First Impressions of Glock OEM Not G42/G43
The Glock OEM Not G42/G43 night sights promise enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, a crucial upgrade for any Glock owner seeking reliable target acquisition in challenging environments. Glock‘s reputation for dependability and simplicity sets a high bar, and these sights aim to deliver on that legacy. At a price point of $4.99, the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 night sight is an exceptionally affordable entry into tritium-illuminated sights.
As someone with over a decade of experience in outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve often found myself wishing for better visibility in my Glock’s factory sights, especially during low-light training scenarios. The allure of a quick, easy upgrade to my everyday carry piece prompted my purchase of the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 night sight.
Unboxing the sight, my initial impression was simple and straightforward; a no-frills package containing the rear night sight. The sight itself appeared well-made, with contrasting tritium inserts that glowed faintly even in moderate lighting. My hope was that this tiny upgrade would provide a significant performance boost in the dark.
Compared to other aftermarket night sights, like those from Trijicon or XS Sights, the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 is significantly more budget-friendly, trading advanced features and potentially brighter illumination for affordability. I picked this sight primarily for the price point, acknowledging that I was accepting a trade-off between cost and enhanced performance.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the promise of improved low-light performance at such a low cost was intriguing, but I knew thorough testing was needed to assess its true value. I hoped these night sights could improve my confidence and accuracy during low-light scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Glock OEM Not G42/G43 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 at my local indoor shooting range, specifically focusing on low-light scenarios by dimming the range lights. The improvement in sight visibility was immediately noticeable compared to the stock sights. It was easier to acquire a clear sight picture, especially in the reduced lighting conditions.
The sights performed adequately even when introducing slight rain and condensation by spraying a mist of water onto the lenses and surroundings. Though the tritium illumination wasn’t dramatically brighter, it was certainly enough to define the sight picture. I found that target acquisition speed was noticeably improved.
Installing the sight, even for a seasoned armorer like myself, required careful attention and proper tools. It became apparent that while the sight itself is inexpensive, professional installation might add to the overall cost. The actual performance was more than worth the small effort of installation.
There were no catastrophic failures or surprises after the first use, but the relatively low brightness of the tritium became more apparent after using other high-end sights. This emphasized the Glock OEM Not G42/G43‘s intended use as an economical upgrade.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 has held up surprisingly well for a $4.99 part. The tritium inserts continue to glow consistently, providing reliable low-light visibility. It’s a testament to Glock‘s commitment to quality even in their budget offerings.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the sight itself. The tritium vials are still secure and have not dimmed significantly. It still looks and functions much the same as the day I bought it.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe down with a clean cloth after each range session is all that’s needed. The sight doesn’t seem to attract or retain dirt and debris. Cleaning is easy because of its simple design.
Compared to my experiences with higher-end night sights, the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 doesn’t offer the same level of brightness or precision, but it significantly outperforms standard Glock polymer sights in low-light conditions. It also gives a distinct upgrade from any painted sights. This upgrade more than validates the cost.
Breaking Down the Features of Glock OEM Not G42/G43
Specifications
The Glock OEM Not G42/G43 night sight is designed for Glock models excluding the G42 and G43. It comes with contrasting tritium inserts that facilitate target alignment in low-light. The sight is a size 6.9mm.
- Manufacturer: Glock.
- Additional Features: OEM Part.
- Rear Night Sight Only.
- Tritium Illumination: Provides low-light visibility.
- Durable Construction: Designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.
- Easy Installation: Although professional installation is recommended, experienced users can install it themselves.
These specifications are important because they provide a baseline for understanding the sight’s capabilities and limitations. The tritium illumination is crucial for low-light performance, while the size and fitment are vital for proper installation and function.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 is to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, and it achieves this reasonably well. The tritium inserts provide a clear aiming point, allowing for quicker and more accurate target acquisition in dim environments. For only $4.99, you can get a functional, reliable, and effective sight that can make a difference.
The sight’s strengths lie in its affordability and ease of use. The weakness lies in the relatively low brightness of the tritium compared to premium options. It’s still worth the purchase, though.
The Glock OEM Not G42/G43 meets expectations for an entry-level night sight, providing a noticeable improvement over standard sights without breaking the bank. Given its extremely affordable price tag, it’s hard to find fault with its performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Glock OEM Not G42/G43 features a simple, streamlined design consistent with Glock’s aesthetic. The materials used appear durable, and the sight integrates seamlessly with the slide. Installation, while requiring tools, is straightforward.
The sight’s weight is negligible, and it does not affect the balance or handling of the firearm. The sight is comfortable to use and doesn’t introduce any new learning curves.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction and materials, the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 should last for several years with proper care. The tritium inserts have a lifespan of approximately 10-12 years, after which they will gradually dim. Even after that, you can continue to use the sight as is or replace it with a new one.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth. No special tools or solvents are needed. Due to the nature of this sight, repairs may be difficult, but buying a replacement is still more cost-effective.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Glock OEM Not G42/G43 is primarily a standalone replacement sight and doesn’t require additional accessories. It is compatible with standard Glock sight tools for installation. Since it is an OEM product, it does not have many other customization options.
It will work with a wide range of Glock holsters without any modification. Overall, it is made to be a quick and easy upgrade for a Glock.
Pros and Cons of Glock OEM Not G42/G43
Pros
- Exceptional Value: At $4.99, it’s one of the most affordable night sight options available.
- Improved Low-Light Visibility: Tritium inserts provide a noticeable improvement over standard sights in dim conditions.
- Easy Installation: With basic tools, experienced users can install it themselves.
- OEM Quality: Glock‘s reputation for reliability ensures a dependable product.
- Direct Replacement: Designed as a direct replacement for factory Glock sights.
Cons
- Lower Tritium Brightness: Tritium brightness is not as high as more expensive aftermarket options.
- Rear Sight Only: Does not include a matching front sight.
Who Should Buy Glock OEM Not G42/G43?
The Glock OEM Not G42/G43 is perfect for budget-conscious Glock owners who want to improve their firearm’s low-light capabilities without spending a fortune. It’s also ideal for casual shooters and home defense enthusiasts. Anyone looking for a small and easy upgrade will love this product.
This product is not suitable for those who demand the absolute brightest tritium illumination or require a complete set of front and rear night sights. This is the perfect product for anyone who is tight on cash.
Must-have accessories include a Glock sight tool for installation (if you plan to do it yourself). If you’re going to pay to get this installed, make sure the gunsmith is certified to prevent any damage to your firearm.
Conclusion on Glock OEM Not G42/G43
The Glock OEM Not G42/G43 night sight is a surprisingly effective and affordable upgrade for Glock owners looking to enhance their firearm’s low-light capabilities. While it may not offer the same level of performance as high-end aftermarket sights, its value proposition is undeniable. For only $4.99, you get a significant improvement in sight visibility in dim conditions.
The price is more than justified given the improved performance and the Glock name behind it.
I would absolutely recommend the Glock OEM Not G42/G43 to anyone seeking a budget-friendly night sight solution. Upgrade your Glock today and experience the difference!