Let’s Dive into Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount)
The Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) are designed to enhance low-light shooting capabilities for specific Smith & Wesson 9mm compact pistols. These sights, manufactured by Trijicon, promise improved accuracy and faster target acquisition in challenging lighting conditions. For years I struggled with aging eyes and the limitations of factory sights on my trusted S&W 3913.
My aging eyes needed help acquiring targets quickly and accurately in low-light conditions, a common scenario at dusk and dawn during hunting season, or even in dimly lit indoor ranges. I was looking for a set of sights that provided a clear, bright aiming point, day or night, without requiring batteries. I was immediately drawn to the Trijicon reputation for quality and the promise of tritium illumination.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the robust construction and solid feel of the sights. The metal material and precise machining screamed quality. They felt substantial and well-made, a significant upgrade from the polymer sights on some modern handguns.
I considered other night sights from Meprolight and TruGlo, but the Trijicon name kept drawing me back. The Trijicon brand has a long-standing reputation among law enforcement and military personnel, and their sights are known for their reliability and durability. I felt that the investment in Trijicon would be worth it in the long run.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a bit of apprehension about the installation process. I was excited about the potential improvement to my handgun’s performance but also a little nervous about potentially damaging my firearm during installation. Thankfully, Trijicon recommends professional installation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an indoor shooting range with controlled lighting conditions. The difference between the Trijicon sights and the factory sights was immediately apparent. The tritium lamps glowed brightly, providing a clear and easy-to-acquire sight picture, even in the dimly lit environment.
I also tested them outdoors at dusk, and again, the Trijicon sights significantly improved my shooting performance. The white outlines around the tritium lamps provided excellent contrast against the target, making it easier to align the sights accurately. I did not get to test the sights in extreme conditions like heavy rain, but the sealed tritium lamps give me confidence in their reliability.
The sights required no break-in period or adjustment. They were ready to go right out of the box, which was a welcome surprise. The enhanced visibility in low-light scenarios was a game-changer.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) have held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear, and the tritium lamps continue to glow brightly. The robust construction gives me confidence that these sights will last for many years.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is all that is needed to keep them in good condition. They are very easy to maintain.
These sights outperform my previous experiences with standard iron sights in every way. The increased visibility and faster target acquisition have significantly improved my shooting accuracy and confidence. The reliability and durability of the Trijicon sights have exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount)
Specifications
The Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) are specifically designed for Smith & Wesson 9mm compact pistols with a Novak LoMount Carry rear sight. The long rear sight extends back beyond the dovetail, increasing the sight radius and potentially improving accuracy. The Gun Make is Smith & Wesson and compatible gun models include the 3904, 3906, 3913, 3913LS, 3913NL, 3913TSW, 3914, 3953, 3953TSW, 3954, 6904, 6906, 6944, and 6946.
The sights are constructed from metal, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear. The Front Material is Tritium/Paint and the Rear Sight Color is Green w/White Outline. The Front Blade Height is 0.138 inches, and the Rear Blade Height is 0.273 inches. These dimensions are carefully chosen to provide optimal sight alignment and accuracy.
The tritium lamps are the heart of these night sights, providing a constant, battery-free glow. The white-painted rings around the tritium lamps enhance daylight visibility. This is a critical feature for consistent performance in all lighting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions. They provide a clear and bright sight picture that allows for fast and accurate target acquisition. The increased sight radius also contributes to improved accuracy at longer distances.
The main strength of these sights is their reliability and consistent performance. The tritium lamps require no batteries and provide a constant glow for up to 12 years. The only potential weakness is that the tritium glow may not be as bright in extremely bright daylight conditions, but the white outlines help to compensate for this.
The Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) exceed my expectations for night sights. The quality of construction, ease of use, and improved accuracy make them an excellent upgrade for any compatible Smith & Wesson pistol.
Design & Ergonomics
The Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) feature a low-profile design that is comfortable to use and does not interfere with drawing the handgun from a holster. The sights are well-made, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The weight is negligible.
The sights are very user-friendly and require no special training or skills to use effectively. They are a simple and straightforward upgrade that can be installed by a professional gunsmith. There is minimal, if any, learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The metal construction and sealed tritium lamps ensure that the Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) are built to last. They are designed to withstand years of recoil and harsh duty use. The Trijicon company warrants the product for 12 years.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is all that is needed to keep the sights in good condition. Regular cleaning will help to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) are primarily a standalone upgrade, but there are some customization options to consider. Some users may choose to add a laser sight or a different type of grip to their handgun to further enhance its performance. Aftermarket companies such as Hogue and Pachmayr manufacture grips for the Smith and Wesson line of handguns.
The sights are compatible with most holsters designed for the Smith & Wesson 9mm compact pistols. It’s important to select a holster that provides a secure fit and allows for a smooth and easy draw.
Pros and Cons of Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount)
Pros
- Enhanced low-light visibility: The tritium lamps provide a clear and bright sight picture in low-light conditions.
- Improved accuracy: The increased sight radius and precise sight alignment contribute to improved accuracy.
- Durable construction: The metal construction and sealed tritium lamps ensure long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use: The sights are user-friendly and require no special training or skills to use effectively.
- Battery-free operation: The tritium lamps require no batteries, ensuring constant illumination for up to 12 years.
Cons
- The tritium glow may not be as bright in extremely bright daylight conditions.
- Professional installation is recommended.
Who Should Buy Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount)?
The Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) are perfect for anyone who owns a compatible Smith & Wesson 9mm compact pistol and wants to improve its low-light shooting capabilities. This includes law enforcement officers, security personnel, and responsible citizens who use their handgun for self-defense. The sights are also a great option for competitive shooters who want to improve their accuracy in low-light shooting events.
Anyone who is satisfied with their factory sights and does not need enhanced low-light visibility can skip this product. Also, anyone who is not comfortable with the installation process and does not want to pay for professional installation should consider other options.
A must-have accessory for these sights is a high-quality holster that provides a secure fit and allows for a smooth and easy draw. A gun cleaning kit is also essential for maintaining the sights and ensuring optimal performance.
Conclusion on Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount)
In summary, the Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) are an excellent upgrade for any compatible Smith & Wesson 9mm compact pistol. The enhanced low-light visibility, improved accuracy, and durable construction make them well worth the investment.
The price of $116.19 is justified by the quality of the product and the significant improvement in shooting performance. Trijicon’s warranty is an additional benefit to consider.
I would personally recommend these sights to anyone who wants to improve their low-light shooting capabilities. They are a reliable, durable, and effective upgrade that will enhance your shooting experience and provide peace of mind in challenging lighting conditions. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your Smith & Wesson 9mm compact pistol, the Trijicon Bright & Tough SA08 Night Sights for Smith&Wesson 9mm Compact with Long Rear (Novak LoMount) are an excellent choice.