Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set Review

The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set Made a Bold First Impression

The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set promises an upgrade to factory sights, focusing on improved sight alignment and a glare-reducing design. The sights are crafted from SUS630 hardened stainless steel and offered at a budget-friendly price point, making them an appealing option for S&W handgun owners seeking enhanced accuracy and a personalized look. As someone who’s spent over a decade tinkering with and relying on various sighting systems in demanding environments, I was eager to see if these sights lived up to the hype.

I’ve always believed that a solid set of iron sights is crucial, even with the increasing popularity of optics. Many modern shooters, especially those new to handguns, often overlook iron sights. So I wanted to test these sights for myself.

Unboxing the Strike Industries set, my initial impression was positive. The stainless steel felt robust and the machining appeared clean. They looked like a simple, but effective upgrade and weighed practically nothing.

I considered several other options before landing on the Strike Industries set, namely Trijicon HD XR and Ameriglo Pro-IDOT sights. I chose these sights mainly due to the price. I wanted to see if I could get similar performance at a fraction of the cost.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. They looked the part, but real-world performance is the ultimate test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Strike Industries sights was at my local outdoor range, on a partly cloudy day. I mounted them on my S&W M&P 9mm. I wanted a control group to test the new sights against, so I shot my normal pistol, with factory sights first.

The improvement in sight acquisition was immediately noticeable compared to the factory sights. The U-notch rear sight allowed for a quicker and more natural alignment with the front post. I noticed the natural light coming through on either side of the front post, which allowed me to focus faster.

The angled steps on the rear sight did seem to minimize glare effectively, even as the sun peeked through the clouds. After about 100 rounds, I experienced no issues with the sights loosening or shifting. No surprises, just improved performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including weekly range sessions and a defensive handgun course, the Strike Industries sights have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, only minor scuffs from holster contact. Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe down with a CLP-soaked cloth keeps them in good condition.

Compared to my previous experiences with other budget-friendly iron sights, these have exceeded my expectations. Many cheaper sights will quickly show wear or loosen over time, but the Strike Industries set feels solid and reliable. The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set gives me confidence.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set

Specifications

The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set is crafted from SUS630 hardened stainless steel. This material provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The standard height ensures compatibility with most S&W handgun models without requiring modifications.

The sights feature a U-notch rear and a standard front post. The rear sight also has angled serrations to reduce glare. The clever design of the Strike Industries set uses the shooter’s eye to align the sights correctly on the target.

These specifications translate to a reliable and user-friendly sighting system that enhances accuracy and target acquisition speed. The stainless-steel construction ensures that they can withstand the rigors of regular use and exposure to the elements. The glare reduction helps me aim more accurately in a wide variety of conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set performs exceptionally well, especially considering its price point. Accuracy is noticeably improved compared to the factory sights on my S&W M&P 9mm. The enhanced sight picture allows for tighter groupings at various distances.

The sights’ design makes target acquisition much faster and easier, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. The U-notch rear sight facilitates quick alignment with the front post. The glare-reducing serrations on the rear sight further enhance visibility and focus.

The only slight weakness I’ve noticed is that the front post, while functional, could benefit from being slightly wider or incorporating a contrasting color for even faster acquisition in low-light conditions. However, I can easily customize the front sight myself, if desired. Overall, the Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for standard-height sights.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Strike Industries sights is impressive. The SUS630 hardened stainless steel feels solid and durable. The sights are lightweight and do not add noticeable weight to the handgun.

The design is simple and functional, focusing on providing a clear and unobstructed sight picture. There is virtually no learning curve to using the sight. They are quick to install and easy to adjust (if necessary).

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless-steel construction ensures excellent durability and corrosion resistance. After several months of use, the sights show minimal signs of wear and tear. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a standard gun cleaning solution.

Based on my experience, I anticipate these sights lasting for many years. They’re built to withstand the rigors of regular shooting and carry.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set does not come with any additional accessories, focusing solely on providing a high-quality set of iron sights. However, the standard height and dovetail dimensions ensure compatibility with a wide range of S&W handguns and aftermarket components. The front sight is easily customizable with paint. I also considered adding a tritium vial for improved low-light visibility.

The ability to customize the front sight color is a valuable feature, allowing users to tailor the sight picture to their specific preferences. There are many aftermarket options, such as sight pushers, that make installation and adjustment easier.

Pros and Cons of Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set