The Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights Made a Bold First Impression
As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I understand the critical importance of reliable sights. When it comes to Glock pistols, especially the compact G42 and G43, sight selection can make or break your shooting experience. Enter the Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights: a promising upgrade designed for both day and night accuracy.
My aging eyes needed assistance in low-light scenarios, and the factory Glock sights weren’t cutting it anymore. I wanted an immediate upgrade that required little modification, offered improved visibility in all lighting conditions, and could withstand the daily rigors of concealed carry. Several products competed for my attention, but the Rival Arms‘ reputation for precision machining and the promise of enhanced tritium illumination gave them a slight edge over Trijicon and TruGlo options.
Unboxing the Rival Arms sights, I was immediately struck by their solid, CNC-machined stainless steel construction. The sights felt substantial without adding noticeable weight to my G43, and the squared-off design, while not traditionally streamlined, looked aggressive and purposeful. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; the quality was evident, but I reserved full judgment until I could test them at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights was at my local outdoor shooting range. I tested them in bright daylight, overcast conditions, and during the twilight hours to evaluate their versatility. Installation was surprisingly easy, requiring only a sight pusher tool and a few minutes.
In bright daylight, the large white dot surrounding the tritium vial was exceptionally clear and easy to acquire. The rounded U-notch in the rear sight facilitated rapid target acquisition and tracking, a definite improvement over the factory Glock sights. However, under dusty conditions, the white dot showed grime quickly, and required frequent wiping to maintain optimal visibility.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of carrying my G43 with the Rival Arms sights daily, I’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of their durability and reliability. The CNC-machined stainless steel construction has proven incredibly resilient, showing no signs of wear or corrosion. The finish has held up well against daily friction with my holster.
Maintaining the sights is straightforward: a quick wipe with a cloth after each range session is usually sufficient. Compared to my previous sight setup, these Rival Arms sights offer a significant upgrade in terms of low-light visibility and overall durability. They have definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights
Specifications
- Construction: The sights are CNC-machined from stainless steel, ensuring exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion. This robust construction is crucial for long-term reliability, especially under harsh conditions.
- Tritium Illumination: Featuring tritium inserts, the sights provide a constant green glow in low-light and no-light environments. This is paramount for accurate aiming in scenarios where traditional sights become ineffective.
- Daylight Visibility: A large white dot surrounding the tritium vial enhances visibility in daylight. This allows for quick and easy target acquisition, mirroring the performance of fiber optic sights.
- Rear Notch Design: The rear sight features a rounded U-notch design. This promotes faster target acquisition and tracking compared to traditional square notch designs.
- Snag-Resistant Profile: The sights are designed with a snag-resistant profile. This makes them ideal for concealed carry, minimizing the risk of snagging on clothing during drawing.
Performance & Functionality
The Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights perform exceptionally well, drastically improving accuracy and target acquisition in all lighting conditions. The tritium inserts glow brightly in darkness. The white dots allow for quick and accurate shooting in daylight.
The only notable weakness is the tendency of the white dot to accumulate dirt and grime. However, this is easily remedied with regular cleaning. The sights more than meet expectations, offering a clear advantage over factory sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The CNC-machined stainless steel provides a solid, durable feel without adding excessive weight to the firearm. The sights are comfortable to use, even during extended shooting sessions. The squared-off profile may not appeal to everyone aesthetically, but it is functional and contributes to the overall durability.
These sights are user-friendly, with no significant learning curve required for experienced shooters. Installation is straightforward with the right tools.
Durability & Maintenance
Given their stainless steel construction, the Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights are built to last. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal performance, but maintenance requirements are minimal. The tritium vials have a lifespan of approximately 10-12 years.
Repair, if needed, would likely involve replacing the entire sight unit. However, the robust construction suggests that repairs will be infrequent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights are a self-contained upgrade, designed to replace the factory sights directly. There are no additional accessories included beyond the sights themselves. Compatibility with aftermarket slides designed for Glock 42 and 43 models is generally very good.
The sights do not directly interface with other accessories like optics, but they can be used in conjunction with a red dot sight mounted on the slide.
Pros and Cons of Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights
Pros
- Exceptional low-light visibility thanks to the tritium inserts. This is a game-changer for nighttime or dimly lit scenarios.
- Durable CNC-machined stainless steel construction ensures long-term reliability. These sights are built to withstand the rigors of daily carry and heavy use.
- Fast target acquisition facilitated by the U-notch rear sight and large white dots. This allows for quicker and more accurate shooting in all conditions.
- Easy installation with the right tools. Swapping out your old sights is a breeze, provided you have a sight pusher.
- Snag-resistant design, ideal for concealed carry. The streamlined profile minimizes the risk of snagging on clothing.
Cons
- White dots can accumulate dirt and grime, requiring regular cleaning. This is a minor inconvenience, but necessary for optimal visibility.
- Squared-off design might not appeal to all users aesthetically. Some prefer a more streamlined or rounded profile.
Who Should Buy Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights?
The Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights are perfect for concealed carriers, law enforcement officers, and anyone who relies on their Glock 42 or 43 for self-defense. These sights dramatically improve low-light shooting capabilities. They also offer enhanced accuracy and faster target acquisition in all lighting conditions.
Those who prioritize aesthetics over function, or who rarely shoot in low-light conditions, might not find the upgrade as compelling. A must-have accessory is a sight pusher tool for easy installation.
Conclusion on Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights
The Rival Arms For Glock 42, 43 Square Tritium Handgun Sights represent a significant upgrade for Glock 42 and 43 owners seeking improved visibility and accuracy. At a price of $89.99, these sights offer excellent value for the money, delivering premium features at a competitive price point. I wholeheartedly recommend these sights to anyone looking to enhance their Glock’s performance in all lighting conditions.
Don’t settle for mediocre sights – upgrade to the Rival Arms and experience the difference!