Let’s Talk About XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight
The XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight offers a significant upgrade for AK platform rifles. It promises faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially in dynamic shooting situations. As someone who has spent over a decade running AKs in various environments, I was intrigued by the potential of this sight to enhance the platform’s close-quarters effectiveness.
I was primarily seeking a sight system that would allow for quicker target acquisition in low-light conditions. The stock AK sights, while rugged, can be challenging to use in suboptimal lighting. After researching various aftermarket options, the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight seemed to offer the best balance of speed, simplicity, and durability.
Upon unboxing, the sight appeared robust and well-made. The matte black finish and crisp white stripe exuded quality. Its steel construction gave me confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of hard use.
I considered the Trijicon AK series and the Krebs Custom peep sight, but ultimately chose the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight due to its straightforward design and focus on speed. The Trijicon system is more expensive and complex, while the Krebs sight, while excellent, didn’t offer the same level of low-light visibility. My first impression was positive; I was eager to install the sight and see how it performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range under varying lighting conditions. I wanted to evaluate the sight’s performance in bright daylight, overcast skies, and at dusk. I installed the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight on my Arsenal SLR-107FR, following the included instructions.
The XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight immediately improved target acquisition speed. The large white stripe was easy to see, and aligning it with the front sight post felt natural and intuitive. Even in the fading light of dusk, the sight provided a clear and usable sight picture.
I experienced a slight shift in my point of impact after installation, requiring minor adjustments to the front sight. Otherwise, the sight performed flawlessly. I did notice that the wider rear sight notch took a little getting used to for precise shots at longer distances (beyond 100 yards).
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight has proven to be remarkably durable. It has withstood numerous range sessions, exposure to inclement weather, and even a few bumps and scrapes without any signs of damage. The matte black finish has held up well, showing minimal wear.
Maintaining the sight is simple; a quick wipe with a clean cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or debris. I have not experienced any issues with the sight loosening or shifting its zero. Compared to the original AK sights, the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight offers a significant improvement in speed and visibility, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight
Specifications
The XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight is a robust aftermarket sight designed to enhance target acquisition speed and accuracy on AK-pattern rifles. It is constructed from durable steel with a matte black finish, providing excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. The rear sight features a distinctive white stripe for improved visibility in various lighting conditions.
The sight is designed to replace the standard AKM rear sight, but it’s compatible with most AK-47 variants, though with a slight overhang. It utilizes a wide, shallow “V” notch for fast target acquisition. The sight includes blue and red threadlocker for secure installation. These features combine to offer a practical and durable upgrade for AK enthusiasts.
Performance & Functionality
The XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight excels at its primary function: providing faster and more intuitive target acquisition. The wide rear notch allows the shooter to quickly acquire a sight picture, making it ideal for close-quarters engagements and dynamic shooting scenarios. The high-contrast white stripe enhances visibility, particularly in low-light conditions.
However, the wider notch can compromise precision at longer distances. While perfectly adequate for most practical AK applications, it may not be the best choice for those prioritizing pinpoint accuracy at extended ranges. The sight’s strengths lie in its speed and ease of use, making it a valuable upgrade for those prioritizing those attributes.
Design & Ergonomics
The XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight features a simple, yet effective design. Its steel construction provides a robust and durable platform. The matte black finish minimizes glare and blends seamlessly with the rifle’s aesthetics.
Installation is relatively straightforward, though some gunsmithing experience may be helpful. The sight’s low profile ensures that it does not interfere with the rifle’s handling or balance. Overall, the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight is well-designed and ergonomically sound.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from steel, the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight is built to last. It can withstand the rigors of heavy use and exposure to harsh environments. The matte black finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The sight’s simple design and robust construction contribute to its long-term reliability. With proper care, the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight should provide years of dependable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight comes with blue and red threadlocker to ensure secure installation. While the sight itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it is compatible with most standard AK front sights. This allows users to fine-tune their sight picture to their specific preferences.
The Manufacturer does not offer different color stripes or notch widths for this particular model. However, the simplicity of the design makes it easy to modify the sight picture with paint or other aftermarket solutions, if desired.
Pros and Cons of XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight
Pros
- Significantly improved target acquisition speed, especially in close-quarters situations.
- Enhanced visibility in low-light conditions thanks to the high-contrast white stripe.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Relatively easy to install, though some gunsmithing knowledge may be helpful.
- Provides a more intuitive and user-friendly sighting system compared to the original AK sights.
Cons
- Wider rear notch can compromise precision at longer distances (beyond 100 yards).
- Slight overhang on some AK-47 variants may be aesthetically unappealing to some users.
Who Should Buy XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight?
The XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight is perfect for AK owners who prioritize speed and ease of use in close-quarters engagements. This includes: tactical shooters, home defense enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to improve their AK’s performance in dynamic shooting scenarios. It’s also beneficial for those who find the standard AK sights difficult to use, particularly in low light.
Those prioritizing pinpoint accuracy at longer distances may want to consider alternative sighting systems. If you are unwilling to accept the slight overhang on some AK-47 models, this may not be the right choice for you. A must-have accessory is a front sight adjustment tool to properly zero the rifle after installation.
Conclusion on XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight
The XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight is a worthwhile upgrade for AK owners seeking to enhance their rifle’s speed and usability. While it may not be ideal for precision shooting at extended ranges, its strengths in close-quarters target acquisition and low-light visibility make it a valuable addition to any AK. The price of $72.74 is justified by the sight’s improved performance and durable construction.
I would personally recommend the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight to anyone looking to modernize their AK and improve its effectiveness in practical shooting scenarios. It’s a simple, yet effective upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in your shooting performance. So, ditch those old, clunky iron sights and experience the speed and precision of the XS Sight Systems Express White Stripe Rear AK Sight!