XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE Review

The XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE Made a Bold First Impression

The XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE is not just another set of aftermarket sights; it’s a promise of enhanced visibility and quicker target acquisition when every split-second counts. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless sight upgrades, but the XS Sights reputation for ruggedness and intelligent design piqued my interest. I needed a sight system that could reliably handle the recoil of my Glock 21 while providing superior low-light performance for home defense scenarios.

My aging eyes were starting to struggle with the stock Glock sights, especially in dimly lit environments, creating a real concern for home defense. I’d been considering tritium sights for a while and the XS R3D 2.0 stood out due to its combination of tritium, a high-contrast front sight, and anti-glare features. Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction of the steel sights and the vibrant orange ring surrounding the front tritium vial.

Compared to Trijicon HD XR sights, which I’ve used on other platforms, the XS R3D 2.0 offers a more straightforward, less cluttered sight picture. I also considered the Ameriglo Spartan Tactical sights, but the XS Sights‘ reputation for durability ultimately swayed me. My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, but the build quality and design gave me a good feeling.

Real-World Testing: Putting XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE at my local shooting range, focusing on low-light drills and rapid target acquisition exercises. The range offered a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to simulated indoor scenarios, allowing me to truly evaluate the sights’ performance. Even in bright sunlight, the high-contrast orange surrounding the front sight post made it incredibly easy to pick up against a variety of target backgrounds.

The orange ring proved to be a major advantage in less-than-ideal lighting, quickly drawing my eye to the front sight. I noticed a significant improvement in my target acquisition speed, especially when transitioning between targets at different distances. There were no immediate issues, although I did find that the aggressive serrations on the rear sight required a slightly modified grip during slide manipulations to avoid discomfort.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including approximately 500 rounds through my Glock 21, the XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE has held up remarkably well. The BlackNitride finish has proven to be extremely durable, showing no signs of wear or corrosion despite repeated holster draws and exposure to cleaning solvents. Maintaining the sights is simple; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is all that’s needed.

These sights have outperformed the stock Glock sights in every conceivable way, and are on par with more expensive aftermarket options I’ve used on other firearms. The improvement in low-light visibility and rapid target acquisition has been substantial, giving me a greater sense of confidence in my ability to defend myself in a self-defense situation. The tritium vials remain bright and clear, even after extended periods of darkness.

Breaking Down the Features of XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE

Specifications

• Tritium Illumination: The front and rear sights feature tritium lamps that glow continuously in low-light or no-light conditions, providing a clear aiming point. This is crucial for nighttime or indoor environments where visibility is limited.
• High-Contrast Orange Front Sight: The front sight is surrounded by a high-visibility orange ring, designed to quickly draw the shooter’s eye. This is a huge benefit for rapid target acquisition in dynamic shooting scenarios.
• Glow Dot: The front sight incorporates a Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light, enhancing visibility in low-light situations even before the tritium becomes fully visible. This provides an extra layer of visibility in transitional lighting conditions.
• Serrated Rear Sight: The rear sight is serrated to reduce glare, improving sight picture clarity in bright sunlight. This helps prevent distraction and allows for a clearer focus on the front sight.
• BlackNitride Finish: The sights feature a BlackNitride finish for exceptional wear and corrosion resistance. This ensures long-lasting durability even under harsh conditions.
• Black PVC Rings: Black PVC rings are used to enhance the tritium glow in the rear sight, further improving visibility in low light. This provides a defined and focused aiming point.
• Anti-Reflective Rear Tritium Lens: The rear tritium lens is treated with an anti-reflective coating to minimize distractions and maximize light transmission. This feature provides a clean and unobstructed sight picture.
• Rear Sight Ledge: The rear sight has a pronounced ledge that allows for one-handed slide manipulations. This is an essential feature for tactical and self-defense situations where one hand might be occupied.
• CNC Machined Steel: The sights are constructed from durable CNC machined steel, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of regular use and recoil. This guarantees a long service life.
• Warranty: The tritium lamps are backed by a 12-year warranty, providing peace of mind regarding their longevity. This reflects XS Sights‘ confidence in the quality of their product.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: The XS Sights also feature a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Performance & Functionality

The XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE excels in its primary function: providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture in a wide range of lighting conditions. The high-contrast front sight, combined with the tritium illumination, significantly improves target acquisition speed and accuracy. The sights are robust and reliable, maintaining zero even after hundreds of rounds of heavy recoil.

The serrated rear sight effectively minimizes glare, and the rear sight ledge provides a useful feature for emergency slide manipulations. The only minor drawback is that some users might find the rear sight serrations slightly abrasive against their hand during certain slide racking techniques. However, overall the sights meet and exceed expectations for a high-quality aftermarket sight upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes functionality and durability. The steel construction provides a solid and confidence-inspiring feel, while the BlackNitride finish contributes to both corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance. The sights are relatively low-profile, minimizing snagging on clothing or gear.

The high-contrast orange ring on the front sight is the standout design element, quickly drawing the eye and improving focus. There is a slight learning curve in adapting to the new sight picture, particularly for those accustomed to traditional three-dot sights, but the benefits in speed and accuracy are quickly apparent.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their steel construction and BlackNitride finish, the XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE sights are built to last. I expect them to withstand years of regular use and exposure to harsh conditions without significant wear or degradation. Maintenance is minimal; a regular cleaning with a soft cloth and gun oil is sufficient to keep them in top condition.

The 12-year warranty on the tritium lamps provides additional assurance of their longevity. The simple and robust design minimizes the potential for mechanical failures.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE sights are designed as a direct replacement for the factory Glock sights, and do not require any additional accessories for installation. While there are no specific customization options offered for these sights, they are compatible with most standard Glock 21 holsters. They can also be used with aftermarket slides designed to accept standard Glock sights.

The ability to perform one-handed slide manipulations using the rear sight ledge also expands the range of tactical options available to the user. The sights enhance the overall functionality of the Glock 21 without requiring any further modifications or accessories.

Pros and Cons of XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE?

The XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE is perfect for:

• Home defense: Individuals seeking enhanced low-light visibility and rapid target acquisition for home defense scenarios will find these sights to be a valuable upgrade.
• Law enforcement: Law enforcement officers who carry a Glock 21 as their duty weapon can benefit from the increased visibility and durability of these sights.
• Concealed carry: Those who carry a Glock 21 for concealed carry will appreciate the improved target acquisition speed and reliability of these sights.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who prefer traditional three-dot sights or fiber optic sights may not find the XS R3D 2.0 sight picture to their liking.
• Shooters on a very tight budget may find these sights to be more expensive than other aftermarket options.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A high-quality holster that accommodates the slightly taller sight profile is recommended.
• A professional gunsmith is recommended for installation, although experienced shooters can install the sights themselves with the appropriate tools.

Conclusion on XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE

The XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE is a well-designed and durable sight upgrade that delivers on its promise of enhanced visibility and rapid target acquisition. The combination of tritium illumination, a high-contrast orange front sight, and a robust steel construction makes these sights a valuable addition to any Glock 21.

The price of $119.99 is justified by the quality of materials, the intelligent design, and the tangible improvement in shooting performance. The XS R3D 2.0 sights have instilled greater confidence in the reliability and effectiveness of my Glock 21.

I wholeheartedly recommend the XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE to anyone seeking a significant upgrade over the factory Glock sights. If you value low-light performance, rapid target acquisition, and rugged durability, then invest in the XS R3D 2.0 FOR GLOCK 21 ORANGE; you won’t regret it.

Check Best Price HERE