First Impressions of Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set promises an upgrade for Kimber 1911 owners looking for enhanced visibility and a more aggressive sight picture. Kensight has built a solid reputation for producing durable and precise sights, and this set aims to improve upon the factory sights found on many Kimber 1911 pistols. The combination of a serrated rear sight and a fiber optic front sight is a popular choice for those wanting quicker target acquisition in varying lighting conditions.
As a seasoned firearms enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I’ve always prioritized reliable sighting systems. I’ve been experiencing some difficulty achieving consistent sight alignment with my Kimber’s factory sights during rapid-fire drills. I’m hoping the Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set will provide a clearer, more intuitive sight picture, leading to improved accuracy and faster follow-up shots.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the robust feel of the sights. The steel construction felt solid and durable, and the serrations on the rear sight were clean and well-defined. Compared to the basic factory sights, the Kensight set appeared to be a significant step up in quality.
I considered other sight options, including tritium night sights from Trijicon and Novak. However, I opted for the Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set due to its fiber optic front sight. I wanted the enhanced daytime visibility that a fiber optic offers, while still maintaining a traditional sight profile.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, and the design appeared well-thought-out. I was excited to get these sights installed and put them through their paces at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was partly cloudy, with decent ambient light. I was running a variety of drills, including slow fire for accuracy, rapid fire for speed, and target transitions.
The difference in sight acquisition was immediately noticeable. The bright fiber optic front sight made it significantly easier to quickly find and focus on the front sight. Even in the slightly overcast conditions, the fiber optic rod glowed brightly.
I didn’t experience any major issues during the initial range session, but I did notice that the rear sight required a significant amount of force to drift into the dovetail. I had to use a sight pusher tool and apply considerable pressure to get it properly centered.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. I’ve put approximately 1000 rounds through my Kimber 1911 with these sights installed, and they have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear.
Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe down the sights with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session to prevent rust. The fiber optic rod remains bright and vibrant, showing no signs of fading or discoloration.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory sights, the Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set offers a noticeable improvement in speed and accuracy. The enhanced visibility of the front sight allows for faster target acquisition, while the crisp sight picture promotes more precise aiming. The serrated rear sight also effectively reduces glare, further enhancing visibility in bright sunlight. I’m definitely more accurate with these sights.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set
Specifications
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set is designed specifically for Kimber 1911 pistols with factory-supplied fixed sights. It is not compatible with Kimber 1911s that come equipped with adjustable sights from the factory.
The rear sight is wire-EDM cut from a single block of 4140 steel, ensuring strength and precision. The blade notch measures 0.136″ (W) x 0.102″ (D).
The front sight is also wire-EDM machined from 4140 chrome moly steel, then heat treated to a hardness of RC 38-40 for exceptional durability. It features a 0.100” wide blade that is partially serrated to further reduce glare.
The front sight utilizes a 0.060” diameter fiber optic rod. This ensures superior visibility in a wide range of lighting conditions while being well-shielded to prevent damage.
The front sight is compatible with Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″). These are commonly found on both customized and factory 1911 pistols.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and reliability of the sights. The use of high-quality materials and precise manufacturing processes ensures that the sights will withstand the rigors of regular use and provide consistent accuracy. The fiber optic front sight and serrated rear sight enhance visibility and reduce glare, making it easier to acquire and maintain a clear sight picture.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set excels at its primary job: improving sight acquisition and accuracy on a Kimber 1911. The high-visibility fiber optic front sight, coupled with the glare-reducing serrations on both the front and rear, creates a clear and distinct sight picture that allows for fast and accurate shooting. These sights improve accuracy and speed.
The most notable strength is the enhanced visibility of the fiber optic front sight. It draws the shooter’s eye quickly and naturally to the front post.
One area for potential improvement would be offering different color options for the fiber optic rod. Although the standard red is highly visible, some shooters may prefer green or yellow.
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set definitely meets my expectations. I wanted a set of sights that would improve my speed and accuracy, and these sights deliver on that promise.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set boasts a robust and well-designed construction. The use of 4140 steel gives the sights a solid and substantial feel, inspiring confidence in their durability.
The contoured design of the rear sight is comfortable and snag-free, which is important for concealed carry applications. The serrations on both the front and rear sights are effective at reducing glare without being overly aggressive or sharp. The installation was simple and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set is built to last. The use of hardened steel and precise machining ensures that the sights will withstand the rigors of regular use.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is all that’s needed to keep the sights in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory sights on Kimber 1911 pistols.
While there are no specific customization options for the Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set, the front sight is compatible with any Novak-type front sight dovetail. This opens up the possibility of using different front sights, such as tritium night sights, if desired. The lack of included accessories is a downside.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set
Pros
- Enhanced Visibility: The fiber optic front sight provides excellent visibility in a variety of lighting conditions, making it easier to acquire and maintain a clear sight picture.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality 4140 steel, the sights are built to withstand the rigors of regular use.
- Improved Accuracy: The crisp and distinct sight picture promotes more precise aiming, leading to improved accuracy.
- Reduced Glare: The serrations on both the front and rear sights effectively reduce glare, enhancing visibility in bright sunlight.
- Easy Installation: The sights are designed to be a direct replacement for the factory sights on Kimber 1911 pistols, making installation relatively simple.
Cons
- Drifting the rear sight required a significant amount of force and a sight pusher tool.
- Does not include any extra fiber optic rods or other accessories.
Who Should Buy Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set?
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set is perfect for Kimber 1911 owners who are looking to improve the visibility and accuracy of their pistol. It’s a great choice for competitive shooters, concealed carry permit holders, and anyone who wants a more intuitive and reliable sighting system.
This product is not ideal for those who prefer traditional iron sights or tritium night sights. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your Kimber 1911 is equipped with factory-supplied fixed sights before purchasing this set. Those with factory adjustable sights need a different Kensight model.
A sight pusher tool is a must-have accessory for installing the rear sight. While it is possible to drift the sight in with a hammer and punch, a sight pusher tool will ensure a more precise and controlled installation.
Conclusion on Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set
The Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set is a worthwhile upgrade for Kimber 1911 owners seeking improved sight acquisition and accuracy. The combination of a fiber optic front sight, serrated blades, and durable steel construction makes for a reliable and effective sighting system.
At a price of $86.44, the Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set offers excellent value for the money. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to significantly improve the performance of your Kimber 1911.
I would definitely recommend the Kensight Kimber Serrated Blade Contoured Sight Set to anyone looking to enhance the visibility and accuracy of their Kimber 1911. The improved sight picture and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for both casual shooters and serious competitors. Upgrade your Kimber today!