First Impressions of Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight
The Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight promises a no-nonsense, low-profile sighting system designed for optics-ready pistols. Marketed as ideal for those who prefer a clean sight picture without distraction, it aims to provide reliable backup sights without being obtrusive. I was particularly drawn to its promise of co-witnessing with optics and its blacked-out design, intending to create a streamlined sight picture on my Glock 19.
As a long-time shooter and tactical gear enthusiast, I’ve always valued reliable and unobtrusive backup sighting systems. My go-to setup has been a standard tritium front sight paired with a blacked-out rear, but I was looking for an even cleaner, more minimalist approach for my pistol equipped with a red dot sight. I’ve previously used Ameriglo and Trijicon sights, both highly reputable brands, but Night Fision’s offering intrigued me with its focus on a completely blacked-out, stealthy design.
Upon unboxing, the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight set appeared well-machined and solid. The black nitride finish seemed durable, and the serrations on the rear sight provided a good gripping surface. The sights themselves felt substantial, crafted from steel, but the lack of any luminous elements was immediately noticeable. This was, of course, by design, but it did give me pause, questioning its utility in extremely low-light situations where my optic might fail.
Compared to my existing Ameriglo blacked-out sights, the Night Fision set had a slightly narrower profile, which I appreciated. I chose the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight over other similar options because of the promise of a perfect co-witness with my red dot and the appealingly aggressive serrations on the rear sight. The price point of $45.99 also made it an attractive option.
My initial impression was a mix of excitement and apprehension. The sleek design and promised functionality were appealing, but the absence of any tritium or fiber optic worried me about its usefulness as a true backup in complete darkness.
Real-World Testing: Putting Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight at my local outdoor shooting range, which offers a variety of lighting conditions throughout the day. The initial installation onto my Glock 19 required a sight pusher tool, as expected. Once installed, the sights sat low, as intended for co-witnessing with a red dot optic.
In bright sunlight, the blacked-out sights provided a remarkably clean sight picture. The serrations effectively reduced glare, and the narrow profile didn’t obstruct my view through the red dot. However, as the sun began to set, and the range became shaded, the sights became increasingly difficult to acquire. It took conscious effort to align them, as the black-on-black contrast against the target diminished significantly.
The first time using the sights, I found myself wishing for even a small tritium dot on the front sight for low-light scenarios. While they were usable, acquiring a fast sight picture was more challenging than with traditional night sights.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds fired, the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight set has held up well in terms of durability. The nitride finish shows no signs of wear, even after repeated holster draws. The sights remain securely mounted, despite the reported issues of looseness from other users that prompted them to use Loctite.
Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a brush and solvent to remove any powder residue. The serrations on the rear sight make it easy to grip and manipulate the slide if needed.
Compared to my previous experience with tritium night sights, the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight excels in bright, daylight conditions where a minimalist sight picture is desired. However, it falls short in low-light scenarios where tritium provides a clear advantage. The lack of illumination severely limits its usability in darkness, making it a niche product for specific applications.
Breaking Down the Features of Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Night Fision
- Color: Black
- Front Sight Color: Black
- Rear Sight Color: Black
- Fabric/Material: Steel
- Front Material: Steel
- Gun Type: Pistol
- Rear Blade Height: 0.345 in
These specifications highlight the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight’s commitment to a low-profile, all-steel construction. The all-black finish ensures minimal distraction in the sight picture, prioritizing focus on the target and optic. The steel construction ensures durability, crucial for withstanding the rigors of daily carry and regular shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight performs exceptionally well as a backup sighting system in conjunction with a red dot optic in good lighting conditions. The absence of bright colors or tritium dots prevents visual clutter, allowing for quick target acquisition through the optic. In daylight, the serrated rear sight effectively reduces glare.
The primary weakness is its performance in low-light or no-light scenarios. Without any form of illumination, the all-black sights become difficult to distinguish against a dark background, negating their usefulness as a backup sighting system in critical situations. It’s a situational sight; great when you can see, but close to useless if you can’t.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight is impressive. The steel construction feels solid and durable, and the nitride finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. The narrow blade width ensures it doesn’t interfere with the red dot optic.
The sights are designed for easy installation with a sight pusher tool. The serrated rear sight provides a good gripping surface for manipulating the slide. However, the lack of any visual aid in low light makes it challenging to acquire a sight picture quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from steel with a nitride finish, the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight is built to last. The finish is resistant to scratches, wear, and corrosion, ensuring a long service life.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent to remove powder residue. The robust construction ensures that the sights will withstand years of use without requiring repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight set does not come with any additional accessories. The sights are designed to be a standalone backup sighting system.
There are no specific customization options offered directly by Night Fision for this particular sight. However, because it is built for a standard pistol dovetail cut, aftermarket sight tools and pusher tools can be used.
Pros and Cons of Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight
Pros
- Clean, minimalist design ideal for optics-ready pistols.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant nitride finish.
- Serrated rear sight effectively reduces glare and provides a solid gripping surface.
- Low profile ensures minimal obstruction of the red dot optic.
- Affordable price point compared to other aftermarket sights.
Cons
- Poor visibility in low-light conditions due to the absence of tritium or fiber optic.
- May require Loctite for secure front sight mounting based on user feedback.
Who Should Buy Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight?
The Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight is perfect for competitive shooters or recreational shooters who primarily use a red dot optic in well-lit environments. Also, it benefits those who prioritize a clean, uncluttered sight picture and view backup sights as a very rarely needed contingency. This would be a great option for someone building a “Gucci Glock” for daytime competition.
This product is not recommended for law enforcement, military personnel, or anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense in all lighting conditions. The lack of illumination makes it unsuitable as a primary or reliable backup sighting system in low-light or no-light scenarios.
A must-have modification for this sight would be to add a high-visibility front sight, such as a bright fiber optic, to provide some visual aid in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Conclusion on Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight
The Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight is a specialized product that excels in specific conditions. Its clean, minimalist design and durable construction make it a viable option for those who prioritize a non-obtrusive backup sighting system for their optics-ready pistol. However, its poor low-light performance limits its overall versatility and suitability for serious defensive applications.
At $45.99, the price is justifiable for its build quality and aesthetic appeal. However, potential buyers should carefully consider their intended use and lighting conditions before purchasing.
Personally, I would recommend the Night Fision Blacked Out Stealth Sight with reservations. It’s a good option for daytime target shooting or competition. If you are looking for a serious defensive sight, you should explore alternatives with tritium or fiber optic inserts. Consider this sight only if your optic is your primary sighting system, and you only need backup sights for the range in good lighting conditions.