XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green Review

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green Made a Bold First Impression

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green night sights are a premium aftermarket upgrade designed to enhance the visibility and accuracy of S&W M&P pistols in low-light conditions. Manufactured by XS Sights, these sights feature a high-contrast green front sight and a tritium-illuminated rear sight, promising faster target acquisition and improved defensive capabilities. Having spent years relying on factory sights, I was eager to see if these aftermarket options could truly make a difference in real-world scenarios.

My interest in the XS R3D 2.0 stemmed from a growing need for improved low-light performance in my carry firearm. I participate in occasional nighttime training drills, and the standard sights on my M&P were simply not cutting it. I needed something that offered quick target acquisition in all lighting conditions, without sacrificing daytime visibility.

Upon unboxing the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green, I was immediately impressed by the apparent quality. The CNC-machined steel construction felt solid and durable. The green front sight was incredibly bright and easy to see, even in broad daylight.

I considered a few other options before settling on the XS R3D 2.0. Trijicon HD sights were a strong contender, but I preferred the simpler, less cluttered design of the XS rear sight. I also looked at Ameriglo sights, but the XS sights seemed to offer a better balance of brightness and clarity. The XS R3D 2.0 promised a rapid sight picture, and that was my priority.

My initial impression was one of excitement and cautious optimism. The sights looked fantastic, and the materials seemed top-notch. I couldn’t wait to get them installed and put them through their paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green came at an outdoor range during a low-light training session. I ran drills that involved moving and shooting under varying light conditions. The most immediate benefit was the significantly improved target acquisition speed in dim lighting.

The high-contrast green front sight stood out clearly against the target, even when visibility was poor. The tritium rear sight provided a subtle but effective reference point. I also ran the pistol in the rain to see how the serrated rear sight held up. It provided a solid grip for racking the slide, even with wet hands.

There was a slight learning curve in getting used to the different sight picture compared to my factory sights. Once I adjusted, my shot groups tightened considerably. The bright green front sight really drew my eye and improved my focus.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve carried my M&P daily, and the sights show no signs of significant wear and tear. The BlackNitride finish has held up beautifully, resisting scratches and corrosion.

Cleaning and maintenance have been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each range session is all that’s needed. The tritium inserts remain bright and clear.

Compared to my previous experiences with factory sights, the XS R3D 2.0 represents a substantial upgrade. The increased visibility and improved target acquisition have boosted my confidence and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green

Specifications

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green is a set of tritium night sights designed for S&W M&P full-size and compact pistols (excluding optic-ready models). They feature a tritium lamp in both the front and rear sights for low-light visibility. The front sight boasts a high-contrast green outline for enhanced daytime visibility.

The front sight also includes a Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light and glows in low-light conditions. The rear sight is serrated to reduce glare and features black PVC rings to enhance the tritium’s visibility. Constructed from durable CNC machined steel, the sights are finished with a BlackNitride coating for wear and corrosion resistance.

The rear sight offers a ledge for one-handed slide manipulations. XS Sights provides a 12-year warranty on the tritium and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. The sights are designed to fit standard holster options.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the shooter’s ability to quickly and accurately acquire targets in a variety of lighting conditions. The tritium lamps provide reliable illumination in darkness. The high-contrast front sight promotes rapid target acquisition in daylight.

Performance & Functionality

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green performs its job exceptionally well. The bright, clear sight picture allows for fast and accurate shooting, even under stress. The tritium illumination is just right – bright enough to be easily visible in the dark, but not so bright as to be distracting.

The main strength of these sights is their ease of use and intuitive design. The high-contrast front sight immediately draws the eye to the target. The serrated rear sight reduces glare and provides a clear, uncluttered view.

The only potential weakness is the relatively simple design of the rear sight. Some shooters may prefer a more complex rear sight with additional markings or features. Overall, the XS R3D 2.0 meets and exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green boasts excellent build quality. The CNC-machined steel feels solid and durable, and the BlackNitride finish provides a sleek, professional look. The sights are lightweight and do not add noticeable bulk to the pistol.

The sights are user-friendly and require minimal adjustment. The sight picture is clear and easy to understand. The rear sight ledge allows for convenient one-handed slide manipulations, which can be a lifesaver in emergency situations.

Durability & Maintenance

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction ensure that the sights can withstand the rigors of daily carry and frequent use. The BlackNitride finish provides excellent corrosion resistance.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to keep the sights in top condition. The tritium lamps have a 12-year warranty, providing peace of mind.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green comes as a complete set. There are no additional accessories included. While there are no direct customization options for the sights themselves, they are compatible with a wide range of holsters designed for S&W M&P pistols.

The XS R3D 2.0 is designed to be a standalone upgrade. Shooters can further enhance their M&P with aftermarket triggers, grips, and other accessories. The sights are compatible with most popular M&P accessories.

Pros and Cons of XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P Full Size Green