First Impressions of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base promises enhanced accuracy and faster target acquisition for the venerable 1911 platform. With its adjustable design and sharp, serrated edges, it’s clearly aimed at competition shooters and those seeking a performance upgrade. The inclusion of a fiber optic front sight is a modern touch that piqued my interest, promising improved visibility in various lighting conditions.
For years, I’ve tinkered with and customized 1911s, always chasing that perfect balance of accuracy, reliability, and speed. My aging eyes needed a sight upgrade that could offer quicker target acquisition and more precise adjustments. I was looking for sights that could improve both my daytime and low-light performance.
Upon unboxing, the Kensight sight set exuded quality. The 4140 chrome moly steel construction felt robust and the black finish was clean and even. The serrations on the rear sight were indeed sharp and well-defined, giving me confidence in a positive sight picture.
Compared to a standard GI-style sight or even some fixed aftermarket options, the adjustability of the Bomar style sight was immediately appealing. I also considered the Trijicon HD Night Sights, known for their tritium inserts, and the Novak Adjustable Sights. I chose the Kensight due to the combination of adjustability, the fiber optic front sight, and Kensight’s reputation for quality.
My initial impression was one of excitement. The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base appeared to be a well-made and thoughtfully designed upgrade that could significantly enhance my 1911’s performance. I was eager to get it installed and put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny with a slight breeze, providing good visibility. I ran several drills focusing on target acquisition speed and accuracy at distances ranging from 7 to 25 yards.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The fiber optic front sight drew my eye quickly to the target, and the sharp rear sight provided a crisp, clear sight picture. Adjusting the rear sight for windage and elevation was straightforward and precise, allowing me to dial in my accuracy with ease.
One initial issue arose: the flat base of the front sight required some fitting. I had to carefully file down the base to match the contour of my slide, which took about an hour.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. There are no signs of wear and tear on either the front or rear sight. The adjustments remain tight and secure, even after hundreds of rounds.
Cleaning the sights is simple, requiring only a brush and a solvent to remove any carbon buildup. The fiber optic rod remains bright and visible. Compared to my previous fixed sights, the Kensight offering far surpasses them in terms of adjustability and target acquisition speed.
The Kensight sights have noticeably improved my shooting accuracy and confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base
Specifications
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It is constructed from 4140 chrome moly steel, providing exceptional strength and durability. The rear sight features a Bomar-style adjustable design for windage and elevation, allowing for precise zeroing.
The front sight has a flat base for custom fitting and incorporates a bright fiber optic rod measuring 0.060 inches in diameter. This enhances visibility in various lighting conditions. The rear sight blade width is 0.100 inches, partially serrated to reduce glare and improve sight picture clarity.
The front sight utilizes a Novak-type dovetail cut, measuring 0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″, ensuring compatibility with most 1911 pistols. These specifications matter because they directly impact the sight’s durability, adjustability, and visibility, all crucial for accurate and rapid shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base excels in its primary function: enhancing accuracy and target acquisition speed. The adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing, ensuring that shots land exactly where intended. The fiber optic front sight is highly visible, even in bright sunlight.
A key strength is the adjustability, which accommodates different ammunition types and shooting distances. The serrated rear sight effectively minimizes glare, providing a clear sight picture. A potential weakness is the fitting required for the front sight’s flat base, which may be challenging for some users.
Overall, the Kensight sights meet and exceed my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base features a functional and ergonomic design. The use of 4140 chrome moly steel gives it a solid, robust feel. The sight is not overly bulky, maintaining a comfortable weight balance on the 1911.
The sharp serrations on the rear sight are effective in reducing glare without being overly aggressive. While the front sight requires fitting, once installed, it blends seamlessly with the slide. The sight is generally user-friendly, although some may find the initial fitting process challenging.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 4140 chrome moly steel construction, the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base is built to last. The steel is heat treated to a hardness of RC 38-40, adding to its ability to withstand use and recoil. With proper care, these sights should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent. The fiber optic rod is well-shielded, minimizing the risk of damage. The adjustments are designed to hold their position securely, reducing the need for frequent re-zeroing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base set includes the adjustable rear sight and the fiber optic front sight. No other accessories are included. The primary customization option is the ability to choose different colors and diameters of fiber optic rods for the front sight.
The rear sight is compatible with most 1911 pistols that accept a Bomar-style cut. The front sight utilizes a Novak-type dovetail, making it compatible with a wide range of 1911 slides. The availability of different fiber optic rod colors allows users to tailor the sight to their specific preferences and lighting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base
Pros
- Exceptional Adjustability: The Bomar-style rear sight allows for precise windage and elevation adjustments, ensuring accurate zeroing.
- Enhanced Target Acquisition: The fiber optic front sight draws the eye quickly to the target, improving speed and accuracy.
- Durable Construction: Made from 4140 chrome moly steel, the sights are built to withstand heavy use and recoil.
- Improved Sight Picture: The sharp serrations on the rear sight reduce glare, providing a crisp and clear sight picture.
- Versatile Compatibility: The Novak-type dovetail front sight and Bomar-style rear sight are compatible with a wide range of 1911 pistols.
Cons
- Fitting Required: The flat base front sight necessitates filing and fitting to match the slide contour, which may be challenging for some.
- No Tritium Option: Lacks a tritium insert for enhanced visibility in extremely low-light conditions.
Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base?
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base is perfect for competitive shooters seeking enhanced accuracy and faster target acquisition. It’s also ideal for 1911 enthusiasts who want to upgrade their pistol’s performance and customize their sight picture. Those with some gunsmithing experience or access to a gunsmith will appreciate the fitting required for the front sight.
This product may not be suitable for those who prefer a drop-in sight solution with no fitting required. It’s also not the best choice for individuals who prioritize tritium night sights for use in extremely low-light environments. Those who are not comfortable with basic gunsmithing tasks should probably avoid this product or get it professionally installed.
A must-have accessory is a good set of gunsmithing files for fitting the front sight.
Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Flat Base is a high-quality upgrade that offers significant improvements in accuracy and target acquisition speed. While the fitting required for the front sight may be a deterrent for some, the benefits of adjustability, durability, and enhanced visibility make it a worthwhile investment. At $114.51, the price is justified given the quality of materials and the performance gains.
I would personally recommend this sight set to anyone looking to enhance their 1911’s performance. Its design is well-executed, and the impact on my shooting has been extremely positive.
Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference!