First Impressions of Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile
The Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile promises a streamlined, snag-free upgrade for the venerable 1911 platform. Kensight is a well-regarded name in the industry, known for supplying original equipment to several top manufacturers. This particular sight set, with its focus on defensive use and adjustability, immediately piqued my interest as a potential improvement to my concealed carry 1911.
My quest began when I decided my existing 1911 sights, while functional, presented a snag hazard during drawing from concealment. I needed a sight that wouldn’t catch on clothing yet provided a clear and adjustable sight picture. The Kensight DAS sights appeared to offer that balance, promising a recessed blade design and full windage and elevation adjustability.
Upon unboxing, the sights exuded quality. The matte black finish was even, and the steel felt solid and well-machined. The rear sight’s recessed blade design was immediately noticeable, creating a sleek, low-profile appearance.
Compared to a standard Novak-style sight and a tritium night sight set I’ve used, the Kensight offering struck me as a more refined blend of tactical functionality and concealed carry practicality. The recessed blade promised less snagging than the Novak, and the fiber optic front offered better daytime visibility than the tritium. My initial excitement was high; these sights seemed to address my specific needs perfectly.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was slightly overcast, providing a good test of the fiber optic front sight’s visibility in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Installation was straightforward, fitting snugly into my 1911’s Novak-cut dovetails after some minor fitting on the front sight.
The difference in sight acquisition was immediately noticeable. The bright fiber optic front sight practically jumped into view, and the recessed rear blade provided a clean, uncluttered sight picture. I experienced no snagging issues drawing from my concealed carry holster during practice drills.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Kensight DAS sights have proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds downrange, and the sights have held zero without any loosening or shifting. The finish has proven durable, showing no signs of wear despite constant holster use.
Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s required to keep them in top condition. Compared to the factory sights, the Kensight set offers a significant upgrade in both visibility and adjustability, exceeding my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kensight.
- Gun Make: 1911 Platform. The sights are designed specifically for the ubiquitous 1911 pistol.
- Gun Model: 1911. A perfect fit for any 1911 that accepts Novak-style sights.
- Color: Black. The matte black finish reduces glare and blends seamlessly with most 1911 finishes.
- Fabric/Material: 4140 Chrome Moly Steel. This robust steel ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Gun Type: Pistol. Intended for use on a pistol.
- Mount Type: Dovetail. The Novak LoMount dovetail ensures a secure and precise fit.
- Rear Sight Blade: Recessed Face Slanted Blade. This unique design reduces snagging while maintaining a clear sight picture.
- Front Sight Blade Width: 0.100”. A standard width that provides a good balance between precision and visibility.
- Fiber Optic Diameter: 0.060”. The fiber optic rod provides excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile excels in its primary function: providing a clear, adjustable, and snag-free sight picture. The fiber optic front sight significantly enhances sight acquisition speed, especially in daylight conditions. Adjusting windage and elevation is straightforward, with positive and precise clicks.
The sights meet and exceed my expectations for a defensive pistol sight. The recessed blade design successfully eliminates snag hazards, and the adjustability allows for precise zeroing. The only minor improvement I could suggest is offering different color options for the fiber optic rod.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 4140 chrome moly steel feels substantial and durable. The recessed blade design is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective.
The sights are user-friendly. Installation is relatively simple for anyone familiar with 1911 sight replacement. The adjustability is intuitive, and the overall design is well-thought-out.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight DAS sights are built to last. The 4140 chrome moly steel construction ensures excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
Based on my experience, these sights should easily withstand years of regular use. The robust design and durable materials suggest a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The sight set includes both the adjustable rear sight and a matching flat-based fiber optic front sight. The flat base of the front sight is designed to be filed and blended to match the slide profile. This sight set is compatible with any 1911 that accepts Novak-style sights, opening up a wide range of holster and accessory options.
Pros and Cons of Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile
Pros
- Enhanced Sight Acquisition: The fiber optic front sight makes target acquisition incredibly fast, especially in daylight.
- Snag-Free Design: The recessed blade eliminates the risk of snagging on clothing, crucial for concealed carry.
- Adjustable Windage and Elevation: Allows for precise zeroing and customization to specific loads.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust 4140 chrome moly steel for long-lasting reliability.
- Clean Sight Picture: The recessed rear blade offers an uncluttered and focused view of the target.
Cons
- The flat base of the front sight requires fitting, potentially needing professional installation for some users.
- Fiber optic rods are vulnerable to damage.
Who Should Buy Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile?
The Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile is perfect for 1911 owners who prioritize concealed carry and quick target acquisition. It’s ideally suited for law enforcement, security personnel, and responsible citizens who rely on their 1911 for self-defense. Competitive shooters who value adjustability and a clear sight picture would also benefit from this upgrade.
Those who prefer simpler, non-adjustable sights or are uncomfortable with minor gunsmithing should consider other options. Users looking for night sights should also look at different products. A quality gunsmith punch set would be beneficial for installation.
Conclusion on Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile
The Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile is a well-designed and expertly crafted upgrade for any 1911 intended for concealed carry or defensive use. The combination of enhanced visibility, snag-free design, and adjustability makes it a standout product in a crowded market. The price of $118.06 is justified given the quality of materials and the improvement in performance.
I wholeheartedly recommend this sight set. If you’re looking to improve the functionality and carry-ability of your 1911, the Kensight DAS sights are an excellent investment. Upgrade your 1911 with the Kensight DAS Recessed Blade Adjustable Rear 1911 Sight w/Flat Profile and experience the difference a quality sight can make!