XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight Review

First Thoughts on the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless handgun sights come and go. But when the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight crossed my desk, I was particularly intrigued. With its promise of enhanced visibility and rapid target acquisition, it seemed tailor-made for the concealed carry Glock 42 and 43 pistols.

My eyesight isn’t what it used to be, especially in low-light conditions. I was seeking a sight system that would improve my confidence in self-defense scenarios. The XS Sights brand is renowned for its innovative approach to handgun sighting systems, and the F8 series looked to be no exception.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the robust build quality. The steel sights felt solid and well-machined. Compared to the factory polymer sights on my Glock 43, these were a definite upgrade. I was initially drawn to the Trijicon HD sights for their bright front sight, but the F8’s unique AmeriGlo orange outline and tritium illumination swayed me. I also considered the TruGlo TFX Pro, but ultimately prioritized the simpler, more robust design of the XS Sights offering.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight lived up to the hype and could truly enhance my low-light shooting capabilities. The promise of improved accuracy and quicker target acquisition was definitely appealing.

Real-World Testing: Putting XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight was at my local indoor shooting range. I ran through various drills, focusing on speed and accuracy at different distances. The low-light environment of the range provided an ideal testing ground for the tritium illumination.

The difference was immediately noticeable. The bright orange outline of the front sight popped against the target, even in dimly lit conditions. Acquiring a sight picture was noticeably faster than with the standard Glock sights. There were no immediate issues and I quickly became comfortable with the sight picture.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. I’ve put several hundred rounds downrange with these sights installed. They consistently hold zero.

The sights show minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being exposed to sweat and cleaning solvents. Cleaning is a breeze – a quick wipe with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to keep them looking good. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket sights, the XS F8 sights have exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and performance. The tritium inserts remain bright.

Breaking Down the Features of XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight

Specifications

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight is designed specifically for the Glock 42 and 43 pistols. These compact, single-stack 9mm and .380 handguns are popular for concealed carry. The sights feature a green tritium lamp in both the front and rear sight. This ensures visibility in low-light and no-light conditions.

The front sight features an AmeriGlo orange outline for enhanced visibility in daylight. The rear sight is a simple, blacked-out design to minimize distractions. The steel construction ensures durability and longevity. These sights are designed to be a direct replacement for the factory Glock sights. This makes installation relatively straightforward.

Performance & Functionality

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight excels in its primary function: enhancing visibility and target acquisition in various lighting conditions. The high-contrast front sight draws the eye quickly to the target. The simple rear sight promotes a clean, uncluttered sight picture.

The sight system greatly improves accuracy, especially in low-light scenarios. The tritium inserts provide a clear and consistent aiming point without the need for batteries or external light sources. One potential improvement would be offering different color options for the front sight outline. Overall, the XS F8 sights meet and exceed expectations for a night sight system.

Design & Ergonomics

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight boasts a robust yet functional design. The steel construction ensures durability, while the streamlined profile minimizes snagging. The sights are lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the already compact Glock 42/43 platform.

The sight picture is clear and intuitive. The orange front sight provides a natural focal point. There is virtually no learning curve involved in transitioning to this sight system. The sights are a significant improvement over the factory Glock sights in terms of visibility and usability.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight ensures excellent durability. The tritium inserts are protected within the steel housings, minimizing the risk of damage. With proper care, these sights should last for many years.

Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth will keep the sights free from rust and corrosion. The tritium lamps have an estimated lifespan of 10-12 years. Beyond that, the sights may need to be replaced.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight is a standalone upgrade. There are no included accessories beyond the sights themselves. While there are no direct customization options for the sights, they are compatible with most standard Glock sight tools for installation.

The sights are designed to work with the factory Glock barrels and slides. They do not require any modifications to the firearm. The XS Sights website offers helpful installation guides and videos. This makes the process relatively straightforward even for novice gun owners.

Pros and Cons of XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight

Pros

  • Enhanced visibility in low-light conditions due to tritium inserts.
  • Rapid target acquisition with the high-contrast orange front sight.
  • Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
  • Simple, uncluttered sight picture promotes accuracy.
  • Easy installation with standard Glock sight tools.

Cons

  • The rear sight only comes in black, which may not be ideal for all users.
  • Limited customization options.


Who Should Buy XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight?

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight is perfect for concealed carry holders who prioritize low-light performance and rapid target acquisition. It is also ideal for individuals with aging eyesight or those who struggle to acquire a clear sight picture with standard sights. This product will benefit anyone looking to upgrade the sights on their Glock 42 or 43 for self-defense purposes.

Individuals who prioritize long-range accuracy or prefer adjustable sights may want to skip this product. Those who prefer fiber optic sights for daytime use might also find this sight system less appealing. A must-have accessory is a Glock sight pusher tool for easy and damage-free installation.

Conclusion on XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight

The XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to enhance the low-light performance of their Glock 42 or 43 pistol. The combination of tritium illumination and a high-contrast front sight makes target acquisition faster and more accurate. The durable steel construction ensures long-lasting reliability.

At $109.99, the price is justified considering the significant improvement in visibility and performance. The XS F8 sights are a valuable investment for self-defense purposes. I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their Glock 42 or 43 sights. If you value performance and reliability, then the XS F8 Night for Glock 42/43 Tritium Handgun Sight is the right choice.


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