First Impressions of Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height
The Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height promise an elevated sight picture for M&P9 owners running red dots or suppressors. I’ve always been a proponent of having reliable backup iron sights, especially on a pistol intended for serious use. The claims of glare reduction and enhanced sight alignment immediately piqued my interest.
My journey to these sights stemmed from a frustrating experience at a recent defensive pistol course. My red dot failed, and my factory sights were completely obscured by my suppressor. I needed a solution that provided a clear sight picture with or without the optic.
Upon unboxing, the Strike Industries sights felt robust. The SUS630 hardened stainless steel construction gave me confidence in their durability. Compared to the polymer sights I’ve used in the past, these felt like a significant upgrade. I’d previously considered Trijicon Bright & Tough suppressor height sights, but the Strike Industries offering came in at a much more attractive price point. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height was illuminating. I tested them on my M&P9 both with and without my suppressor attached. The sights performed admirably in both scenarios.
In bright sunlight, the glare reduction features proved effective. The stepped rear sight did a noticeable job of minimizing distracting reflections. Target acquisition felt natural and intuitive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including weekly range sessions and a two-day advanced pistol course, the Strike Industries sights have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or loosening. The black finish remains intact.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range trip keeps them clean and functional. They definitely outperform the factory plastic sights. These offer a much more robust and reliable aiming solution.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height
Specifications
- Gun Make: Smith & Wesson. This ensures direct compatibility with my M&P9.
- Gun Model: Smith & Wesson SD9, Smith & Wesson SD40 VE, Smith & Wesson M&P, Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0, Smith & Wesson M&P 9. The wide compatibility across M&P variants is a definite plus.
- Color: Black. The black finish is non-reflective and tactically sound.
- Fabric/Material: SUS630 Hardened Stainless Steel. This provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- Gun Type: Pistol. These sights are specifically designed for pistols.
- Front Blade Height: 0.341 in. This height is optimized for suppressor clearance and red dot co-witness.
- Rear Blade Height: 0.431 in. Provides proper alignment with the front sight.
- Size: One Size. Easy compatibility across the supported platforms.
- Weight: 0.5 oz. Lightweight and does not add noticeable weight to the slide.
These specifications directly impact performance by providing a clear, durable, and reliable sight picture. The steel construction ensures longevity. The height provides functionality with both red dots and suppressors.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height perform exceptionally well in their intended role. The absolute co-witness with my Holosun 507C red dot is perfect. I was consistently able to achieve tight groupings at 15 yards using both the red dot and the iron sights.
The sights’ strengths lie in their robustness, clear sight picture, and glare reduction features. One minor area for improvement could be the addition of tritium inserts for enhanced low-light visibility. Overall, they significantly exceed expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The SUS630 hardened stainless steel feels substantial. The sights are comfortable to use, with no sharp edges or awkward angles.
The design incorporates thoughtful features like the stepped rear sight and the light-catching groove. The installation process was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal gunsmithing knowledge.
Durability & Maintenance
These sights are built to last. The hardened stainless steel construction is highly resistant to wear and corrosion. Regular cleaning and light lubrication are all that’s needed to maintain them.
I anticipate these sights will outlast the pistol itself. Strike Industries has a solid reputation for producing durable products.
Accessories and Customization Options
The sights themselves don’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. However, the front sight is designed to be painted. This allows for customization with different colors or glow-in-the-dark paint.
While there are no direct Strike Industries accessories, the sights are compatible with standard M&P9 slide milling and optic mounting solutions. This ensures broad compatibility with other aftermarket parts.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height
Pros
- Durable SUS630 hardened stainless steel construction. Provides exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Elevated height for suppressor clearance and red dot co-witness. Offers versatility with various setups.
- Glare reduction steps on rear sight. Enhances visibility in bright conditions.
- Affordable price point. Offers excellent value compared to other suppressor height sights.
- Easy installation. No specialized tools or gunsmithing required.
Cons
- Lacks tritium inserts for enhanced low-light visibility.
- The rear sight design might not appeal to those who prefer a traditional notch.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height?
The Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height are perfect for M&P9 owners who run suppressors or slide-mounted red dot optics. They are also a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their factory sights with a more durable and reliable option.
Individuals who prefer traditional sight designs or require integrated tritium inserts for low-light conditions might want to explore alternative options.
A quality thread protector for the suppressor is a must-have accessory. This prevents damage to the threads when the suppressor is not in use.
Conclusion on Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height
Overall, the Strike Industries Iron Front & Rear Sights for M&P9 – Suppressor Height are an excellent upgrade for any M&P9 owner looking for a durable, reliable, and affordable set of suppressor height iron sights. The price is justified by the quality of materials and the thoughtful design features.
I would highly recommend these sights to anyone in need of a dependable backup sighting system. If you are running a red dot or suppressor on your M&P9, the Strike Industries sights are a no-brainer. Upgrade your M&P9 today and experience the difference!