Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights Review

First Thoughts on the Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights

The Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights promise enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, a critical upgrade for any serious 1911 user. Kensight is a reputable name in the firearms accessory market, known for producing durable and precise sights. This particular model boasts adjustability and utilizes green tritium inserts for nighttime illumination, potentially providing a significant advantage in tactical or self-defense scenarios.

For years, I’ve wrestled with the trade-off between a classic 1911 sight picture and the need for low-light performance. I needed sights that offered precise adjustments for different ammunition and distances, all while maintaining clear visibility in darkness. These Kensight sights seemed to offer the perfect blend of both worlds, a solution to a long-standing problem.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust build quality. The steel construction felt solid and durable, hinting at a product designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. The tritium inserts glowed brightly, even in dim indoor lighting, reassuring me of their effectiveness in low-light situations. These sights exuded an air of quality.

Compared to standard fixed night sights from Trijicon and fiber optic sights from Dawson Precision, the Kensight offering stood out due to its adjustability. I’ve used both fixed night sights and fiber optic sights and found them lacking in different areas; the fixed sights weren’t adjustable, and the fiber optics were useless in the dark. The adjustability and night sight capabilities of Kensight were a deciding factor.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for improved accuracy and low-light performance, but eager to see how they would perform on the range. I hoped these sights would live up to their promise.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights was at an outdoor shooting range, where I tested them on my Government model 1911. I wanted to assess their daytime accuracy and zeroing capability. Conditions were sunny and dry, presenting ideal visibility for initial setup.

The sights were surprisingly easy to adjust. I made minor elevation and windage corrections using a small screwdriver, quickly achieving a tight grouping at 15 yards. I was immediately impressed with the clarity of the sight picture.

There were no immediate issues, and I was particularly pleased with the ease of adjustment. The crisp, clean sight picture offered by the Kensight sights was a refreshing change from my previous experiences.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights have proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve put hundreds of rounds downrange with these sights installed. There are only minimal signs of wear on the finish.

The sights have held their zero exceptionally well, requiring only minor adjustments after the initial setup. Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe with a lightly oiled cloth keeps them clean and functional. They’ve consistently outperformed my expectations.

Compared to previous aftermarket sights I’ve used, the Kensight sights offer a superior combination of durability, adjustability, and low-light performance. The Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights are a worthy upgrade for any 1911 owner looking to enhance their shooting experience. The build quality speaks to their longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights

Specifications

• Make: 1911. The sights are specifically designed for the 1911 platform.
• Model Compatibility: Commander, Government, and Officers models. This ensures broad compatibility across popular 1911 variants.
• Sight Color: Green. Green tritium is known for its excellent visibility and longevity in low-light conditions.
• Style: 2-Dot, Adjustable, Night Sight. The 2-dot configuration is intuitive and easy to align, while adjustability allows for fine-tuning. The night sight capability ensures visibility in darkness.

The compatibility with various 1911 models makes these sights versatile, while the green tritium provides a reliable and long-lasting illumination source. The adjustability feature allows users to fine-tune their point of impact based on ammo and shooting style.

Performance & Functionality

The Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights perform admirably, providing a clear and precise sight picture in both daylight and low-light conditions. The adjustability allows users to easily zero their pistol for different ammunition types and shooting distances. The sights are accurate and reliable.

The main strength is the adjustability, which allows for precise zeroing. A potential weakness could be the reliance on tritium, which has a finite lifespan (typically 10-12 years). The tritium’s lifespan should be considered.

The sights meet and exceed my expectations for a high-quality aftermarket 1911 sight. The quality and adjustability is very welcome.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights feature a robust all-steel construction. The weight is noticeable but adds to the feeling of durability. The sights are comfortable to use and do not snag on clothing or holsters.

The design is user-friendly, with clear and easily adjustable screws for elevation and windage. There is a minimal learning curve, even for those unfamiliar with adjustable sights. The design is well thought out.

Durability & Maintenance

The all-steel construction suggests these sights will last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and light lubrication are sufficient to maintain their performance. The sights are easy to maintain.

The tritium inserts will eventually dim over time, requiring replacement. However, the sight bodies themselves should remain functional indefinitely. The steel construction will last.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights do not typically come with additional accessories beyond the necessary adjustment tools (usually a small screwdriver or Allen wrench). While there are no direct customization options for the sights themselves, they are compatible with any 1911 that accepts standard sight cuts. There are no accessories or customization options available.

These sights integrate seamlessly with any 1911 that accepts standard dovetail sight cuts. There are multiple dovetail sight cuts that are compatible.

Pros and Cons of Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights

Who Should Buy Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights?

The Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights are perfect for:

• Law enforcement officers who carry a 1911 as a duty weapon and require reliable low-light performance.
• Competitive shooters who need adjustable sights for fine-tuning their accuracy.
• Self-defense minded individuals who want to enhance their 1911’s capabilities in low-light situations.

Someone who prioritizes lightweight over durability might prefer a different option. If you aren’t interested in low light capabilities, then these sights are not for you.

A quality 1911 holster is a must-have accessory to pair with these sights. A maintenance kit is also welcome to maintain their longevity.

Conclusion on Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights

The Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights offer a compelling combination of features for serious 1911 users. The adjustability, low-light performance, and durable construction make them a worthwhile upgrade. They offer a superior sight picture.

At $130.49, the price is justified considering the quality and performance. They are a good price for the offering.

I would personally recommend these sights to anyone looking to enhance their 1911’s capabilities, especially in low-light situations. Consider the Kensight 1911 Adjustable Night Sights if you value adjustability, durability, and night sight capabilities.