First Impressions of Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight promises a significant upgrade for any 1911 owner prioritizing low-light performance and robust construction. Kensight is known for its precision machining, and this sight aims to deliver enhanced visibility and durability in a fixed, no-nonsense package. For those seeking improved target acquisition in challenging lighting conditions without sacrificing the classic 1911 aesthetic, this sight seems like a solid contender.
My aging eyes were becoming a hindrance during dusk shooting sessions. The factory sights on my trusty 1911, while perfectly adequate in daylight, were practically invisible as the sun dipped below the horizon. I needed a solution that offered reliable visibility without requiring any complex adjustments or modifications, leading me to consider night sights as a viable solution and specifically, the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight.
Unboxing the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight revealed a sight that felt immediately solid and well-made. The black 4140 steel exuded quality, and the wire-EDM cut serrations offered a tactile grip that inspired confidence. The tritium lamps, though subtle in daylight, promised a clear, consistent glow in darkness.
I considered Trijicon and Novak sights, but ultimately chose the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight for its balance of rugged construction and competitive price. Many sights in this class seemed either overpriced or lacked the robust feel I was looking for. The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight hit that sweet spot.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to test its low-light capabilities and see if it lived up to the hype. This sight, at first glance, looks to be more than just a simple upgrade; it appears to be a functional, reliable improvement.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight at an indoor shooting range that offers low-light lanes. This allowed me to assess the sight’s performance in a controlled environment simulating dusk or dawn conditions. The initial installation, handled by a gunsmith, went smoothly, fitting perfectly into the Novak-compatible dovetail cut of my 1911.
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight performed admirably, even in near-total darkness. The two green tritium lamps provided a clear and easily acquired sight picture, vastly improving my accuracy compared to the stock sights. There were no issues with glare or blooming, and the sight maintained its visibility throughout the session.
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight required no getting used to. The sight picture was intuitive and the fixed design meant no adjustments were necessary. I found it significantly easier to align my shots and maintain focus on the target compared to the plain black factory sights.
The first use was overwhelmingly positive. The immediate improvement in low-light target acquisition was noticeable and gratifying. The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight did exactly what it promised, enhancing my shooting experience in challenging conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. The sight has held zero perfectly, with no shifts or loosening despite repeated firing. The black finish shows minimal signs of wear, even after being subjected to holster use and occasional bumps.
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight has shown zero signs of wear and tear. The tritium lamps continue to glow brightly, providing a consistent and reliable sight picture in low light. The serrations on the sight remain sharp and functional, providing a secure gripping surface when racking the slide.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a clean cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight in top condition. I have not needed to apply any lubricants or perform any special cleaning procedures. The rugged steel construction makes it remarkably resistant to corrosion and damage.
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight has exceeded my expectations. It has significantly improved my shooting performance in low light, and it has proven to be a robust and reliable upgrade. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket sights, the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight is definitely a top performer.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight
Specifications
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight is constructed from a single block of 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, ensuring exceptional strength and resistance to wear. It features two 0.076″ Trijicon Green tritium lamps for enhanced low-light visibility. The sight is designed to fit 1911 pistols with Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″).
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight is finished in a matte black, reducing glare and providing a sleek, professional appearance. The rear sight includes wire-EDM cut grasping serrations for improved grip when racking the slide. The standard tritium flat base front sight blade height is 0.160”, but heights from 0.150” to 0.220” are available upon request. This allows for fine-tuning the sight picture to match individual preferences and ammunition.
These specifications are critical because they contribute directly to the sight’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The steel construction ensures the sight can withstand the rigors of regular use. The Trijicon tritium lamps provide a reliable and consistent glow, and the Novak-compatible dovetail cut makes installation straightforward.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight excels at enhancing low-light target acquisition and improving overall accuracy. The bright tritium lamps provide a clear sight picture in dim conditions, allowing for quick and confident shots. The fixed design ensures consistent performance without the need for adjustments.
The sight’s strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and enhanced visibility. The robust steel construction ensures it can withstand significant abuse. The bright tritium lamps make it ideal for self-defense or tactical applications. However, some users may prefer adjustable sights for greater fine-tuning of elevation and windage.
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight definitely meets my expectations. It has noticeably improved my accuracy in low-light conditions, and it has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade for my 1911.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight boasts a clean, functional design that complements the classic lines of the 1911. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a professional appearance. The sight feels solid and well-made in the hand, inspiring confidence in its durability.
The sight is designed to be user-friendly, with no complex adjustments or settings to worry about. The sight picture is clear and intuitive, making it easy to acquire and maintain focus on the target. There is virtually no learning curve, making it suitable for both experienced shooters and beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight is built to last, thanks to its rugged 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction. The sight should provide years of reliable service with minimal maintenance.
Maintaining the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight is a breeze. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is typically all that’s required. The steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion, and the tritium lamps are sealed to prevent damage from moisture or solvents.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight is typically sold as a set with a matching tritium front sight. The product description indicates availability of front sight blades ranging from 0.150″ to 0.220″ upon request.
The sight is designed to fit any 1911 with a Novak-type dovetail cut, making it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket slides and frames. While the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight itself does not offer extensive customization options, its standard dovetail cut allows users to mix and match it with other aftermarket front sights if desired.
Pros and Cons of Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night SightPros
- Exceptional low-light visibility: The Trijicon tritium lamps provide a bright and consistent glow in dim conditions, enhancing target acquisition and accuracy.
- Durable construction: Machined from a solid block of 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, this sight is built to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
- Easy to install: Designed to fit 1911 pistols with Novak-type dovetail cuts, installation is straightforward and requires minimal gunsmithing.
- Clean and functional design: The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a professional appearance that complements the classic lines of the 1911.
- Reliable performance: The fixed design ensures consistent performance without the need for adjustments, making it ideal for self-defense or tactical applications.
Cons
- Fixed Design: The fixed design may not be ideal for shooters who prefer adjustable sights for fine-tuning elevation and windage.
- Tritium Lifespan: Tritium lamps have a limited lifespan (typically 10-12 years) and will eventually need to be replaced, incurring additional cost.
Who Should Buy Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight?
Pros
- Exceptional low-light visibility: The Trijicon tritium lamps provide a bright and consistent glow in dim conditions, enhancing target acquisition and accuracy.
- Durable construction: Machined from a solid block of 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, this sight is built to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
- Easy to install: Designed to fit 1911 pistols with Novak-type dovetail cuts, installation is straightforward and requires minimal gunsmithing.
- Clean and functional design: The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a professional appearance that complements the classic lines of the 1911.
- Reliable performance: The fixed design ensures consistent performance without the need for adjustments, making it ideal for self-defense or tactical applications.
Cons
- Fixed Design: The fixed design may not be ideal for shooters who prefer adjustable sights for fine-tuning elevation and windage.
- Tritium Lifespan: Tritium lamps have a limited lifespan (typically 10-12 years) and will eventually need to be replaced, incurring additional cost.
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight is perfect for:
- 1911 owners who prioritize low-light shooting performance.
- Individuals seeking a durable and reliable sight for self-defense or tactical applications.
- Shooters who prefer a simple, fixed sight design.
Who should skip this product?
- Competitive shooters who require adjustable sights for precise zeroing at different distances.
- Individuals on a tight budget, as there are less expensive night sight options available.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A matching tritium front sight for a complete low-light sighting system.
- A competent gunsmith for proper installation, if you are not experienced with firearm modifications.
Conclusion on Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight
The Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight is a well-made, durable, and highly functional upgrade for any 1911. Its rugged construction and bright tritium lamps make it an excellent choice for shooters who prioritize low-light performance and reliability.
The price of $150.61 is justified by the sight’s quality materials, precise machining, and enhanced visibility. While there are cheaper options available, the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight offers a superior balance of performance and durability.
I would personally recommend the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight to anyone looking to improve their 1911’s low-light capabilities. It’s a worthwhile investment that will provide years of reliable service. Upgrade your 1911 with the Kensight DFS Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight and experience the difference!