First Impressions of Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight
The 1911 is a classic, and keeping it relevant in the modern age requires thoughtful upgrades. The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight promises to bridge that gap. Kensight aims to deliver enhanced visibility and adjustability to this iconic platform. This sight boasts tritium illumination and full windage/elevation adjustments.
My journey to this sight began with a specific need: enhanced low-light performance on my 1911. I wanted a sight that would allow precise adjustments for different loads and distances. The promise of improved visibility in both daylight and darkness, alongside adjustable mechanics, made the Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight a compelling option.
Unboxing the sight, I was immediately struck by its solid feel and the deep black finish. The sight’s weight suggested quality materials and robust construction. The tritium vials glowed faintly even in ambient light, hinting at their potential in low-light conditions.
I considered the Trijicon HD Night Sights and the XS Sights DXT2 Big Dot sights. I chose the Kensight sight because of its adjustability, which the others lacked. I was excited to see if it lived up to its promise of combining classic 1911 aesthetics with modern functionality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an indoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to assess the sight’s performance and adjustability. The range offered varying lighting conditions, allowing me to evaluate the tritium’s effectiveness.
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight excelled in low-light scenarios. The tritium lamps provided a clear and easily acquired sight picture. The white dots around the tritium enhanced visibility even under bright range lights.
I did need some time to adjust the windage and elevation. The adjustments, however, were positive and precise. I was initially surprised by how much the point of impact shifted with small adjustments, highlighting the sight’s sensitivity.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The finish is still intact.
The sight remains securely mounted and has retained its zero. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth. The sight picture remains consistently bright.
This sight has outperformed the factory sights on my 1911 in terms of visibility and adjustability. I am confident in its reliability for both range use and potential defensive situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight
Specifications
Manufacturer: Kensight. Kensight is known for producing high-quality firearm sights and accessories.
Gun Make: 1911 Platform. This sight is specifically designed for 1911 pistols.
Gun Model: 1911. It is compatible with most 1911 models that utilize the Novak LoMount dovetail.
Color: Black. The black finish provides a sleek and professional look.
Fabric/Material: 4140 Chrome Moly Steel. The use of 4140 Chrome Moly Steel ensures durability and resistance to wear.
Gun Type: Pistol. This sight is designed exclusively for pistols.
Front Blade Height: 0.23 in. This height is intended to pair well with standard 1911 front sights.
Illumination Type: Tritium. Tritium provides constant illumination in low-light conditions without requiring batteries.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the sight’s overall performance and reliability. The steel construction ensures longevity, while the tritium illumination provides a crucial advantage in low-light scenarios. The adjustable design allows for fine-tuning to match specific ammunition and shooting preferences.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It provides a clear and easily acquired sight picture in various lighting conditions. Its adjustability allows for precise zeroing, which enhances accuracy.
The sight’s main strength is its versatility. It is equally effective for target shooting, competition, and self-defense. A minor weakness is the initial learning curve required to master the windage and elevation adjustments.
The sight has exceeded my expectations. It offers a significant improvement over standard 1911 sights. It delivers both enhanced visibility and the ability to fine-tune for optimal accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight features a sleek and functional design. The partially serrated slanted blade reduces glare. It has a clean, professional aesthetic that complements the 1911 platform.
The sight’s weight is substantial, but not excessive. It feels well-built and durable. The sight’s profile is relatively low, which helps maintain a smooth draw from a holster.
The sight is relatively user-friendly. Some experience with adjustable sights is beneficial. The click adjustments are tactile and audible, making it easy to make precise changes.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight is built to last. Its steel construction and durable finish provide excellent resistance to wear and tear. With proper care, this sight should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and gun oil is sufficient to keep the sight in good condition. The tritium vials have a service life of several years, after which they may need to be replaced by a qualified gunsmith.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight is often paired with the Kensight ProGlo tritium night sight with a lumi Orange outline. This combination provides a complete and balanced sight system. The sight is compatible with standard Novak-style front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″).
There are no specific accessories that come standard with the sight, beyond the sight itself. The sight is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing 1911 components. It is also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket front sights and holster options.
Pros and Cons of Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight
Pros
- Excellent low-light visibility thanks to tritium illumination and white dots.
- Precise windage and elevation adjustments for optimal accuracy.
- Durable 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install for anyone familiar with 1911 sight replacement.
- Sleek, professional design complements the 1911 platform.
Cons
- Initial learning curve required to master adjustments.
- Relatively high price point compared to fixed sights.
Who Should Buy Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight?
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight is perfect for 1911 owners who prioritize accuracy and low-light performance. It is well-suited for competitive shooters, law enforcement personnel, and anyone who relies on their 1911 for self-defense. This sight is also an excellent choice for those who want to fine-tune their point of impact for different ammunition types or shooting distances.
Those who should skip this product include casual shooters who are primarily concerned with affordability and are not particularly concerned with adjustability. It might also be overkill for those who rarely shoot in low-light conditions.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality front sight that is compatible with the Kensight rear sight. A gunsmith might also be required for proper installation and sight adjustment.
Conclusion on Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight
The Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight is a well-designed and highly functional upgrade for any 1911 pistol. It offers a significant improvement in visibility and accuracy, making it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters. The sight’s durable construction and precise adjustability ensure that it will provide years of reliable service.
The price is justified by the sight’s performance and quality. It is a premium product that delivers premium results. It is a great value for those who demand the best from their 1911.
I would personally recommend the Kensight DAS Adjustable Rear 1911 Tritium Night Sight to anyone looking to enhance the capabilities of their 1911. It is a top-tier sight that delivers on its promises. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference!