Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight Review

First Impressions of Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight

The M1 Garand, a rifle steeped in history and synonymous with American military might, holds a special place in the hearts of many firearm enthusiasts. Maintaining these iconic rifles, especially those that have seen decades of service, often requires replacing worn or damaged parts. The Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight promises to be a solution, a faithful recreation of the original GI sight designed to bring clarity and accuracy back to your Garand.

My journey to find this sight began with persistent accuracy issues on my grandfather’s M1 Garand, a rifle that had seen service in Korea and held immense sentimental value. The original front sight was worn, making precise aiming nearly impossible. I considered several aftermarket options, some offering enhanced visibility or tritium inserts, but ultimately, I wanted to preserve the rifle’s original character and functionality.

Upon receiving the Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight, my initial impression was positive. The packaging was simple but secure, and the sight itself felt substantial and well-made. The blued finish was even and deep, reminiscent of the original GI finish. Compared to some of the cheaper cast sights I’ve seen, this one immediately struck me as a quality piece.

I’d considered a few other options before settling on the Kensight. Fulton Armory offers similar parts, but their availability can be inconsistent. Some online forums discussed cheaper, imported sights, but the inconsistent quality reports scared me away from those. The Kensight seemed to strike the right balance of authenticity, quality, and availability.

My first impression was definitely one of cautious optimism. This wasn’t a flashy, tacticool upgrade. It was a humble, but potentially crucial, component designed to restore the accuracy of a beloved rifle. If it lived up to its promise of being an “exact reproduction,” I’d be thrilled.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight was at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, presenting decent but not ideal shooting conditions. Installation was surprisingly straightforward.

The sight slid onto the gas tube’s dovetail with minimal effort, and the included screw tightened securely. After bore-sighting the rifle, I started at 50 yards, working my way out to 100 and 200 yards. The immediate difference compared to the original worn sight was striking.

The crisp, clear sight picture allowed for significantly more accurate aiming, and I was soon consistently hitting the bullseye at 100 yards. There were no issues with the sight shifting or loosening during firing. Recoil from the Garand is stout, but the Kensight remained firmly in place.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and a few hundred rounds downrange, the Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight has held up admirably. There are no signs of wear or loosening, and the blued finish remains intact. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use keeps it looking like new.

Compared to the original sight, the Kensight is a noticeable improvement in terms of clarity and durability. The original sight, after decades of use, had become pitted and the edges of the blade were rounded. The Kensight is a sharp, precise aiming point.

The Kensight has exceeded my expectations. It is a well-made, reliable component that has significantly improved the accuracy and usability of my M1 Garand. This simple upgrade has breathed new life into an old rifle, making range days more enjoyable.

Breaking Down the Features of Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight

Specifications

The Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight is designed to be a direct replacement for the original GI front sight. It is Wire-EDM machined from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel for strength and precision. The sight is then heat-treated to a hardness of RC 38-40 for long-lasting durability and resistance to wear.

The sight features the traditional protective steel ears on either side of the front post, mirroring the original GI design. The blade width is the standard 0.074″, providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture. The sight mounts via a dovetail on the gas tube and is secured with a setscrew.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the sight’s durability, accuracy, and ease of installation. The use of 4140 Chrome Moly Steel ensures that the sight can withstand the rigors of repeated firing and exposure to the elements. The 0.074″ blade width provides a balance between visibility and precision, making it suitable for a variety of shooting conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight performs its job admirably. The sight provides a clear and crisp sight picture, allowing for accurate aiming at various distances. The protective ears help to prevent damage to the sight blade, which is a crucial feature for a rifle that may see use in harsh environments.

The sight’s strength lies in its simplicity and faithfulness to the original GI design. It’s not a fancy, high-tech upgrade, but it is a reliable and effective component that restores the original functionality of the M1 Garand. The only potential downside is that some shooters may prefer a wider or more visible front sight blade.

The Kensight meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of being an exact reproduction, providing a noticeable improvement in accuracy and durability compared to worn or damaged original sights. This is especially true for older Garands that have seen a lot of use.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight is simple and functional. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction provides a solid and durable feel. The blued finish provides a classic look that complements the M1 Garand’s overall aesthetic.

The sight is easy to install and adjust, requiring only a few simple tools. The dovetail mount is secure and reliable, ensuring that the sight remains firmly in place during firing. There is no learning curve associated with using the Kensight, as it is identical in form and function to the original GI sight.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight is built to last. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction and heat-treated finish provide excellent resistance to wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, this sight should last for many years of service.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is typically all that is required. The sight is also relatively easy to repair, should the need arise. Replacement parts are readily available, and the simple design makes it easy to disassemble and reassemble.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight does not come with any accessories beyond the necessary setscrew for installation. Customization options are limited, as the sight is designed to be a faithful reproduction of the original GI design.

However, the sight is compatible with a variety of aftermarket gas tube locks and front sight bases. Some shooters may choose to replace the original gas tube lock with a more modern design that allows for easier adjustment of the front sight. There are also a variety of aftermarket front sight tools available that can make installation and adjustment easier.

Pros and Cons of Kensight M1 Garand Exact Reproduction Standard Gov’t Front Sight