XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight Review

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight Made a Bold First Impression

Finding the right sights for a concealed carry pistol is paramount. The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight promises enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, a critical factor in self-defense scenarios. As someone who’s relied on Glocks for over a decade in both professional and personal settings, I was eager to see if these sights lived up to the hype, offering improved accuracy and faster target acquisition.

My search started with a frustrating range day. The factory sights on my Glock 43 were proving difficult to acquire quickly, especially under the indoor range’s variable lighting. I needed a solution that offered superior visibility without sacrificing a clean sight picture. The XS Sights F8 Night Sights seemed to strike that balance, promising a bright tritium insert surrounded by a high-contrast outline.

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight arrived in a simple, no-nonsense package. Immediately, the robust construction and clean lines of the sights were apparent. The blacked-out rear sight, combined with the vibrant orange outline around the front tritium vial, gave the impression of a serious, purpose-built upgrade. Compared to Trijicon HDs, which I’ve used extensively, the XS Sights offer a different approach – a bolder, more immediate sight picture that prioritizes speed. Against the Ameriglo CAP sights, the F8 system seemed more refined, less cluttered, and better suited for precision shooting in addition to quick acquisition. My first impression was definitely excitement; these sights looked like they could be a game-changer for my carry pistol.

Real-World Testing: Putting XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight took place at my local outdoor range. I focused on drawing from concealment and engaging targets at varying distances, simulating real-world self-defense scenarios. The bright orange outline of the front sight instantly grabbed my attention, making target acquisition noticeably faster than with the factory sights.

The difference was even more pronounced in low-light conditions. As dusk approached, the tritium vials in both the front and rear sights glowed brightly, providing a clear and distinct sight picture. Even with minimal ambient light, I was able to maintain consistent accuracy, a testament to the effectiveness of the XS Sights design. There was a slight adjustment period; the bold front sight requires a conscious effort to align properly with the rear, but once mastered, it facilitates rapid and accurate shooting.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight has proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. I’ve carried my Glock 43 with these sights daily, and there are no signs of wear and tear on the sight bodies or the tritium vials. Routine cleaning with standard gun cleaning solvents has had no adverse effects.

Compared to previous experiences with other night sights, the XS Sights F8 stands out for its ruggedness and consistent performance. The tritium remains bright, and the sight picture is still as clear and distinct as the day I installed them. These sights have unequivocally outperformed my expectations, offering a significant upgrade in both speed and accuracy.

Breaking Down the Features of XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight

Specifications

• Caliber: Designed specifically for Glock 42 and Glock 43 pistols, ensuring a precise fit. This eliminates any concerns about compatibility issues, a common problem when using universal sights.

• Material: Constructed from high-quality steel for enhanced durability. This ensures the sights can withstand the rigors of daily carry and repeated use without losing their zero or structural integrity.

• Tritium Illumination: Features green tritium vials in both the front and rear sights. The green tritium offers excellent visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing accuracy and target acquisition in critical situations.

• Orange Outline Front Sight: The front sight has a bright orange outline around the tritium vial. This bold color contrast draws the eye and facilitates faster target acquisition, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios.

• Blacked-Out Rear Sight: The rear sight is blacked out to minimize distractions and focus the shooter’s attention on the front sight. This simplifies the sight picture and improves accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight excels in providing enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition. The high-contrast sight picture allows for rapid alignment, critical in self-defense scenarios. The bold orange outline on the front sight works perfectly to draw the eye, while the blacked-out rear minimizes distractions.

One area for potential improvement might be offering different color options for the front sight outline. While orange is effective for many, some shooters may prefer other high-visibility colors like yellow or green. Overall, the XS Sights F8 meets and exceeds expectations for a defensive handgun sight.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight prioritizes functionality and ease of use. The steel construction feels robust and durable, while the sight profile is relatively low, minimizing snagging during draws from concealment. The sights are comfortable to use, with no sharp edges or protrusions that could irritate the hand.

Installation is straightforward, though professional installation is recommended for those unfamiliar with handgun sight replacement. There’s a slight learning curve associated with adapting to the bold front sight, but most shooters will find the transition relatively seamless.

Durability & Maintenance

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight is built to last. The steel construction and robust tritium vials ensure long-term reliability. Routine cleaning with standard gun cleaning solvents is all that’s required to maintain the sights.

The tritium vials are expected to provide illumination for approximately 12 years, making these sights a long-term investment. The rugged construction suggests these sights can withstand the rigors of daily carry and demanding shooting conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight does not come with any additional accessories. However, it’s fully compatible with standard Glock sight tools, making installation relatively straightforward. There are no customization options directly associated with the sights themselves (e.g., adjustable rear sights).

These sights are compatible with most holsters designed for the Glock 42/43. The low-profile design minimizes any potential interference with holster fit or function.

Pros and Cons of XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight