First Impressions of Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight
The Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight promises enhanced concealability and improved nighttime shooting capabilities for 1911 platforms. Kensight, known for their robust and reliable sights, aims to deliver a product that blends seamlessly into a concealed carry setup while offering the distinct advantage of tritium illumination. This rear sight is designed to replace factory adjustable sights on specific 1911 models from manufacturers like Springfield Armory, Charles Daly, and Para-Ordnance.
I was driven to explore this product because I needed a low-profile, snag-free rear sight for my EDC 1911. I valued tritium illumination for low-light situations. My current rear sight, while functional, had sharp edges that often snagged on clothing during draws, a significant concern for concealed carry.
Upon unboxing, the Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight impressed me with its solid, machined steel construction. The rounded corners and beveled edges were immediately noticeable, suggesting a truly snag-free design. The tritium lamps glowed brightly, even in moderately lit conditions, promising excellent visibility in darkness.
I considered the Trijicon HD Night Sights and the Novak LoMount sights. However, the Kensight stood out because of its specific design for replacing the Springfield adjustable sight cut and its emphasis on rounded edges for concealment. The price point was also a deciding factor, offering similar features at a slightly more accessible cost.
My first impression was positive. The sight felt robust and well-made, instilling confidence in its durability and functionality. The rounded design seemed like a genuine solution to my snagging issues, and the tritium vials appeared bright and effective.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight primarily at an outdoor shooting range during both daylight and dusk conditions. I focused on drawing from concealment and rapid target acquisition. The range offered controlled lighting and varying target distances to assess the sight’s performance.
In bright daylight, the white outlines around the tritium vials provided a clear and distinct sight picture. As the light faded, the tritium lamps became increasingly prominent, offering excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The rounded edges proved effective, as I experienced no snagging during numerous draws from my holster.
Installation required a sight pusher tool, but once installed, the sight felt solid and secure. I initially needed a few magazines to adjust to the new sight picture. However, the transition was relatively seamless, and I quickly achieved consistent accuracy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The finish remains intact despite repeated holster use.
Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth. The tritium vials continue to glow brightly, showing no signs of dimming. This sight has proven to be more durable and reliable than my previous factory sight.
Compared to other aftermarket sights I’ve used, the Kensight outperforms them in terms of snag-free design and consistent tritium illumination. It offers a significant improvement in both concealed carry comfort and low-light shooting performance. My confidence in my EDC 1911 has increased substantially since installing this sight.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kensight. Kensight‘s reputation for quality is evident in this product.
- Gun Make: 1911 Platform. It’s designed specifically for the ubiquitous 1911.
- Gun Model: 1911. Ensuring compatibility across various 1911 models.
- Color: Black. A classic, non-reflective finish suitable for tactical applications.
- Fabric/Material: 4140 Chrome Moly Steel. This provides exceptional strength and resistance to wear.
- Gun Type: Pistol. Dedicated solely for pistol use.
- Illumination Type: Tritium. Self-illuminating for reliable low-light performance.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the sight’s durability, visibility, and overall performance. The 4140 chrome moly steel ensures longevity. The tritium illumination guarantees a usable sight picture in the darkest conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight excels in providing a clear and snag-free sight picture. The rounded design significantly reduces the risk of snagging during draws from concealment. The tritium illumination ensures rapid target acquisition in low-light environments.
The main strengths are its snag-free design, durable construction, and reliable tritium illumination. A potential weakness could be the need for professional installation, as it requires a sight pusher tool. However, once installed, it performs flawlessly.
The sight meets and exceeds my expectations for a concealed carry rear sight. It provides both enhanced concealability and improved low-light shooting capabilities. The added confidence it provides makes it a worthwhile upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight feels solid and well-made, constructed from high-quality materials. The rounded and beveled edges are smooth and comfortable, preventing any discomfort or irritation during handling.
The design is user-friendly. The white outlines around the tritium vials make the sight picture clear and easy to acquire in various lighting conditions. While professional installation is recommended, the sight is straightforward to use once installed.
Durability & Maintenance
The 4140 chrome moly steel construction ensures excellent durability. The sight is built to withstand the rigors of daily carry and frequent shooting. With proper care, this sight should last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to keep the sight clean and functional. The tritium vials have an expected lifespan of 10-12 years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight is designed to pair with their Springfield tritium contoured front sight. Front sight heights from 0.150” to 0.220” are available upon request. The sight is compatible with Novak type front sight dovetail cuts (0.340″ x 60 x 0.075″), offering compatibility with a wide range of front sights.
This allows for customization of the sight picture to suit individual preferences. While no other accessories come with the sight itself, the compatibility with standard front sights provides ample customization options.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight
Pros
- Snag-free design ideal for concealed carry.
- Bright tritium illumination for excellent low-light visibility.
- Durable 4140 chrome moly steel construction.
- Clear and distinct sight picture in various lighting conditions.
- Compatible with Novak type front sight dovetail cuts.
Cons
- Professional installation recommended.
- Limited color options (currently only available in black).
Who Should Buy Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight?
The Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight is perfect for concealed carriers who prioritize a snag-free design and reliable low-light visibility. It’s also ideal for law enforcement and security personnel who rely on their 1911 in demanding situations. Anyone looking to upgrade their Springfield Armory, Charles Daly, or Para-Ordnance 1911 with an adjustable sight cut will find this a valuable addition.
This sight might not be the best choice for competition shooters who prefer adjustable sights for fine-tuning their point of impact. Also, those who are uncomfortable with professional gunsmithing or lack access to a sight pusher tool may want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality sight pusher tool for proper installation. Pairing the rear sight with the Kensight Springfield tritium contoured front sight is highly recommended for optimal performance.
Conclusion on Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight
The Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight delivers on its promise of enhanced concealability and improved low-light performance. The snag-free design is a significant advantage for concealed carry. The tritium illumination provides a clear and reliable sight picture in darkness.
At $199.31, the price is justified by the sight’s durable construction, reliable performance, and enhanced features. It offers a noticeable improvement over standard factory sights. It is worth every penny for serious concealed carriers.
I would highly recommend the Kensight Springfield Rounded Blade Tritium Rear Sight to anyone looking to upgrade their 1911 for concealed carry or low-light shooting. It’s a worthwhile investment that provides increased confidence and improved performance. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference!