First Thoughts on the Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black
The Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black is a simple, yet potentially transformative upgrade for one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market. Its promise? Enhanced low-light visibility and a straightforward sight picture for faster target acquisition.
I’ve always been a proponent of upgrading factory sights, especially on defensive firearms. The factory sights on my S&W M&P Shield were functional, but they lacked the visibility I wanted in low-light conditions, a critical factor for personal defense. I wanted a sight that would provide a clear aiming point in dim environments without being overly distracting in daylight. The Ameriglo sights seemed to offer the perfect balance of functionality and simplicity.
Upon receiving the Ameriglo sight, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The black finish was clean and even, and the tritium dots glowed reassuringly even in moderate ambient light. Its all-steel construction felt robust and significantly more durable than the polymer sights on some other pistols. Compared to other aftermarket sights I considered, like Trijicon HDs (too bulky for concealed carry) and TruGlo TFX Pro (too busy), the Ameriglo offered a streamlined profile that seemed ideal for the Shield.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The sight appeared well-made, the tritium illumination was effective, and the overall design seemed perfectly suited for my needs. I was excited to install it and put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local indoor shooting range. I wanted to evaluate the sight’s performance under controlled lighting conditions, as well as in near darkness. Installation was straightforward; a gunsmith made quick work of it, and the sight fit snugly into the Shield’s dovetail.
The most noticeable improvement was the enhanced sight picture in low light. The green tritium dots were easily visible and provided a clear reference point, even when the range lights were dimmed significantly. Target acquisition was noticeably faster compared to the stock sights, especially when transitioning between different lighting conditions. One slight initial issue was adjusting to the “dot the I” sight picture; aligning the two dots vertically takes a little practice, but it quickly became intuitive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile upgrade. It has become an integral part of my EDC setup.
The sight has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite daily carry. The black finish remains intact, and the tritium dots continue to glow brightly. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to remove any residue. Compared to my previous experiences with other night sights that lost their luminosity after a year or two, the Ameriglo’s consistent performance is a major plus.
Breaking Down the Features of Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black
Specifications
- The Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black is a rear sight designed specifically for S&W M&P Shield pistols (excluding the EZ models). It features two green tritium dots for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- The sight boasts a blacked-out finish to minimize distractions in bright light and a serrated rear face to reduce glare. The square notch measures .165″, providing a clear sight picture.
The .165″ notch width offers a balance between speed and precision, making it suitable for both rapid target acquisition and accurate shot placement. The tritium lamps are self-illuminating, providing a constant glow without the need for batteries or charging.
The durable steel construction and protective finish ensure longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black excels at its primary function: providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture in low-light environments. The tritium dots are bright enough to be seen without being overpowering, and the blacked-out rear face eliminates distractions in daylight.
The “dot the I” sight picture is intuitive and promotes quick alignment, leading to faster and more accurate shots. The sight’s biggest strength lies in its simplicity and reliability; it does exactly what it’s supposed to do without any unnecessary frills. One area for potential improvement is the size of the tritium dots; slightly larger dots might enhance visibility for shooters with aging eyes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ameriglo sight is designed for functionality and durability. Its steel construction provides a robust feel, and its black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
The square notch provides a crisp sight picture, and the serrated rear face effectively reduces glare. The sight is user-friendly and requires no learning curve beyond getting used to the “dot the I” sight picture.
Durability & Maintenance
The Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black is built to last. The steel construction and protective finish ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily carry and regular use.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple cleaning with a gun cleaning solvent and a soft cloth is all that’s needed to keep it in good condition. The tritium lamps have a lifespan of several years, providing years of reliable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black is primarily a standalone upgrade. There are no included accessories, as it’s designed to replace the factory rear sight.
While there aren’t specific “accessories” for the sight itself, its compatibility with the M&P Shield platform means it works seamlessly with a wide range of holsters and other aftermarket parts designed for the pistol. Combining this rear sight with a high-visibility front sight can further enhance the sight picture and improve target acquisition speed. Ameriglo themselves offer compatible front sights to create a complete night sight system.
Pros and Cons of Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black
Pros
- Enhanced low-light visibility due to the green tritium dots.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Simple and intuitive “dot the I” sight picture for faster target acquisition.
- Affordable price point compared to other night sight options.
- Blacked-out rear face reduces glare and distractions in bright light.
Cons
- The “dot the I” sight picture may take some getting used to for shooters accustomed to other sight configurations.
- Tritium dots are smaller than some other night sights, which may be a drawback for shooters with impaired vision.
Who Should Buy Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black?
The Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black is perfect for anyone who carries an S&W M&P Shield for self-defense and wants to improve its low-light performance without adding bulk or complexity. It’s also a great option for shooters who prefer a simple and uncluttered sight picture.
Those who prioritize maximum visibility in all lighting conditions might want to consider sights with larger tritium dots or fiber optic elements. Shooters who prefer a three-dot sight configuration may also want to explore other options.
A must-have modification to go along with the Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black is a tritium or high-visibility front sight to complete the night sight system.
Conclusion on Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black
The Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black is an excellent upgrade that provides a significant improvement in low-light visibility and target acquisition speed. Its simple design, durable construction, and affordable price make it a compelling option for any M&P Shield owner looking to enhance their pistol’s defensive capabilities.
At around $42, the price is more than justified for the enhanced functionality and peace of mind it provides. I would highly recommend the Ameriglo 2-Dot Tritium Rear S&W M&P Shield (Excludes EZ) Sight Green with Black to anyone seeking a reliable and effective night sight solution for their M&P Shield. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a big difference when it matters most. So, upgrade your M&P Shield and experience the confidence that comes with enhanced visibility!