The Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade immersed in the world of tactical gear, I’ve seen countless handgun sights come and go. Yet, the Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight immediately piqued my interest. The promise of enhanced long-range target acquisition, coupled with Trijicon’s renowned tritium technology, suggested a real performance upgrade, especially for my FNS-9.
My aging eyes were the primary driver for seeking out these sights. Standard sights were becoming increasingly difficult to acquire quickly and accurately in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The allure of a bright, easily visible front sight for faster target acquisition was strong.
Unboxing the Trijicon HD XR Night Set revealed a robust, well-machined product. The steel construction felt solid and durable, and the tritium vials glowed reassuringly, even in broad daylight. The orange outline around the front sight was vibrant, promising excellent visibility.
I’d previously considered the Ameriglo Pro-Glo sights and the XS Sights F8 Night Sights. Ultimately, the Trijicon’s reputation for exceptional tritium brightness and the more traditional sight picture swayed my decision. The fiber optic options are too fragile for my use cases.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism mixed with anticipation. The quality was undeniable, but the real test would come on the range, under various lighting conditions. Time would tell if the Trijicon HD XR Night Set lived up to its promise of improved accuracy and faster target acquisition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Trijicon HD XR Night Set involved a variety of drills, from rapid target acquisition at 7 yards to controlled pairs at 25 yards. I tested in both bright sunlight and under the artificial lighting of an indoor range. The enhanced visibility of the orange-outlined front sight was immediately apparent.
The bright orange ring made target acquisition substantially faster compared to the factory sights. Even in bright sunlight, the front sight was easy to pick up. Under the dimmer indoor range lighting, the tritium glow became more noticeable, further enhancing visibility.
The installation process was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a sight pusher. After a few minor adjustments, the sights were perfectly zeroed. No surprises, and a welcome change from some of the more finicky sight installations I’ve experienced.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Trijicon HD XR Night Set has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The sights have endured hundreds of rounds without any noticeable shift in zero or degradation in performance. Even after holster wear from daily carry, the sights still look new.
The steel construction has proven to be incredibly durable, with no signs of rust or corrosion. The tritium vials continue to glow brightly, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to keep them clean.
Compared to previous night sights I’ve used, the Trijicon HD XR set offers a significant improvement in both visibility and durability. The enhanced long-range accuracy, made possible by the narrower front sight, is also a welcome addition. These sights have quickly become my go-to upgrade for any FNS-9, FNX-9, or FNP-9.
Breaking Down the Features of Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight
Specifications
The Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight is designed for the FNS-9, FNX-9, and FNP-9 pistols. It features a narrower front sight post for improved long-range accuracy, as well as a highly visible orange outline for faster target acquisition in daylight. The tritium inserts provide a constant glow in low-light or no-light conditions.
The sight set is constructed from machined steel for maximum durability. The front sight is 0.144 inches wide, and the rear sight notch is 0.169 inches wide. These dimensions strike a balance between speed and precision. The tritium lamps are warrantied by Trijicon to glow for 12 years from the date of manufacture.
These specifications translate to a handgun sight that excels in both speed and accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The durable construction ensures that the sights can withstand the rigors of daily carry and hard use. The improved sight picture makes longer-range shots more manageable.
Performance & Functionality
The Trijicon HD XR Night Set performs exceptionally well in a variety of shooting scenarios. The bright orange front sight makes for lightning-fast target acquisition in daylight, while the tritium inserts provide reliable visibility in low light. The narrower front sight post improves accuracy at longer ranges.
The primary strength of this sight set is its versatility. It works equally well for close-quarters defensive shooting and for more deliberate, accurate shots at extended distances. The only potential weakness is that the bright orange front sight might be too distracting for some shooters who prefer a more traditional sight picture.
The Trijicon HD XR Night Set far exceeds my expectations. It combines the best features of a traditional night sight with the added benefits of a high-visibility front sight and improved long-range accuracy. This sight set is a significant upgrade over the factory sights on the FNS-9, FNX-9, and FNP-9 pistols.
Design & Ergonomics
The Trijicon HD XR Night Set features a simple, yet effective design. The steel construction feels solid and durable, and the sight profile is low enough to prevent snagging. The orange outline on the front sight is bright and easy to see without being overly distracting.
The sight set is designed to be user-friendly, with a relatively simple installation process. There is a slight learning curve to adjusting to the narrower front sight post. Once acclimated, the improved accuracy is well worth the effort.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Trijicon HD XR Night Set ensures that it will last for many years of regular use. The tritium vials are protected by the steel housings, minimizing the risk of damage. The design is simple enough that even if something breaks, replacement should be relatively easy.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth. These sights are built to withstand the rigors of daily carry and hard use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trijicon HD XR Night Set is a complete sight set, requiring no additional accessories for basic functionality. However, some shooters may choose to add a fiber optic front sight insert for even greater visibility in bright sunlight. The dovetail design is compatible with most aftermarket sight pushers.
While there are no direct customization options for the Trijicon HD XR Night Set itself, the sights are compatible with a wide range of holsters designed for the FNS-9, FNX-9, and FNP-9 pistols. Some shooters might also choose to pair these sights with an aftermarket trigger or other performance-enhancing upgrades.
Pros and Cons of Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight
Pros
- Exceptional tritium brightness for reliable low-light visibility.
- High-visibility orange outline for fast target acquisition in daylight.
- Narrower front sight post improves long-range accuracy.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy installation with basic tools and a sight pusher.
Cons
- Orange front sight outline might be distracting for some shooters.
- Slight learning curve when adjusting to the narrower front sight post.
Who Should Buy Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight?
The Trijicon HD XR Night Set is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and concealed carry holders who prioritize both speed and accuracy in their handgun sights. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters who need a reliable sight set that can perform in a variety of lighting conditions. Anyone with aging eyes would also benefit from the increased visibility.
Those who prefer a very traditional sight picture or who are extremely sensitive to color might want to skip this product. Shooters who primarily use their handguns for close-range defensive shooting and do not require improved long-range accuracy may also find the benefits of the HD XR set less compelling.
A quality holster designed for the specific handgun model is a must-have accessory for anyone carrying a handgun with these sights. Some shooters may also want to invest in an aftermarket trigger for even greater accuracy and control.
Conclusion on Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight
The Trijicon HD XR Night Set for FNS-9/FNX-9/FNP-9 Green/Orange Outline Tritium Handgun Sight is a significant upgrade for anyone looking to improve the performance of their FNS-9, FNX-9, or FNP-9 pistol. The combination of bright tritium inserts, a high-visibility front sight, and a narrower front sight post makes for a versatile and accurate sight set.
At $136.49, the price is justified by the quality of the materials, the reliability of the Trijicon name, and the tangible improvement in shooting performance. This is not a cheap upgrade, but one that enhances your accuracy, especially in low-light scenarios.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Trijicon HD XR Night Set to anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile, and durable handgun sight. Upgrade your FNS-9, FNX-9, or FNP-9 today and experience the difference.