XS F8 Night for Glock 17/19/22 Tritium Handgun Sight Review

The XS F8 Night for Glock 17/19/22 Tritium Handgun Sight Made a Bold First Impression

For over a decade, I’ve trusted my life to firearms in demanding environments, and sight acquisition in low-light conditions is non-negotiable. That’s why the XS F8 Night for Glock 17/19/22 Tritium Handgun Sight immediately caught my eye, promising rapid target engagement even when the sun dips below the horizon. The sights claim to offer a bright, easily visible sight picture, a feature paramount for both tactical applications and personal defense.

My aging eyes were starting to struggle with standard three-dot sights, especially under stress. I needed a sight system that offered faster acquisition and improved visibility without sacrificing precision. I was torn between the XS F8 Night Sight, Trijicon HD XR, and Ameriglo CAP sights. The XS F8 Night Sight’s focus on a simple, intuitive design with a high-visibility front sight ultimately won me over.

Unboxing the XS F8 Night Sight, the first thing I noticed was the robust build quality. The steel sights felt solid and well-machined, instilling confidence in their durability. They looked and felt purpose-built, not just an afterthought.

Compared to other aftermarket sights I’ve installed, the XS F8 Night Sight seemed almost aggressively simple in its design. The bright orange outline around the front tritium vial was instantly noticeable. My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of apprehension – would this simple design translate to effective performance in real-world scenarios?

Real-World Testing: Putting XS F8 Night for Glock 17/19/22 Tritium Handgun Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the XS F8 Night Sight installed was illuminating, literally. I tested them on my Glock 19 at an outdoor range, starting in daylight and continuing as dusk settled. The bright orange front sight immediately drew my eye, making target acquisition significantly faster than with the stock sights.

The high-contrast sight picture proved effective even when transitioning from bright sunlight into shaded areas of the range. Under rapid-fire drills, I found the XS F8 Night Sight allowed me to maintain focus on the target while quickly realigning the sights for follow-up shots. One unexpected benefit was how well the bold front sight worked even with my prescription shooting glasses.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including weekly range sessions and a force-on-force training course, the XS F8 Night Sight continues to impress. The tritium vials remain bright and clear, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. There are no signs of fading or dimming.

Despite hundreds of draws from a kydex holster and exposure to various weather conditions, the sights show minimal wear. A few minor scuffs are visible on the edges, but the tritium vials and paint are still in pristine condition. I have cleaned the sights regularly with standard gun cleaning solvents and a nylon brush. The sights have shown no signs of degradation due to the cleaning process. Compared to the factory Glock sights, the XS F8 Night Sight provides a noticeably improved sight picture and increased durability. The simple design reduces the chances of snagging, and the robust construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of daily carry.

Breaking Down the Features of XS F8 Night for Glock 17/19/22 Tritium Handgun Sight

Specifications

• The XS F8 Night Sight fits Glock models 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 38. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile upgrade for a wide range of Glock pistols.
• The front sight features a green tritium vial with a bright orange outline, designed for rapid target acquisition in all lighting conditions. The high-contrast color combination ensures the front sight is easily visible, even against complex backgrounds.
• The rear sight is a green tritium sight with a simple, non-distracting design. This focuses the shooter’s attention on the front sight while providing adequate low-light visibility.
• Both front and rear sights are constructed from durable steel for enhanced resistance to wear and tear. This ensures the sights can withstand the rigors of daily carry and heavy use.

Performance & Functionality

The XS F8 Night Sight excels in its primary function: providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture in any lighting condition. The high-visibility front sight is particularly effective in low-light scenarios, allowing for quick and accurate target engagement. The sights deliver improved accuracy compared to standard Glock sights, particularly for shooters with aging eyes or those who struggle with traditional three-dot systems.

The main strength of the XS F8 Night Sight is its simplicity. The design is intuitive and requires minimal training to master. One potential weakness is the lack of adjustability. The sights are fixed, so you cannot adjust for windage or elevation. However, the factory sight configuration is very accurate and adjustments are seldom needed.

Design & Ergonomics

The steel construction and snag-free design of the XS F8 Night Sight contribute to a feeling of quality and durability. The sights do not add noticeable weight to the pistol. The sight design presents a bold visual for targeting but doesn’t protrude to an extent that causes discomfort or hinderance in operation.

The XS F8 Night Sight is very user-friendly. Installation is relatively straightforward with the correct tools, and the sight picture is easy to understand. The intuitive design minimizes the learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction and protective finish of the XS F8 Night Sight suggest a long lifespan. The tritium vials are rated for several years of reliable illumination. Regular cleaning with standard gun cleaning solvents is sufficient to maintain the sights.

The XS F8 Night Sight appears to be designed for minimal maintenance. The robust construction and lack of moving parts reduce the risk of mechanical failure.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS F8 Night Sight is a standalone product and does not require any additional accessories for basic functionality. No customization options are directly offered by XS Sights for the F8 Night Sight. Although this is not neccessary, since they provide improved performance as is. The sights are compatible with most standard Glock holsters and do not interfere with the installation of other accessories, such as weapon lights.

Pros and Cons of XS F8 Night for Glock 17/19/22 Tritium Handgun Sight