First Impressions of Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Contoured Front Sight
The 1911 platform is a classic, a piece of history that continues to be relevant in the modern firearms landscape. However, its iron sights, while functional, often leave something to be desired, especially in low-light conditions. That’s where the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Contoured Front Sight steps in, promising enhanced visibility and accuracy when you need it most.
I’d been running the factory sights on my custom 1911 build for far too long. I needed an upgrade that wouldn’t just look good but would also significantly improve my target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
Upon unboxing, the Kensight sights immediately impressed me with their robust construction and clean lines. The steel felt solid and well-machined, and the tritium inserts glowed with a reassuring intensity. Compared to other night sights I’ve used, like Trijicon HDs and some cheaper TruGlo options, the Kensight felt like a step up in terms of overall quality and attention to detail. My initial reaction was excitement mixed with anticipation, eager to see how these sights would perform on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Contoured Front Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Kensight sights was at an indoor shooting range with variable lighting conditions. This allowed me to test the tritium’s effectiveness in both near-total darkness and under standard range lighting. The difference was immediately noticeable: the U-shaped tritium bar rear and the bright tritium dot on the front sight created a clear and intuitive sight picture, making target acquisition significantly faster and easier than with the original iron sights. There were no issues during the first range visit.
The bright and clear tritium dots allowed fast target acquisition. The contoured front sight blade helped for a smoother draw from my holster.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including weekly trips to the range and a practical pistol competition, the Kensight sights have proven to be incredibly reliable. There are minimal signs of wear, the tritium inserts are still burning bright, and the sights remain securely mounted to my 1911. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a gun cleaning cloth after each shooting session. Compared to some other aftermarket sights I’ve used that have either shifted or shown signs of rust, the Kensight sights have exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and longevity.
The Kensight has become a permanent part of my 1911 build. The confidence they instill in low-light scenarios is invaluable.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Contoured Front Sight
Specifications
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight boasts impressive specifications. It is designed to fit Bo-Mar “BMCS” sight cuts, a popular and readily available standard for 1911 pistols. The sights are constructed from durable 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of regular use and exposure to the elements.
The rear sight features three Trijicon tritium bars arranged in a U-shaped pattern for enhanced low-light visibility. The front sight is a 0.200-inch contoured blade with a tritium insert for quick target acquisition. The combination of the high-quality materials and thoughtful design makes these sights a valuable upgrade for any 1911 enthusiast.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight sights perform exceptionally well in their intended role. The tritium inserts provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions, making them ideal for home defense, concealed carry, or nighttime shooting competitions. The U-shaped rear sight and contoured front sight work together to create a clear and intuitive sight picture, allowing for fast and accurate target acquisition. The adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing, ensuring that your shots land exactly where you want them.
The sights are rugged and reliable. They instill confidence in any shooting scenario.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight features a well-thought-out design that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. The rounded blade of the front sight ensures a smooth draw from the holster, preventing snags or hang-ups. The contoured base of the front sight creates a seamless transition with the slide, resulting in a clean and professional-looking installation. The wire-EDM machined construction ensures tight tolerances and smooth adjustments.
The audible clicks provide positive feedback during sight adjustments. The overall design is both functional and visually appealing.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 4140 chrome-moly steel, the Kensight sights are built to last. The wire-EDM machining process ensures precise dimensions and a robust construction. The tritium inserts are well-protected, minimizing the risk of damage or failure. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a periodic cleaning with a gun cleaning cloth. The sights are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, providing added peace of mind.
The sights are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance. They are built to withstand years of use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight is compatible with standard Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″). This means they can be easily installed on a wide range of 1911 pistols. While the sights themselves don’t offer any additional customization options, their compatibility with standard dovetail cuts allows for the use of aftermarket front sights if desired. The sights are designed to work seamlessly with standard 1911 components, ensuring a hassle-free installation and reliable performance.
The compatibility with standard dovetail cuts allows for a wide range of customization options. The sights are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing 1911 components.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Contoured Front Sight
Pros
- Enhanced Low-Light Visibility: The three tritium bars in the rear sight and the tritium dot in the front sight provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, these sights are built to withstand the rigors of regular use.
- Precise Adjustments: The wire-EDM machined construction ensures tight tolerances and smooth adjustments.
- Easy Installation: Compatible with standard Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts, making installation straightforward.
- Improved Accuracy: The clear and intuitive sight picture allows for faster and more accurate target acquisition.
Cons
- Price: At $231.52, these sights are a significant investment compared to standard iron sights.
- Tritium Lifespan: Tritium has a limited lifespan (around 10-12 years), after which the inserts will need to be replaced.
Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Contoured Front Sight?
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight is perfect for 1911 owners who prioritize low-light performance and reliability. This includes:
- Home defense enthusiasts who need a clear sight picture in dark or dimly lit environments.
- Concealed carry holders who want to ensure they can quickly and accurately acquire a target in any lighting conditions.
- Competitive shooters who participate in nighttime or low-light shooting events.
This product might not be necessary for casual target shooters who primarily shoot in well-lit environments. Those seeking budget-friendly options might find the price point a barrier. A must-have modification would be professional gunsmith installation to ensure perfect fit and alignment.
Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Contoured Front Sight
The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Contoured Front Sight is a worthwhile investment for any serious 1911 owner looking to enhance their low-light shooting capabilities. While the price may seem steep, the superior build quality, reliable performance, and enhanced visibility justify the cost. I would personally recommend these sights to anyone who relies on their 1911 for self-defense or competitive shooting.
Upgrade your 1911 with the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar Rounded Blade 1911 Night Sight and experience the difference! You’ll gain the confidence and accuracy you need to excel in any shooting scenario.