, durability, and adjustability. The Bomar-style rear sight offers a level of precision that I haven’t found in other fixed night sight sets. I am confident that these sights will continue to perform reliably for years to come.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight
Specifications
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance and usability. The rear sight is a Bomar BMCS cut, offering a clean sight picture and adjustability for windage and elevation. The front sight features a 0.200-inch tall blade, designed for optimal visibility and compatibility with the Bomar-style rear.
The front sight is machined from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear. The rear sight is also constructed from the same high-quality steel. Both front and rear sights feature Tritium inserts for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
The sights are specifically designed for 1911 platforms and compatible with Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″). The finish is a matte black, reducing glare and providing a professional appearance. These specifications matter because they contribute to the overall accuracy, reliability, and user experience of the sighting system.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight excels in providing a clear and reliable sight picture in various lighting conditions. The tritium inserts provide excellent visibility in low light. The Bomar-style rear sight allows for precise adjustments to fine-tune accuracy at different distances.
The primary strength of this sight set is its versatility and adjustability. The ability to adjust both windage and elevation on the rear sight makes it easy to dial in the perfect zero for any load. The brightness of the tritium inserts ensures that the sights are easily visible in even the darkest environments.
One potential weakness is the relatively small size of the front sight, which some shooters may find difficult to acquire quickly. The rear sight can reflect light in very bright conditions, slightly affecting the sight picture. Overall, the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight meets and exceeds expectations for a high-quality night sight set.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight features a clean and functional design that is well-suited to the 1911 platform. The materials used are high-quality, with both the front and rear sights machined from durable steel. The weight is appropriate for a sight set of this type. It does not add unnecessary bulk to the pistol.
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve. The Bomar-style rear sight is easy to adjust with a small screwdriver. Mounting can be a challenge and would be best done by a gunsmith. The tritium vials are bright and easy to see.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality materials and solid construction, the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight is expected to last for many years with proper care. The steel construction ensures that the sights can withstand the rigors of regular use and exposure to the elements. The tritium vials have a half-life of approximately 12 years.
The sights are relatively easy to maintain and repair. Cleaning with a soft cloth and solvent will keep them free from powder residue and other debris. If the tritium vials eventually dim or fail, they can be replaced by a qualified gunsmith.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight set does not come with any additional accessories beyond the front and rear sights themselves. However, the sights are compatible with a wide range of 1911 accessories, such as different grip styles and holster types.
While there are no direct customization options for the sights themselves, users can choose from different front sight blade heights to fine-tune their point of impact. Kensight offers blade heights from 0.150” to 0.220” upon request, allowing for a customized setup. This compatibility with different blade heights is a significant advantage, as it allows shooters to tailor the sight picture to their specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight
Pros
- Excellent low-light visibility: The tritium inserts provide a bright and clear sight picture in dark conditions.
- Bomar-style adjustability: The rear sight allows for precise adjustments to windage and elevation.
- Durable construction: Machined from high-quality 4140 Chrome Moly Steel for long-lasting performance.
- Compatible with Novak-type dovetails: Easy to install on most 1911 platforms.
- Customizable front sight height: Offers blade heights from 0.150″ to 0.220″ for fine-tuning.
Cons
- Front sight may be small for some users, hindering quick target acquisition.
- Rear sight can reflect light in bright conditions.
Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight?
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight is perfect for 1911 owners who prioritize low-light performance, accuracy, and adjustability. This sight set is ideal for concealed carry holders, home defense enthusiasts, and competitive shooters who need a reliable sighting system in challenging lighting conditions. It is particularly well-suited for those with aging eyes.
Those who prioritize the largest and brightest possible front sight may want to consider other options. The Kensight front sight is relatively small. This product might not be the best option for those who are completely new to firearms and prefer simpler, fixed sights.
A gunsmith installation is highly recommended to avoid damaging the slide or sights. Some may also want to purchase a variety of front sights for different ammo weights.
Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight
In summary, the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Contoured Base Front Sight is a high-quality upgrade that significantly enhances the low-light shooting capabilities of the 1911 platform. Its durable construction, adjustable rear sight, and bright tritium inserts make it a top contender in the night sight market.
The price of $215.71 is justified by the quality of materials, precision engineering, and improved performance. The adjustability alone is a significant value-add, allowing for precise zeroing and customization.
I would highly recommend the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight to any 1911 owner looking to improve their shooting accuracy and target acquisition in low-light conditions. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference!