First Impressions of Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights promise enhanced visibility and a snag-free design for the popular Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. I was immediately drawn to the idea of improving my Shield’s sight picture without adding bulk, a common issue with aftermarket sights. These sights seemed to offer a sleek, practical solution for concealed carry and everyday use.
I had been struggling with the stock sights on my M&P Shield. Their small size and lack of contrast made them difficult to acquire quickly, especially in low-light conditions. I needed a set of sights that would provide a clear, bright sight picture without sacrificing the pistol’s concealability.
Upon opening the package, I was impressed with the Angry Bear Arms sights’ clean lines and black nitride finish. The sights felt solid and well-made, and the fiber optic rods appeared bright and vibrant. Compared to other fiber optic sights I’ve used, these seemed more robust and less prone to damage. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism: these looked like a significant upgrade.
While I considered Truglo Tritium Pro sights for enhanced night visibility, I opted for the Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic due to its low-profile design and positive reviews regarding daytime brightness. I chose these over the XS Sights DXT Big Dot sights as I found the Big Dot system a little too unconventional for my liking. This system often trades precision for speed of acquisition.
I was excited to install them and see if they lived up to their promise. My first impression was definitely positive, but the real test would be on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights at my local indoor shooting range. I wanted to see how they performed in a controlled environment before taking them outdoors. The range offered a good mix of lighting conditions, which allowed me to evaluate the fiber optics’ effectiveness.
The fiber optic rods immediately stood out. They gathered ambient light and created a bright, easy-to-see sight picture. The square-notch rear sight paired well with the fiber optic front, promoting rapid target acquisition. I experienced no issues with the sights during my initial range session, even after firing several hundred rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights have proven to be quite durable. I’ve carried my M&P Shield daily, and the sights have shown minimal signs of wear and tear. The black nitride finish has held up well against holster wear, and the fiber optic rods remain securely in place.
Maintenance is simple. I occasionally wipe the sights down with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent corrosion and keep the fiber optic rods clean. They have proven to be significantly more durable than some other fiber optic sights I’ve used.
Compared to my previous experience with the factory sights, the Angry Bear Arms sights are a substantial improvement. The enhanced visibility and snag-free design have made a noticeable difference in my shooting speed and accuracy. These sights have truly exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic
Specifications
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights are constructed from billet alloy steel with a durable black nitride finish. The front blade height is 0.18 inches, while the rear blade height is 0.25 inches, creating a low-profile design. These sights are specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield pistol.
The fiber optic rods are available in yellow and red. This allows users to choose their preferred color for optimal visibility. The square-notch rear sight and fiber optic front sight combine to provide a clear and fast sight picture. These specifications translate to enhanced accuracy and quick target acquisition.
Performance & Functionality
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights perform exceptionally well in various lighting conditions. The fiber optic rods gather ambient light to create a bright and easy-to-see sight picture, making them effective in both daylight and low-light situations. The low-profile design ensures that the sights do not snag on clothing or holsters.
The sights provide a significant improvement in accuracy and target acquisition speed compared to the factory sights. One minor weakness is that the fiber optics do not provide any illumination in complete darkness, unlike tritium sights. However, they meet and exceed my expectations for daytime and low-light performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights are well-designed and ergonomically sound. The billet alloy steel construction provides durability, while the black nitride finish reduces glare and enhances corrosion resistance. The low-profile design makes them comfortable to carry and prevents snagging.
The sights are user-friendly and easy to install, with minimal fitting required. The square-notch rear sight is intuitive to use and promotes rapid target acquisition. The overall design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Durability & Maintenance
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights are built to last. The billet alloy steel and black nitride finish provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The fiber optic rods are securely mounted and well-protected.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth. The sights are designed for long-term use and should provide years of reliable performance. They are easy to maintain and repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights come with one front sight, one rear sight, a front sight screw (depending on the model), a rear sight set screw, and one green and red fiber optic rod. There are no additional accessories included with the set.
While there are no specific customization options directly from Angry Bear Arms, the sights are compatible with standard M&P Shield sight tools. This allows for easy installation and removal. Users can also replace the fiber optic rods with different colors or materials if desired, using readily available aftermarket options.
Pros and Cons of Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic
Pros
- Enhanced Visibility: Fiber optic rods provide a bright, easy-to-see sight picture in various lighting conditions.
- Low-Profile Design: Prevents snagging and is comfortable for concealed carry.
- Durable Construction: Billet alloy steel and black nitride finish ensure long-lasting performance.
- Improved Accuracy: The square-notch rear sight promotes rapid target acquisition and accurate shooting.
- Easy Installation: Minimal fitting required, making installation quick and simple.
Cons
- Fiber optics do not provide illumination in complete darkness.
- Limited customization options directly from Angry Bear Arms.
Who Should Buy Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic?
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights are perfect for concealed carry holders. They are also great for everyday shooters, and those seeking improved visibility and target acquisition speed on their M&P Shield. These sights would also suit competitive shooters seeking a fast, reliable sight system.
Those who require night-time illumination should consider tritium sights instead. Also, individuals who prefer adjustable sights or those who prioritize long-range precision over speed of acquisition might find other options more suitable.
A must-have accessory would be a sight pusher tool for easy installation. Also consider a small punch for drifting the sights.
Conclusion on Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic
The Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights are a worthwhile upgrade for any Smith & Wesson M&P Shield owner. They offer enhanced visibility, a durable construction, and a low-profile design at a reasonable price of $43.99. The improved sight picture and snag-free design make them ideal for concealed carry and everyday use.
The value proposition is excellent. They provide a significant performance boost over the factory sights without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend these sights to anyone looking to improve their M&P Shield’s sight system. If you’re seeking a reliable, bright, and low-profile sight option, the Angry Bear Arms M&P Low Profile Shield Fiber Optic sights are an excellent choice. Upgrade your Shield today and experience the difference!
