First Impressions of Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights
In the world of pistol customization, sights are often one of the first upgrades considered. The Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights caught my eye as a potential solution for enhancing my Glock’s performance, especially when paired with a red dot optic. Angry Bear Arms promises a snag-free design, a durable nitride finish, and compatibility across several popular Glock models.
My interest in these sights stemmed from a common issue: standard Glock sights often become obscured when using a red dot, especially on smaller framed models like the 43X and 48. I was looking for a set of sights tall enough to provide a reliable backup, or even a lower 1/3 co-witness with my optic, without being overly bulky or creating snag hazards. Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the clean, minimalist design.
These sights appeared well-machined from billet steel, with a smooth, black nitride finish. Compared to some other aftermarket sights I’ve used, the Angry Bear Arms offering seemed more streamlined. They reminded me of the minimalist approach of some Dawson Precision sights, but with a taller profile, while appearing more robust than polymer options from Trijicon. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of apprehension about just how tall the “X-Tall” profile would be.
Real-World Testing: Putting Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
I first installed the Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights on my Glock 48 MOS, which already had a Holosun 507K mounted with an adapter plate. My first range trip with this setup was… eye-opening, to say the least. The sights were significantly taller than I anticipated, providing an absolute cowitness that practically filled the optic window!
While the quality of the sights themselves was apparent, their extreme height rendered them almost unusable with this particular optic setup. In other words, they were too distracting in the sight picture. I also tested them on a Glock 43X, yielding similar results.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial experience, I decided to try a different approach. I moved the sights to my Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS, paired with a Vortex Venom and the factory Glock #1 optic plate. Here, the Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights found their niche.
The height was now perfect, providing a clear lower 1/3 cowitness with the Vortex Venom, offering a quick and reliable backup sight picture. Over several range sessions, the nitride finish proved durable, resisting scratches and maintaining its glare-free appearance. Cleaning was simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each session.
Breaking Down the Features of Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights
Specifications
Manufacturer: Angry Bear Arms.
Gun Make: Glock.
Gun Model: Glock 42, Glock 43, Glock 43X, Glock 48, Glock 17, Glock 17 Gen 4, Glock 17 Gen 5, Glock 22, Glock 22 Gen 4, Glock 22 Gen 5. Note that the manufacturer lists a wide array of models, which highlights the interchangeability of Glock sights within certain frame sizes.
Color: Black.
Rear Sight Color: Black.
Fabric/Material: Billet Steel.
Front Material: Billet Steel.
Gun Type: Pistol.
Attachment Type: Screw.
Front Blade Height: 0.404 in. This is the key specification that dictates the sight’s height above the slide.
Rear Blade Height: 0.2 in.
Size: Small.
Finish: Nitride. The nitride finish is crucial for corrosion resistance and reducing glare.
Mount Type: Dovetail.
Design: Snag-Free. A snag-free design is essential for concealed carry and preventing interference with holsters.
These specifications translate to a robust and durable sight set designed for Glocks, with the height being the most critical factor depending on your optic and mounting setup. The billet steel construction and nitride finish ensure longevity and resistance to the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights is to provide a backup sighting system, particularly when using a red dot optic. When paired with the correct optic and mounting plate, they excel at this. Their X-Tall profile ensures visibility through the optic window, offering a quick and reliable reference point.
However, their extreme height can be a disadvantage if you’re aiming for a more subtle cowitness or if your optic sits very low on the slide. The snag-free design is effective, preventing the sights from catching on clothing or gear during draws.
Design & Ergonomics
The Angry Bear Arms sights boast a simple and functional design. The billet steel construction provides a solid, weighty feel, while the rounded edges and snag-free profile enhance comfort and usability. The black nitride finish reduces glare and provides a professional, low-profile appearance.
Installation is straightforward, requiring only a Glock sight tool and a few minutes of your time. No special tools are needed.
Durability & Maintenance
Made from billet steel and finished with a black nitride coating, these sights are built to last. After months of use, there are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the finish remains intact. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights themselves don’t come with any additional accessories. However, their compatibility with standard Glock sight cuts means they can be paired with a wide range of aftermarket optics and mounting plates. The key is to carefully consider the overall height of your setup to achieve the desired cowitness.
Pros and Cons of Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights
Pros
- Extremely durable billet steel construction.
- Excellent black nitride finish for corrosion resistance and glare reduction.
- True X-Tall profile provides a reliable backup sight picture with many red dots.
- Snag-free design enhances comfort and prevents interference with gear.
- Compatible with a wide range of Glock models (42, 43, 43X, 48) and optic mounting systems.
Cons
- The X-Tall profile may be too tall for some setups, resulting in an absolute cowitness or overly cluttered optic window.
- Blank sights (no dots or tritium) may not be ideal for all users, especially in low-light conditions without an illuminated optic.
Who Should Buy Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights?
The Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights are perfect for Glock owners who:
- Run red dot optics on their pistols and require a tall backup sight set.
- Prefer a lower 1/3 cowitness with their optic.
- Prioritize durability and a snag-free design.
These sights are not ideal for:
- Users who prefer standard height sights or a more subtle cowitness.
- Those seeking night sights or illuminated options.
A must-have accessory is a Glock sight tool for easy installation and removal. Choosing the correct optic mounting plate to achieve the desired cowitness is equally essential.
Conclusion on Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights
The Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights offer a robust and reliable backup sighting solution for Glock pistols equipped with red dot optics. Their X-Tall profile is their defining feature, providing a clear sight picture through the optic window, although it requires careful consideration of your specific optic and mounting setup. The billet steel construction and nitride finish ensure durability and longevity, making them a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.
At a price of $38.99, the value proposition is strong, especially considering the quality of materials and construction. I would definitely recommend these sights to Glock owners seeking a tall, durable, and snag-free backup sighting system, but only with the caveat that they carefully assess their optic and mounting plate combination to ensure the desired cowitness. Upgrade your Glock today and experience the confidence of a reliable backup sight picture!