XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green Review

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of firearm upgrades. But the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green immediately grabbed my attention with its promise of enhanced visibility and rugged durability. It’s manufactured by XS Sights, a company known for quality.

I’ve always been a firm believer that a pistol is only as good as its sights, especially in low-light scenarios. My aging factory sights on my S&W M&P were starting to show their age, and I needed a serious upgrade for both daytime and nighttime use. The allure of a high-contrast front sight and tritium illumination was simply too tempting to ignore.

The unboxing experience was straightforward; the sights were securely packaged, and the machining looked precise right out of the box. The finish was clean and looked very durable. Holding the sights in my hand, they felt solid and well-made, inspiring confidence.

I considered Trijicon HD XR sights and Ameriglo Pro-Series sights but chose the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green for its unique Glow Dot and focus on rapid target acquisition. The Trijicon sights are fantastic, but often significantly more expensive. The Ameriglo sights are a good alternative but I liked the XS Sights design better.

My first impression was one of excitement. The high-visibility green front sight and tritium lamps looked incredibly promising, offering a considerable step up from my existing sights.

Real-World Testing: Putting XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green on my S&W M&P 9mm OR full size and immediately headed to my local shooting range. I wanted to see how these sights performed in a controlled environment. I tested them under different lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit indoor bays.

The sights performed admirably in all conditions. The bright green front sight was easy to acquire quickly, even when transitioning between targets. In low light, the tritium lamps provided a clear and consistent glow, making target acquisition effortless.

The installation process was smooth; I needed only a sight pusher tool and a few minutes to get them installed securely. There was no need for filing or fitting. After the first range session, I was impressed by the enhanced accuracy and speed of target acquisition that the sights provided.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights have proven their worth. They’ve become an integral part of my everyday carry setup. I carried the M&P at a wilderness survival training event.

The sights have held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite regular use and exposure to different weather conditions. The BlackNitride finish has proven to be highly resistant to scratches and corrosion.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each range session is all it takes to keep them in top condition. Compared to the original factory sights, the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights have significantly improved my shooting accuracy and confidence, particularly in low-light situations.

Breaking Down the Features of XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green

Specifications

  • Tritium lamps in front and rear sight: This ensures excellent visibility in low-light and no-light conditions, offering a constant and reliable glow. This feature is critical for defensive situations where visibility can be limited.

  • High-contrast colored front sight: The bright green outline quickly draws the eye, enhancing target acquisition speed in daylight. The high visibility greatly improves target transition times.

  • Glow Dot: Absorbs ambient light and glows in low light, further enhancing front sight visibility. The dot enhances visibility during the transitional hours of dawn and dusk.

  • Serrated rear sight: Reduces glare and provides a clear sight picture, even in bright sunlight. This minimizes distractions and ensures accurate aiming.

  • BlackNitride finish: Provides exceptional wear and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability. This finish protects against harsh environmental conditions, extending the sight’s lifespan.

  • Black PVC rings: Enhance tritium in rear sight and are Anti-reflective. This concentrates the light and reduces any reflection, making target acquisition easier.

  • Rear sight ledge: Facilitates one-handed slide manipulations, a crucial feature in emergency situations. This is an excellent feature for malfunction clearances and one-handed operation.

  • Durable CNC machined steel: Ensures robustness and longevity, even under harsh conditions. The steel provides a strong and stable platform for the tritium lamps.

Performance & Functionality

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights excel in their primary job: enhancing visibility and accuracy. The high-contrast front sight makes target acquisition fast and intuitive, while the tritium lamps provide a clear and consistent glow in low light. The serrated rear sight further enhances visibility in bright light.

The strengths of these sights lie in their superior visibility and ease of use. The only potential weakness is the initial cost, but the improved performance and reliability are worth the investment. The sights far exceeded my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights is exceptional. The CNC-machined steel feels solid and durable, and the BlackNitride finish provides a sleek and professional look. The sights have a good heft without adding excessive weight to the pistol.

The design is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The high-contrast front sight naturally draws the eye, making target acquisition quick and intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their robust construction and BlackNitride finish, the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights are built to last. With minimal maintenance, these sights should provide years of reliable service. The fact that XS Sights offers a 12 year warranty on tritium shows their confidence in the durability of the product.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights are a standalone upgrade, with no specific accessories required. They are designed to fit standard S&W M&P OR (Optics Ready) full-size and compact models, making them compatible with a wide range of holsters and accessories. The sights are designed to work seamlessly with the M&P platform.

Pros and Cons of XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green

Pros

  • Enhanced Visibility: The tritium lamps and high-contrast front sight provide excellent visibility in all lighting conditions.
  • Rapid Target Acquisition: The bright green front sight allows for quick and intuitive target acquisition.
  • Durable Construction: The CNC-machined steel and BlackNitride finish ensure long-term durability and corrosion resistance.
  • One-Handed Slide Manipulation: The rear sight ledge facilitates one-handed slide manipulations in emergency situations.
  • Easy Installation: The sights are designed for easy installation with minimal gunsmithing required.

Cons

  • Initial Cost: The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights are more expensive than basic factory sights.
  • Rear Sight Style: Some users might prefer a different rear sight configuration (e.g., two-dot or fiber optic).


Who Should Buy XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green?

The XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights are perfect for:

  • Everyday carry users who prioritize visibility and rapid target acquisition in all lighting conditions.
  • Law enforcement officers and security personnel who need reliable sights for duty use.
  • Competitive shooters looking to improve their speed and accuracy.
  • Home defense enthusiasts who want to ensure their pistol is ready for any situation.

These sights might not be ideal for:

  • Shooters on a very tight budget who are willing to sacrifice performance for cost savings.
  • Individuals who prefer a different style of rear sight (e.g., two-dot or fiber optic).

Must-have accessories or modifications:

  • A sight pusher tool for easy installation.
  • A high-quality holster that accommodates the upgraded sights.

Conclusion on XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green

In summary, the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance the visibility and accuracy of their S&W M&P OR full size pistol. The superior visibility, durable construction, and user-friendly design make these sights a top-tier upgrade.

The price is justified by the improved performance and reliability, especially in low-light conditions. I would highly recommend the XS R3D 2.0 S&W M&P OR Full Size Green sights to anyone looking for a significant upgrade to their S&W M&P pistol. If you’re serious about self-defense or competitive shooting, these sights are a game-changer. Upgrade your sights today and experience the difference!


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