First Impressions of Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic sights promise to enhance target acquisition and improve accuracy for Smith & Wesson M&P pistol owners. As someone who’s spent countless hours on the range and in tactical training scenarios, I’m always looking for reliable and effective sight upgrades. These sights caught my eye because of their low-profile design, aiming to provide a snag-free draw, crucial for concealed carry and competitive shooting.
My aging eyes were starting to struggle with the stock sights on my M&P Shield. The need for faster target acquisition and improved visibility in varied lighting conditions was paramount. I wanted a fiber optic solution that wouldn’t break the bank but would provide a significant improvement over the factory sights.
Upon unboxing, the Angry Bear Arms sights felt solid and well-machined. The black nitride finish gives them a professional look, and the fiber optic rods appear vibrant, promising excellent visibility. Comparing them to Trijicon HDs (which are significantly pricier) and Ameriglo Defoor sights (which lack fiber optics), the Angry Bear Arms offered an appealing balance of features and affordability. I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see how they’d perform on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic sights on my M&P 9mm Pro Series and headed to the range. My first test was during a bright, sunny afternoon, followed by an evening session as the light faded. The fiber optic front sight immediately grabbed my attention, providing a bright and clear aiming point.
The square-notch rear sight offered a clean sight picture, allowing for quick alignment with the front sight. Under bright conditions, the yellow fiber optic rod was highly visible, drawing my eye quickly to the target. In the fading light of the evening, the fiber optic continued to perform admirably, gathering ambient light to maintain a bright aiming point.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Angry Bear Arms sights have proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of the finish wearing, even after repeated holster draws. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a silicone cloth keeps them looking new.
Compared to previous sight upgrades I’ve tried, these have held zero exceptionally well and are surprisingly robust for the price. The low-profile design has truly proven itself snag-free. The black nitride finish has prevented any rust, despite my less-than-gentle treatment of my M&P.
Breaking Down the Features of Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic
Specifications
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic sights boast several notable specifications:
- Gun Make: Smith & Wesson.
- Gun Model: Smith & Wesson M&P.
- Material: Billet Alloy Steel. This ensures durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Finish: Black Nitride. This provides a tough, rust-resistant, and glare-free surface.
- Front Blade Height: 0.18 inches. This height contributes to the overall sight picture and elevation adjustments.
- Rear Blade Height: 0.25 inches. This height works in conjunction with the front sight height for proper zeroing.
- Illumination Type: Fiber Optics. This enhances visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Illumination Color: Yellow and Red Fiber Optic Rods Included. Providing options depending on lighting and user preference.
- Sight Style: Square Notch. This provides a clear and traditional sight picture.
- Attachment Type: Low Profile. This ensures the sights don’t snag during draws from a holster.
These specifications translate to improved accuracy, reliability, and ease of use in a variety of shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic sights perform exceptionally well in practical shooting scenarios. The fiber optic front sight dramatically improves target acquisition speed. At typical self-defense distances (7-15 yards), I was consistently achieving tighter groupings compared to the factory sights.
The only weakness is the lack of tritium inserts for complete darkness situations; however, the fiber optics perform surprisingly well in low-light conditions. For the price, these sights exceed expectations, offering a significant improvement over stock sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Angry Bear Arms sights is impressive for the price point. The billet alloy steel feels robust, and the black nitride finish is smooth and even. The low-profile design is a major plus, ensuring a snag-free draw from both inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters.
There’s virtually no learning curve; the square-notch rear sight is familiar and intuitive to anyone with experience using iron sights. The improved visibility of the fiber optic front sight only enhances the shooting experience.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the billet alloy steel construction and black nitride finish, these sights are built to last. After months of use, there are no signs of significant wear or corrosion. Maintenance is minimal: a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is all that’s needed.
Replacing the fiber optic rods, should they ever break, appears straightforward, although I haven’t needed to do so yet.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic kit comes with both a green and red fiber optic rod, allowing users to choose their preferred color. The sights are designed to be compatible with standard M&P sight cuts, making installation relatively easy with the proper tools (sight pusher recommended). No other major customization options are readily apparent or necessary.
Pros and Cons of Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic
Pros
- Excellent value for the price: Provides a significant performance boost without breaking the bank.
- Improved target acquisition: The fiber optic front sight enhances visibility and speed.
- Durable construction: Billet alloy steel with a black nitride finish ensures longevity.
- Low-profile, snag-free design: Ideal for concealed carry and competitive shooting.
- Easy installation: Compatible with standard M&P sight cuts.
Cons
- Lack of tritium inserts for complete darkness situations.
- No significant adjustability beyond initial installation.
Who Should Buy Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic?
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic sights are perfect for:
- Concealed carry practitioners: The low-profile design minimizes snagging.
- Competitive shooters: Faster target acquisition improves scores.
- Home defense enthusiasts: Enhanced visibility in low-light situations can be critical.
- Anyone seeking an affordable upgrade: Provides a noticeable improvement over stock sights.
Those who require absolute certainty of sight visibility in complete darkness should consider sights with tritium inserts. Additionally, those requiring very precise adjustments may prefer adjustable target sights. A sight pusher tool is a must-have for installation; don’t try to hammer these in.
Conclusion on Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic sights offer an outstanding value proposition. For the price, you get a durable, reliable, and highly effective sight upgrade that significantly improves target acquisition and shooting accuracy. The low-profile design and snag-free draw make them ideal for concealed carry, while the bright fiber optic front sight excels in various lighting conditions.
The asking price is more than justified given the performance boost and build quality. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Fiber Optic sights to anyone looking to upgrade their Smith & Wesson M&P pistol without emptying their wallet. Upgrade your M&P today and experience the difference!
