First Impressions of Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight
The Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight promises a return to classic target shooting form for owners of pre-1970 Colt 1911s. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a deliberate choice to enhance sight picture and accuracy, harkening back to the golden age of Camp Perry competition. I’ve always appreciated the clean, functional lines of the original 1911, and I’m eager to see if this front sight can elevate the shooting experience of my well-worn Colt.
I’ve been struggling with consistent accuracy on my old Colt 1911. The original front sight, worn and somewhat rounded from years of use, makes precise aiming a challenge. I needed a sight that provides a crisp, clear sight picture for improved target acquisition and tighter groupings.
Upon receiving the Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight, I was immediately struck by its clean, purposeful design. The matte black finish is even and smooth, and the serrated blade inspires confidence. It feels solid and well-made, a significant improvement over the faded, almost polished sheen of my original front sight.
Compared to modern fiber optic sights or even three-dot tritium options, this Kensight front sight is decidedly old-school. However, for the intended purpose of target shooting with a classic 1911, I believe its simplicity is an advantage. I chose it over other options because I wanted to maintain the original aesthetic of my pistol while gaining a performance boost. My initial impression is one of quiet confidence – this sight looks like it means business.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight at my local outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. The range offers distances out to 50 yards, perfect for evaluating the sight’s accuracy potential. The weather was clear and mild, providing optimal shooting conditions.
The most noticeable difference was the clarity of the sight picture. The patridge blade with its vertical rear face offered a distinct, sharp outline against the target, even in bright sunlight. The fine serrations effectively eliminated glare, making precise aiming much easier.
Installing the sight required a gunsmith, but once installed, it was immediately intuitive to use. I was able to consistently achieve tighter groupings at 25 yards, a definite improvement over my previous results. No issues arose during the first use; the sight performed exactly as I had hoped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Kensight front sight continues to impress. It has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear or loosening. I typically shoot around 200 rounds per range session, and the sight remains firmly in place.
The Kensight sight has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite regular cleaning and handling, the finish remains unblemished. Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket sights on other firearms, the Kensight offering stands out for its quality and performance. It has significantly improved my accuracy and overall shooting enjoyment with my pre-70 Series Colt 1911. The Kensight sight certainly outperforms the original sight.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight
Specifications
The Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight boasts specific dimensions designed to optimize target shooting. It measures .350″ in height, providing a taller blade for enhanced visibility, especially when paired with an adjustable rear sight. The blade width is .118″, offering a balance between precise aiming and quick target acquisition.
The sight features a .056″ tenon for secure dovetail mounting, ensuring a stable and reliable fit within the slide. The material is 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, a high-strength alloy known for its durability and resistance to wear. These specifications are critical because they directly impact the shooter’s ability to achieve consistent accuracy. The height allows for proper elevation adjustments, the width aids in centering the target, and the steel guarantees long-lasting performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight excels in its primary function: providing a clear and precise sight picture for target shooting. Its patridge blade design, with a flat, serrated rear face, minimizes glare and maximizes contrast, making it easy to align with the target. The sight’s performance is consistently accurate, allowing for tighter groupings and improved scores.
The sight’s strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. A minor weakness could be the lack of night sight capabilities, but this is easily addressed with other options if needed. It significantly exceeds expectations for a basic front sight, delivering a tangible improvement in shooting accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight features a straightforward, functional design. The materials used, particularly the 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, inspire confidence. While the sight adds a negligible amount of weight, it doesn’t negatively affect the balance of the pistol.
The sight is not necessarily “user-friendly” in the sense that it requires gunsmith installation, but its design is intuitive for anyone familiar with traditional iron sights. There is virtually no learning curve beyond adjusting to the improved sight picture.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight, crafted from robust 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. The sight is easy to maintain; regular cleaning with a mild solvent and light lubrication is sufficient to prevent rust and corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight is primarily designed as a stand-alone replacement sight. However, Kensight specifically recommends pairing it with their fully adjustable rear sight, item no. 860-323, for optimal performance. The sight’s dovetail mount allows for potential compatibility with other aftermarket front sights that fit the Colt 1911 platform, however, due to the height of this front sight, a rear sight adjustment may be needed. Be sure to match the front height to the rear sight.
Pros and Cons of Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight
Pros
- Provides a significantly improved sight picture compared to worn or standard GI front sights.
- The patridge blade design effectively minimizes glare and maximizes contrast, enhancing accuracy.
- Constructed from durable 4140 Chrome Moly Steel for long-lasting performance.
- Offers a classic target shooting aesthetic while boosting functionality.
- Designed as a drop-in replacement for pre-70 Series Colt 1911s.
Cons
- Requires professional gunsmith installation, adding to the overall cost.
- The .350″ height may necessitate pairing with an adjustable rear sight for optimal zeroing.
- Lacks night sight capabilities for low-light conditions.
Who Should Buy Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight?
The Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight is perfect for owners of pre-1970 Series Colt 1911s who are serious about target shooting and want to improve their accuracy. It is ideal for competitive shooters looking to enhance their scores, as well as for enthusiasts who appreciate the classic design and functionality of the original 1911 platform. This sight is also a good choice for those who find modern sights too cluttered or distracting.
Individuals who should skip this product include those who prioritize night sight capabilities or prefer more modern sight designs. Also, owners of 1911 variants other than pre-70 Series Colt models may need to research compatibility before purchasing. For optimal performance, a Kensight adjustable rear sight is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight
The Kensight GI Series Camp Perry Style NM Pre-70 Series Colt 1911s Front Sight is a well-made, thoughtfully designed upgrade for classic 1911 pistols. It delivers a noticeable improvement in sight picture and accuracy, making it a worthwhile investment for serious target shooters. At $25.30, the price is certainly justified, considering the quality of materials and the performance gains.
I would definitely recommend this front sight to anyone looking to enhance the shooting experience of their pre-70 Series Colt 1911. If you’re seeking a return to classic target shooting form with a modern touch of quality, the Kensight front sight is the way to go. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference!