First Impressions of Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight promises to be a significant upgrade for any 1911 owner seeking enhanced accuracy and low-light visibility. Kensight has a solid reputation for producing durable and precise sights, and this particular model, with its adjustable windage and elevation, and tritium illumination, certainly piqued my interest. My years in the tactical gear world have taught me that sights are not just accessories; they are crucial components that can drastically affect performance and safety, especially in high-stress situations.
I was seeking a rear sight that offered both adjustability and improved nighttime visibility for my trusty 1911. The factory sights were fixed and lacked sufficient illumination for low-light scenarios. I also wanted something more robust than the polymer sights found on some newer models, hoping for a steel sight that could withstand daily carry and potential impacts.
Upon unboxing, the Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight exuded quality. The weight felt substantial, indicating the use of durable materials, and the black finish was evenly applied and looked professional. The tritium lamps glowed subtly, promising excellent visibility in darkness.
Compared to a set of Trijicon HD Night Sights and a Wilson Combat Battlesight, the Kensight offered a different approach. The Trijicons are excellent for quick target acquisition but lack the fine adjustability of the Kensight. The Wilson Combat Battlesight offers similar adjustability but lacks tritium illumination, making the Kensight a more versatile option for both day and night use. I chose the Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight for its blend of adjustability and low-light capability.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The sight looked and felt well-made, but I was eager to see how it performed on the range. The promise of precise adjustments and enhanced visibility was exciting, and I hoped the Kensight would live up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight at an outdoor shooting range during both daylight and dusk conditions. The range offered a variety of targets at distances from 7 to 25 yards. The initial installation required minor fitting, but once installed, the sight felt incredibly secure.
The bar-dot-bar configuration took a few magazines to get used to, but once I found my focus, target acquisition became quick and intuitive. In daylight, the white dots provided excellent contrast against the black sight body, making it easy to align with the front sight. As dusk approached, the tritium lamps began to glow, providing a clear and consistent sight picture.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice the sight sat slightly higher than the factory sights, which initially affected my point of aim. A few clicks of the elevation adjustment quickly corrected this.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and daily carry, the Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the finish, and the tritium lamps continue to glow brightly. The sight remains securely mounted, and the adjustment screws have not loosened.
Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe with a lightly oiled cloth keeps the sight free of dirt and debris. I’ve found it easier to maintain than some other adjustable sights I’ve used, which tend to accumulate grime in the adjustment mechanisms. The steel construction is truly rugged and durable.
Compared to my previous experience with other sights, the Kensight has exceeded my expectations in terms of both adjustability and low-light performance. The ability to fine-tune the windage and elevation has allowed me to achieve pinpoint accuracy at various distances, and the tritium illumination has proven invaluable in low-light training scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight
Specifications
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight is constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to wear. It is designed for the 1911 platform, fitting the popular Novak LoMount rear sight dovetail cut (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″). The sight features fully adjustable windage and elevation, allowing for precise point-of-impact corrections.
The sight incorporates two self-luminous Green Tritium Lamps, nestled within High Visibility White Dots. This provides a 3-dot sight picture that is easily acquired in both daylight and low-light conditions. The front blade height is 0.2 inches.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The steel construction ensures the sight can withstand the rigors of daily use and potential impacts. The adjustable windage and elevation allow the user to fine-tune the sight for optimal accuracy with different ammunition types and shooting distances. The tritium illumination provides a clear and consistent sight picture in low-light conditions, enhancing safety and effectiveness in defensive scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The adjustability allows for precise zeroing, and the tritium illumination provides a clear and consistent sight picture in all lighting conditions. The bar-dot-bar configuration takes some getting used to, but once mastered, it offers excellent speed and accuracy.
The sight’s strengths lie in its durability, adjustability, and low-light performance. The only potential weakness is the slightly higher profile compared to some other sights, which may require users to adjust their grip or holster. However, for the trade-off of gaining improved nighttime visibility and enhanced adjustability, this is an advantage.
The sight meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a significant upgrade over factory sights, offering improved accuracy and low-light performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight features a robust and well-thought-out design. The use of 4140 Chrome Moly Steel gives the sight a substantial weight and a feeling of quality. The black finish is evenly applied and resistant to scratches and wear.
The partially serrated slanted blade reduces glare, providing a clear sight picture in bright sunlight. The tritium lamps are bright and evenly illuminated, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions. There is a learning curve to using the bar-dot-bar configuration, but it quickly becomes intuitive with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction, the Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight is built to last. Regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth is all that is required to keep the sight in good working order. The tritium lamps have an expected lifespan of 10-12 years, providing years of reliable low-light performance.
Replacement of the tritium lamps may be necessary after several years of use, but this is a standard service offered by many gunsmiths. The sight is designed for easy installation and removal, making maintenance and repairs relatively straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight is designed to be compatible with standard Novak type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″). This means it can be paired with a wide variety of aftermarket front sights, including tritium night sights, fiber optic sights, and plain black sights.
Kensight specifically recommends pairing this rear sight with their ProGlo tritium night sight with a lumi Orange outline that comes with a 0.118” wide blade and a contoured base. The sight does not require any specific accessories for installation or use, but a sight pusher tool can be helpful for precise installation and removal.
Pros and Cons of Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight
Pros
- Excellent Adjustability: Fully adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing for precise zeroing.
- Superior Low-Light Performance: Tritium lamps provide a clear and consistent sight picture in all lighting conditions.
- Durable Construction: Made from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel for exceptional strength and resistance to wear.
- Easy to Acquire Sight Picture: Bar-dot-bar configuration aids in rapid target acquisition once the user is familiar with it.
- Compatibility: Fits standard Novak LoMount dovetails, making it compatible with a wide range of 1911 pistols.
Cons
- Slightly Higher Profile: May require users to adjust their grip or holster to accommodate the increased height.
- Price: Higher price point than fixed sight options, although justified by the features and quality.
Who Should Buy Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight?
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight is perfect for:
- Competitive Shooters: The adjustable windage and elevation allow for precise zeroing, enhancing accuracy in competition.
- Law Enforcement and Military Personnel: The tritium illumination provides a clear sight picture in low-light conditions, crucial for tactical operations.
- Concealed Carry Holders: The improved visibility and accuracy enhance defensive capabilities in critical situations.
- Serious Enthusiasts: Anyone seeking a durable, reliable, and adjustable rear sight for their 1911.
Who should skip this product?
- Casual shooters who primarily shoot in well-lit environments and don’t require adjustable sights may find this sight unnecessary.
- Those on a very tight budget may find cheaper, albeit less feature-rich, alternatives.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Pairing with a Kensight ProGlo tritium front sight is highly recommended for optimal sight picture and low-light performance.
- A sight pusher tool can be helpful for precise installation and removal.
Conclusion on Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight is a top-tier upgrade for any 1911 pistol. The combination of adjustability, durability, and low-light performance makes it an excellent choice for competitive shooters, law enforcement personnel, and concealed carry holders alike. The Kensight‘s solid steel build delivers confidence.
The price is certainly an investment, but the enhanced accuracy and improved visibility are well worth it for those who demand the best performance from their firearm. The sight provides peace of mind.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kensight DAS Adjustable Bar-Dot-Bar Tritium Rear Night Sight to anyone seeking a high-quality, reliable, and adjustable rear sight for their 1911. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference that a quality sight can make.