First Impressions of Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile
The 1911, a timeless design, deserves sights that complement its legacy. Enter the Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile, promising enhanced visibility and one-handed slide manipulation. Kensight aims to deliver a sight that not only improves accuracy in low-light conditions but also adds a tactical advantage.
Years of working with tactical firearms have ingrained in me the importance of reliable sights. I needed a sight upgrade for my trusty 1911 that provided both enhanced low-light performance and a robust build quality. The promise of one-handed slide manipulation caught my attention, addressing a potential need in emergency situations.
Upon unboxing, the Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile felt solid and well-machined. The 4140 steel construction was immediately apparent, lending a sense of durability that cheaper, cast sights often lack. The recessed blade and tritium lamps appeared well-integrated, suggesting careful attention to detail.
I considered other options like the Trijicon HD Night Sights and the Novak LoMount sights. However, the Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile’s unique flat profile for one-handed slide manipulation, combined with its reported robust construction, tipped the scales. This sight appeared to offer a balance of tactical utility and ruggedness that the others didn’t quite match.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The design appeared well-thought-out, but the true test would be in the field. I was eager to see if the sight lived up to its claims of enhanced visibility and reliable one-handed operation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile on my 1911 and headed to my local shooting range. The range offered a variety of lighting conditions, perfect for testing the tritium lamps. I wanted to assess its usability under realistic stress scenarios.
The sight performed admirably in both bright daylight and low-light conditions. The green tritium lamps were easily visible in near darkness, providing a clear and distinct sight picture. The flat profile allowed for consistent one-handed slide racking against my belt, as advertised.
There was a slight adjustment period required to get used to the sight’s profile. Initially, I found myself focusing on the rear sight’s larger silhouette, but this quickly became natural with practice. The sight instilled confidence almost immediately.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile has proven its worth. It has endured numerous range sessions and even accompanied me on a few backcountry trips. Its durability has been impressive.
The sight shows no significant signs of wear and tear. The 4140 steel construction has resisted scratches and corrosion, maintaining its original finish. The tritium lamps continue to glow brightly, showing no signs of fading.
Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a gun cleaning cloth keeps it in top condition. I occasionally apply a small amount of gun oil to the dovetail to prevent corrosion. The sight consistently outperforms the factory sights that came with my 1911, offering superior visibility and tactical functionality.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile
Specifications
The Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile is crafted from solid 4140 Chrome Moly Steel. This material choice ensures exceptional strength and resistance to wear and tear. The sight is designed for the 1911 platform, specifically fitting the Novak LoMount rear sight dovetail cut.
The sight features two .077″ green tritium lamps with white outlines. These provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The front blade height is 0.16 inches, with other heights available upon request for optimal zeroing. This allows for fine-tuning based on specific ammunition and shooting preferences.
The flat profile of the rear sight is designed for one-handed cocking/cycling against hard surfaces. This enhances the sight’s tactical utility. The recessed blade reduces glare, improving sight picture clarity. This is particularly important in bright sunlight conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile excels in both daylight and low-light shooting scenarios. The tritium lamps provide a clear and easily acquired sight picture in darkness. The flat profile truly enables consistent and reliable one-handed slide manipulation.
The sight’s primary strength lies in its dual functionality: enhanced visibility and tactical manipulation. A minor weakness could be the initial adjustment period required for the shooter to acclimate to the sight’s profile. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations, particularly for those prioritizing self-defense readiness.
The sight significantly improves target acquisition speed in low-light conditions compared to standard sights. The ability to rack the slide one-handed adds a critical layer of functionality in emergency situations. These factors make it a worthy upgrade for any serious 1911 user.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional, with the 4140 steel exuding durability. The sight’s weight is negligible, not affecting the overall balance of the 1911. The flat profile is unobtrusive and doesn’t snag on clothing or gear.
The sight is generally user-friendly, especially for those familiar with 1911 platforms. Installation requires basic gunsmithing skills or professional assistance. While there’s a slight learning curve to fully leverage the one-handed slide manipulation feature, it’s easily overcome with practice.
The sight’s design balances tactical functionality with ergonomic considerations. The recessed blade minimizes glare. The overall profile enhances the usability of the 1911 in demanding situations.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 4140 steel construction, the Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile is expected to last for many years. Regular cleaning and light lubrication should keep it in optimal condition. The tritium lamps have an expected lifespan of 10-12 years.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The robust construction minimizes the risk of damage or breakage. This ensures a reliable and long-lasting upgrade to the 1911 platform.
The sight’s durable construction inspires confidence in its long-term reliability. The quality materials and thoughtful design suggest it will withstand rigorous use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile is primarily a standalone upgrade. However, Kensight offers various front sight heights to fine-tune the sight picture. It’s also compatible with any 1911 front sight that uses a Novak-style dovetail cut (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″).
The ability to adjust the front sight height allows for precise zeroing with different ammunition types. This level of customization is crucial for optimizing accuracy. This ensures that the sight aligns perfectly with the user’s specific 1911 and ammunition.
While there aren’t extensive customization options, the compatibility with standard Novak-style front sights provides ample flexibility.
Pros and Cons of Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile
Pros
- Enhanced visibility in low-light conditions due to the green tritium lamps.
- Durable 4140 steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to wear.
- Flat profile allows for reliable one-handed slide manipulation in tactical situations.
- Recessed blade reduces glare, improving sight picture clarity.
- Compatible with standard Novak-style front sights for customization.
Cons
- Requires gunsmithing skills or professional assistance for installation.
- Slight adjustment period may be needed to fully acclimate to the sight’s profile.
Who Should Buy Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile?
The Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile is perfect for: law enforcement officers, military personnel, and responsible citizens who carry a 1911 for self-defense. It’s ideal for anyone who prioritizes enhanced low-light visibility and tactical functionality.
Those who should skip this product are: casual target shooters who are primarily concerned with aesthetics and are not concerned with tactical advantages. Individuals who are uncomfortable with basic gunsmithing may also want to consider professional installation.
A must-have modification would be to pair it with a Kensight tritium front sight, or another quality tritium front sight that is compatible with Novak cuts.
Conclusion on Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile
The Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile is a significant upgrade for any 1911 owner seeking enhanced visibility and tactical functionality. The robust construction, combined with the thoughtfully designed flat profile, makes it a worthwhile investment. It improves the overall readiness of the 1911 platform.
The price of $146.89 is justified given the quality of materials, construction, and enhanced functionality. It’s a reasonable investment for those who depend on their 1911 for self-defense.
I would personally recommend the Kensight SLAM Fixed Rear 1911 Night Sight w/Flat Profile to anyone looking to improve the performance and tactical utility of their 1911. If you’re serious about your 1911, this sight deserves a place on it. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference!