The Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight Made a Bold First Impression
The Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight promises enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition for arguably one of America’s most popular polymer-framed pistols. Trijicon is a name synonymous with quality optics, so my expectations were high. This particular sight set, designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P series, comes with interchangeable red and green fiber optic inserts, along with black, providing versatility for various lighting conditions.
I needed to improve my M&P 2.0’s sight picture. The factory sights, while functional, lacked the pop needed for quick target acquisition in dynamic scenarios. I was specifically looking for sights that excelled in both bright daylight and low-light conditions, without relying on batteries like some red dot optics.
The Trijicon sight set arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The sights themselves looked robust and well-machined. The fiber optic inserts were vibrant, and the overall build felt solid, instantly instilling confidence.
I considered sets from XS Sights and TruGlo, known for their tritium and fiber optic combinations, respectively. However, I opted for the Trijicon set because of Trijicon’s reputation for ruggedness and the flexibility of interchangeable fiber colors. The brand recognition and perceived reliability outweighed the slightly lower price point of other options.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of apprehension. Would these sights live up to the Trijicon name and significantly improve my shooting experience? Only time and range time would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight was at an outdoor range on a sunny afternoon. I focused on drills involving rapid target acquisition and transitions between multiple targets at varying distances. The sights performed exceptionally well in the bright daylight, with the red fiber optic insert providing a clear and easily visible aiming point.
Changing lighting conditions did not pose a problem. Even as the sun dipped lower, the fiber optic continued to gather ambient light, maintaining a bright sight picture. No issues were experienced during the initial usage and the installation was straightforward.
The learning curve was minimal. The bright, contrasting front sight immediately drew my eye, and the sight alignment process felt natural and intuitive. There were no surprises and installation was smooth.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight has proven to be a worthwhile upgrade. The sights have endured numerous range sessions, including a few classes that involved drawing from a holster and engaging targets from various positions. There is also no indication of any degradation in performance.
There are only minor signs of wear and tear. The finish on the steel sight bodies shows some slight scuffing from holster use, but the fiber optic inserts remain bright and intact. The sights have held zero consistently, and I haven’t needed to make any adjustments.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to remove any powder residue or dirt. The Trijicon sights have outperformed the factory sights in every aspect, offering superior visibility, faster target acquisition, and improved accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight
Specifications
The Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight is designed specifically for S&W M&P and M&P 2.0 series pistols, as well as SD9 VE and SD40 VE models. This ensures a proper fit and reliable performance.
This set includes a steel front sight with a user-replaceable fiber optic insert (red and green included) and a black steel rear sight. The steel construction enhances durability and longevity.
The contrasting colors help you to create a clear and visible sight picture in various lighting conditions. This assists in target acquisition.
The sights are designed for a standard dovetail mount. Installation generally requires a sight pusher tool.
The sight height is designed to co-witness with many factory-height iron sights. This is especially useful if you decide to add a red dot optic later.
These specifications directly impact the user experience. The steel construction ensures durability, while the fiber optic inserts enhance visibility. The ease of installation and the option to customize the fiber color make this sight set a versatile upgrade for any M&P owner.
Performance & Functionality
The Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight excels at its primary job: enhancing sight visibility and speeding up target acquisition. The bright fiber optic front sight stands out prominently against the black rear sight, making it easy to focus on the front sight and align it with the target. It is accurate and reliable.
The main strength of this sight set is its visibility in varying lighting conditions. The fiber optic inserts gather ambient light and glow brightly, even in low-light situations. The interchangeable fiber colors allow you to customize the sight picture to your preference. One area for potential improvement would be offering different widths of fiber optic rods to better tailor the sight picture for different users and shooting styles.
The sights meet my expectations and more. Target acquisition is noticeably faster, and my accuracy has improved, especially in rapid-fire drills. I find them to be accurate and fast.
Design & Ergonomics
The Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight boasts a simple yet effective design. The steel construction feels robust and durable, while the fiber optic inserts are bright and eye-catching. The front sight is easy to see and helps quickly achieve a sight picture.
The sights are user-friendly. The straightforward design requires minimal adjustment, and the bright front sight naturally draws the eye. The only potential learning curve involves the fiber optic insert replacement process.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests these sights will last for years. The fiber optic inserts are well-protected within the sight bodies, minimizing the risk of damage. The steel material is high quality.
Maintaining the Trijicon sights is straightforward. A simple wipe with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to remove any dirt or debris. The fiber optic inserts are easily replaceable if they become damaged.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight comes with red and green fiber optic inserts. This allows you to tailor the sight picture to your specific preferences and lighting conditions.
The sights are compatible with most standard M&P holsters. The sight height is designed to co-witness with many factory-height iron sights, making them a good option for users who may eventually want to add a red dot optic to their pistol.
Pros and Cons of Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight
Pros
- Excellent visibility in a variety of lighting conditions.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Interchangeable red and green fiber optic inserts offer customization.
- Improved target acquisition speed compared to standard sights.
- Relatively easy installation with the proper tools.
Cons
- Fiber optic inserts can be fragile if not handled carefully during replacement.
- Sight pusher tool is required for proper installation.
Who Should Buy Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight?
The Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight is perfect for competitive shooters and law enforcement personnel who require fast and reliable target acquisition in varying lighting conditions. It’s also an excellent upgrade for recreational shooters looking to improve their accuracy and overall shooting experience. It is also suitable for those who carry an M&P for self-defense, especially in low-light settings.
Those who prefer night sights (tritium) or those who want the simplest possible installation should skip this product. Also, someone who is extremely rough on their equipment and frequently damages small parts might consider a more robust (but less visible) sight system.
A sight pusher tool is a must-have accessory for installation. Extra fiber optic inserts in various colors could also be a worthwhile purchase for further customization.
Conclusion on Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight
The Trijicon S&W M&P/M&P 2.0 Red/Green/Black Fiber Optic Handgun Sight is a solid upgrade for any M&P pistol owner looking to enhance their sight picture and improve target acquisition speed. The excellent visibility, durable construction, and customizable fiber optic inserts make this sight set a worthwhile investment. The value proposition is justified.
I would definitely recommend this sight set to anyone looking to improve the performance of their M&P pistol. The Trijicon sights offer a significant improvement over factory sights, providing enhanced visibility, faster target acquisition, and improved accuracy. Upgrade your M&P today and experience the Trijicon difference!