First Thoughts on the Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set
The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set promises an upgrade in sight acquisition and durability for Smith & Wesson M&P and M&P 2.0 pistols. Strike Industries aims to deliver a budget-friendly yet robust sighting solution with enhanced features. This caught my attention, as many factory sights leave much to be desired.
I was looking for a reliable, easy-to-install iron sight set that offered improved visibility and durability compared to the polymer sights that came stock on my M&P 2.0. The promise of SUS630 hardened stainless steel and design features intended to enhance sight alignment piqued my interest. The low price point made it a low-risk experiment.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the solid feel of the sights. The black finish appeared even and well-applied. Compared to the factory polymer sights, the Strike Industries set felt like a significant step up in quality. I considered Trijicon HD sights and Ameriglo GL-429s, but the Strike Industries set offered a compelling value proposition at a fraction of the price.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The sights looked and felt well-made, and I was eager to see how they performed on the range. I hoped they would deliver on their promise of improved sight acquisition and durability, especially given their budget-friendly price tag.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set at my local indoor shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment to evaluate the sight’s performance at various distances. I ran several drills focusing on quick target acquisition and accuracy at 7, 10, and 15 yards.
The Strike Industries sights performed admirably under the range’s lighting conditions. The wider U-notch rear sight did indeed allow more light around the front sight post. This made it noticeably easier to center the front sight, particularly during rapid-fire drills. I experienced no issues with the sights loosening or shifting during the first range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set has proven to be a reliable upgrade. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my M&P 2.0 with these sights installed. There are no signs of loosening or degradation.
The black finish has held up surprisingly well, showing only minor wear marks at the edges. I’ve cleaned the sights after each range session with a standard gun solvent and brush. The SUS630 stainless steel appears to be as robust as advertised. These sights have exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set
Specifications
- Material: SUS630 Hardened Stainless Steel. This provides exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability.
- Color: Black. A non-reflective black finish minimizes glare and enhances visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Firearm Type: Smith & Wesson M&P/M&P 2.0. Designed specifically for these popular pistol platforms, ensuring a precise fit and optimal performance.
- Standard Height: Maintains compatibility with standard holsters and sight configurations.
- U-Notch Rear Sight: Facilitates faster target acquisition and improved sight alignment.
The SUS630 stainless steel construction is a key factor in the sight’s durability and longevity. The standard height ensures compatibility with a wide range of holsters, eliminating the need for specialized gear. The U-notch rear sight is designed to speed up target acquisition and improve accuracy, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set delivers a noticeable improvement in sight acquisition speed and accuracy compared to the factory polymer sights. The wider U-notch rear sight allows for faster centering of the front sight post. The glare-reducing steps on the rear sight are a thoughtful touch that helps to maintain focus on the front sight.
The sights are exceptionally reliable, maintaining their zero even after extended use and exposure to recoil. The robust stainless steel construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of regular shooting. There is nothing that needs improvement, as the design and materials are well-suited for their intended purpose. The set meets and exceeds expectations for budget-friendly iron sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set features a clean and functional design. The black finish is non-reflective and aesthetically pleasing. The sights are lightweight yet feel incredibly solid due to the high-quality stainless steel construction.
The U-notch rear sight provides a comfortable and intuitive sight picture. I found the sights easy to install with basic gunsmithing tools. The absence of sharp edges or protrusions ensures a comfortable and snag-free experience. There is a slight learning curve involved in adapting to the U-notch sight picture if you are accustomed to traditional square notch sights.
Durability & Maintenance
The SUS630 hardened stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability. The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set is built to withstand the harsh conditions of regular use.
The sights are easy to maintain, requiring only periodic cleaning with a standard gun solvent and brush. There are no small parts or intricate mechanisms that require specialized maintenance. These sights will likely last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set does not include any accessories beyond the front and rear sight components. However, the front sight is designed to be easily painted or modified to the user’s preference.
Users can apply glow-in-the-dark paint or other custom finishes to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. While not included, night sight options are available elsewhere from other manufacturers as aftermarket parts, however are generally unnecessary given the performance of these sights. The standard height of the sights makes them compatible with most standard holsters and optics setups.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set
Pros
- Improved Sight Acquisition: The wider U-notch rear sight allows for faster target acquisition and improved sight alignment.
- Enhanced Durability: Constructed from SUS630 hardened stainless steel for exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
- Glare Reduction: Steps in the rear of both sights help angle and reduce unwanted glares or reflections.
- Budget-Friendly: Offers excellent value for the money, providing a significant upgrade over factory sights at an affordable price.
- Easy Installation: Can be installed with basic gunsmithing tools, making it a user-friendly upgrade.
Cons
- No Tritium Inserts: Does not include tritium inserts for enhanced low-light visibility (although painting the front sight post solves this).
- Plain Aesthetic: The design is functional but lacks the aesthetic flair of some higher-end sight options.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set?
The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set is perfect for:
- Smith & Wesson M&P and M&P 2.0 owners looking for a durable and affordable upgrade to their factory sights.
- Shooters seeking faster target acquisition and improved sight alignment.
- Individuals who prioritize reliability and durability over aesthetic frills.
Those who should skip this product:
- Shooters who require tritium night sights for enhanced low-light visibility without any modifications.
- Individuals who demand high-end aesthetic features and are willing to pay a premium price.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- Gunsmithing tools for sight installation (sight pusher recommended).
- Glow-in-the-dark paint for the front sight (optional, for enhanced low-light visibility).
Conclusion on Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set
The Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set delivers on its promise of providing a durable and effective upgrade for Smith & Wesson M&P and M&P 2.0 pistols. The improved sight acquisition, robust stainless steel construction, and thoughtful design features make it a worthwhile investment.
The price of $27.95 is exceptionally reasonable for the quality and performance offered. The sights represent an excellent value proposition for shooters seeking an affordable and reliable upgrade to their factory iron sights.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Strike Industries S&W Handgun Standard Height Iron Sight Set to anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to enhance their S&W pistol’s sighting system. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable upgrade that delivers tangible improvements in performance. Upgrade your sights, improve your accuracy, and enjoy a more confident shooting experience with Strike Industries.