First Impressions of Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight promises a blend of adjustability, enhanced visibility, and rugged durability for the venerable 1911 platform. This sight aims to bridge the gap between a fixed, defensive sight and a fully adjustable target sight, offering a versatile solution for concealed carry, duty use, and even occasional competition. Kensight, known for their precision machining and attention to detail, has seemingly crafted a sight that caters to a wide range of 1911 enthusiasts. It features windage and elevation adjustments, a serrated blade to minimize glare, and tritium inserts for low-light performance.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a 1911 sight that provides both pinpoint accuracy and reliable night-time visibility without sacrificing durability for every day carry. Many adjustable sights are too bulky or fragile for duty use, while standard night sights often lack the fine-tuning capabilities needed for optimal accuracy at various distances. The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight seemed to offer the perfect blend of features to address these concerns.
The sight arrived well-packaged and immediately impressed me with its solid construction. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel felt robust and the black finish was even and well-applied. The tritium lamps glowed brightly even in dim lighting, and the white dots provided a sharp contrast in daylight. Compared to a Trijicon HD night sight, which prioritizes speed of acquisition, the Kensight DAS offers a more refined sight picture and greater adjustability, albeit at the potential cost of slightly slower target acquisition. Compared to a fully adjustable target sight like a Wilson Combat, the Kensight DAS is more compact and rugged, making it better suited for everyday carry.
My initial reaction was one of excitement. The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight appeared to be a thoughtfully designed and well-executed product that could potentially solve my long-standing sight dilemma. I was eager to install it on my Colt 1911 and put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight primarily at an outdoor shooting range, focusing on accuracy at distances ranging from 7 to 25 yards. I also conducted some low-light drills in a controlled indoor environment to assess the effectiveness of the tritium inserts. I specifically wanted to see how the sight performed during rapid-fire drills and how easy it was to adjust the point of impact.
During my initial range session, the weather was partly cloudy with intermittent rain. Even in slightly damp conditions, the serrated blade of the sight did a great job of minimizing glare. The tritium lamps were easily visible even in daylight, providing a clear and consistent sight picture. Adjusting the windage and elevation was straightforward, with audible and tactile clicks that allowed for precise corrections. After a few adjustments, I was able to consistently hit a 6-inch target at 25 yards.
The only issue I encountered during the first use was a slight loosening of the elevation screw after approximately 100 rounds of .45 ACP. A quick tightening with a small screwdriver resolved the issue, but it was something to keep an eye on.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my 1911 since installing the sight, and it has held up well with no significant signs of wear and tear. The finish remains intact, and the tritium lamps continue to glow brightly.
Cleaning the sight is simple; a quick wipe with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed to remove any residue. I’ve also applied a small drop of thread locker to the elevation screw to prevent it from loosening during extended shooting sessions.
Compared to my previous experiences with fixed night sights, the Kensight DAS offers a significant improvement in accuracy and versatility. The ability to adjust the point of impact is invaluable for fine-tuning my pistol to different loads and distances. While not quite as fast to acquire as a dedicated combat sight, the enhanced visibility and adjustability of the Kensight DAS make it a worthwhile trade-off for my intended use.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kensight
- Gun Make: 1911 Platform
- Gun Model: 1911
- Color: Black
- Fabric/Material: 4140 Chrome Moly Steel
- Gun Type: Pistol
- Front Blade Height: 0.2 inches
- Illumination Type: Tritium
- Mount Type: Dovetail
The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction ensures excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear, making it suitable for duty and concealed carry applications. The 0.2-inch front blade height provides a clear and unobstructed sight picture, allowing for precise aiming. The tritium illumination offers enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, a critical feature for defensive use.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and adjustability. The windage and elevation adjustments are precise and repeatable, allowing for consistent point-of-impact corrections. The serrated blade effectively minimizes glare, even in bright sunlight.
A minor weakness is the potential for the elevation screw to loosen under heavy recoil, but this can be easily addressed with a thread locker. Overall, the sight meets and exceeds my expectations for a versatile and reliable 1911 sight.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight features a clean and functional design. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction provides a solid and substantial feel. The sight is relatively low-profile, minimizing the risk of snagging during concealed carry.
There is a slight learning curve associated with adjusting the windage and elevation, but the tactile clicks and clear markings make the process relatively intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction and durable black finish ensure that the Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, the sight should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe with a lightly oiled cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight is designed to fit the popular Novak LoMount rear sight dovetail, making it compatible with a wide range of 1911 pistols. While the sight does not come with any additional accessories, its compatibility with the Novak dovetail allows for easy replacement of the front sight to achieve optimal sight alignment. Aftermarket front sights with tritium or fiber optic inserts can further enhance the sight’s low-light or daylight visibility.
Pros and Cons of Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight
Pros
- Precise Windage and Elevation Adjustments: Allows for fine-tuning of the point of impact for different loads and distances.
- Bright Tritium Inserts: Provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions, crucial for defensive use.
- Durable Construction: The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction ensures long-lasting reliability.
- Serrated Blade: Minimizes glare, improving sight picture in bright sunlight.
- Novak LoMount Dovetail Compatibility: Fits a wide range of 1911 pistols.
Cons
- Potential for Elevation Screw to Loosen: May require occasional tightening or the application of a thread locker.
- Slightly Slower Target Acquisition: Compared to dedicated combat sights.
Who Should Buy Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight?
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight is perfect for 1911 owners who want a versatile and adjustable sight that can be used for concealed carry, duty use, and occasional competition. It’s ideal for shooters who value accuracy and want the ability to fine-tune their point of impact. This sight would be a great upgrade for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and serious recreational shooters.
This sight might not be the best choice for individuals who prioritize speed of target acquisition above all else. Those who require the absolute fastest sight picture possible may prefer a dedicated combat sight with a larger front sight and a simpler design.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality thread locker to ensure the elevation screw remains secure. A compatible tritium front sight is also recommended to create a balanced and highly visible sight picture in all lighting conditions.
Conclusion on Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight is a well-designed and well-executed product that delivers on its promises. It offers a compelling combination of adjustability, enhanced visibility, and rugged durability, making it a worthwhile upgrade for any 1911 owner. At a price of $130.15, the sight represents a solid value proposition, especially considering its versatility and quality construction.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Night Sight to anyone looking for a reliable and accurate sight for their 1911. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference that a quality sight can make!