First Impressions of Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight immediately struck me as a no-nonsense upgrade for my aging 1911. Kensight is known for producing quality components, and the promise of wire-EDM cut 4140 steel, as opposed to metal injection molding, was a major selling point. The clean lines, grasping serrations, and white dot inserts hinted at improved visibility and a more confident sight picture, all for a very reasonable price of $66.91.
My trusty 1911, a veteran of many range trips and a couple of practical shooting competitions, had a rear sight that was… adequate. It was functional, sure, but lacked the clarity and speed I wanted. The original sights were small and difficult to acquire quickly in low light, which is what prompted my upgrade.
Upon opening the package, the Kensight rear sight felt solid and well-machined. The black finish was even and the white dots were cleanly applied and recessed, as advertised. Compared to the factory sights on my 1911, the Kensight sight felt like a significant step up in terms of material quality and overall construction.
I considered options from Trijicon and Novak, but their offerings were significantly more expensive. The Kensight sight offered a compelling balance of quality and affordability. I picked the Kensight over cheaper, unknown brands due to the promise of quality material and precise construction.
I was definitely excited. The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight appeared to be a well-made, affordable upgrade that would significantly improve my 1911’s usability and accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight at my local outdoor shooting range. The installation was straightforward, requiring only a sight pusher tool and a few minutes of careful adjustment. I tested the sight in varying light conditions, from bright sunlight to the shaded areas of the range.
The Kensight sight performed admirably in all conditions. The white dots were easy to pick up quickly, even against cluttered backgrounds, and the larger relief cut provided a much clearer sight picture than the original sights. I had no issues acquiring the target quickly, which is essential for practical shooting and self-defense scenarios.
No issues arose during the first range visit. The sight stayed firmly in place after several magazines and showed no signs of shifting or loosening. The improved visibility and sight picture were immediately noticeable, resulting in tighter groupings and faster target acquisition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and hundreds of rounds, the Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. It continues to hold zero and shows no signs of wear or degradation. The black finish remains intact and the white dots are still bright and clear.
The sight has held up remarkably well. There are no visible scratches or dings. The sight has been through several cleanings with standard gun cleaning solvents, and the finish has remained unaffected.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is all that’s required. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper sights that would shift or lose their finish quickly, the Kensight sight has been a pleasant surprise. It outperforms the factory sight that it replaced.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight
Specifications
- The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight is designed for the 1911 platform. It uses the popular Novak LoMount rear sight dovetail cut.
- The sight is constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel. This ensures exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- The sight is finished in black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and reduces glare.
- The sight features two Artic white recessed dots for enhanced visibility. These dots aid in quick target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
- The sight is compatible with Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts (0.340″ x 60 x 0.075″). This compatibility allows for a wide range of front sight options.
These specifications are important because they contribute directly to the sight’s overall performance, durability, and ease of use. The robust 4140 steel construction ensures that the sight can withstand the rigors of regular use and recoil. The white dots dramatically improve visibility and speed up target acquisition, and the Novak LoMount dovetail cut ensures compatibility with a wide variety of 1911 pistols.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight excels at its primary function: providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture. The white dots are bright and easy to see in various lighting conditions, and the large relief cut allows for a wide field of view. It is designed for fast target acquisition.
The sight’s strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and improved visibility. A minor weakness might be that some shooters prefer fiber optic sights for even greater visibility in bright sunlight. The sight meets and exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 4140 steel construction feels solid and durable, and the black finish is evenly applied and resistant to scratches. The sight is lightweight and does not significantly alter the balance of the pistol.
The sight is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. Installation is straightforward with the correct tools, and the sight picture is intuitive and easy to adjust to. The sight is easily installed with a sight pusher tool and some patience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight is built to last. The 4140 steel construction and durable black finish ensure that it can withstand years of use and exposure to the elements. This sight provides long term reliability.
Maintenance is simple. A regular wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to keep the sight clean and free of corrosion. It is designed for simple maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight is typically sold as a standalone unit. It is designed to be compatible with a variety of front sights that utilize the Novak dovetail cut.
Kensight offers matching front sights with various blade heights.
Compatibility with Novak-type front sights allows for a wide range of customization options. This allows the user to fine-tune the sight picture to their specific preferences and shooting style. The Kensight sight allows the user to change front sights to meet their specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight
Pros
- Durable Construction: The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel ensures long-lasting performance.
- Enhanced Visibility: The white dot inserts provide a clear and easily acquired sight picture in various lighting conditions.
- Easy Installation: The sight is designed for straightforward installation with common sight tools.
- Improved Accuracy: The clearer sight picture leads to tighter groupings and faster target acquisition.
- Affordable Upgrade: The Kensight sight offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Some shooters may prefer fiber optic sights for even greater visibility in bright sunlight.
- The sight does not come with a front sight; it must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight?
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight is perfect for 1911 owners looking for a durable, reliable, and affordable sight upgrade. It is ideal for recreational shooters, concealed carry holders, and those who participate in practical shooting competitions. This sight is great for all 1911 owners.
Anyone seeking an adjustable target sight with windage and elevation adjustments should skip this product. Also, shooters who demand night sights should look at tritium options.
A matching front sight is a must-have accessory. Consider a fiber optic front sight for those who prefer enhanced visibility in very bright conditions.
Conclusion on Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight is a fantastic upgrade for any 1911 owner looking to improve their sight picture and shooting accuracy. The 4140 steel construction ensures long-lasting durability, and the white dot inserts provide excellent visibility in a variety of lighting conditions. This is an excellent upgrade at a good price.
At a price of $66.91, the Kensight sight offers exceptional value for the money. The improved visibility and durability alone justify the cost, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious shooter. The value is definitely justified.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight to anyone seeking a reliable and affordable 1911 sight upgrade. Don’t hesitate – upgrade your 1911 today with the Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade White Dot Rear Sight and experience the difference a quality sight can make!