First Impressions of Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight promises enhanced visibility in low-light conditions and a robust build for the venerable 1911 platform. As someone who’s spent years customizing and upgrading 1911s for both competitive shooting and personal defense, I was eager to see if this sight lived up to the hype. Its key features, like the recessed blade and tritium inserts, immediately piqued my interest.
I’ve always prioritized a clear and fast sight picture, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. My aging eyes appreciate any edge I can get in low light, a problem the Kensight sights claim to solve.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the sight’s heft and the clean machining. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction felt solid and durable, inspiring confidence. Compared to cheaper, MIM (Metal Injection Molded) sights I’ve used in the past, the Kensight felt like a significant upgrade. While other options like Trijicon or Novak offer similar tritium sights, I chose Kensight based on their reputation for quality steel and precise cuts at a more reasonable price. I was excited to install it on my Springfield 1911 and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight was at an indoor shooting range with varying light conditions. Installation on my Springfield 1911 was straightforward, requiring only a sight pusher tool and a few minutes. The difference in sight picture was immediately noticeable.
Even in brightly lit bays, the tritium inserts provided a subtle, yet visible, aiming point. When the range lights were dimmed to simulate low-light conditions, the tritium lamps glowed brightly. The recessed blade design also appeared to contribute to a cleaner sight picture by minimizing glare. There were no immediate issues, and the sight felt securely mounted.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight has proven to be a reliable upgrade. I’ve used it in various conditions, from sunny outdoor ranges to dimly lit indoor scenarios. The sight has remained securely mounted, with no signs of loosening or shifting.
The 4140 steel has shown no signs of wear or corrosion, despite regular cleaning with solvents. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional wiping with a clean cloth. Compared to other aftermarket sights I’ve used, the Kensight has consistently provided a brighter and clearer sight picture in low light. It noticeably outperforms standard blacked-out sights.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight
Specifications
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight boasts several noteworthy specifications. It is designed for the 1911 Platform and fits 1911 models with a Novak-type dovetail cut. The sight is constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel for durability.
It is finished in a black finish. The key feature is the inclusion of two 0.076″ Trijicon Green tritium lamps for low-light visibility. These specifications matter because they ensure the sight is rugged enough to withstand the rigors of regular use and provide a reliable aiming point in challenging conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Accuracy is improved in low-light environments due to the highly visible tritium dots. The recessed blade design minimizes glare and provides a cleaner sight picture.
The sight is highly reliable, maintaining zero even after hundreds of rounds fired. Its greatest strength lies in its low-light performance, offering a significant advantage over standard sights. A potential area for improvement could be offering different tritium colors for shooters with specific preferences. Overall, the sight meets and exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight features a well-thought-out design. The 4140 steel construction feels solid and durable, adding a slight but manageable weight to the pistol. The recessed blade design is not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing.
The sight is user-friendly, requiring no specialized knowledge to install or use. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction, the Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight is built to last. It should withstand years of regular use and exposure to the elements. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with standard gun cleaning products.
Repair, if ever needed, would likely involve replacing the tritium inserts, which may require professional gunsmithing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight is primarily a standalone upgrade, with no included accessories beyond the sight itself. It is designed to be compatible with standard Novak type front sight dovetail cuts (0.340″ x 60 x 0.075″), allowing for pairing with various front sights. The manufacturer, Kensight, notes that front sight blade heights from 0.150” to 0.220” are available upon request.
This compatibility allows shooters to fine-tune their sight picture based on their individual preferences. Using this sight with a tritium front sight creates an even more robust low-light sighting system.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight
Pros
- Dramatically Improved Low-Light Visibility: The Trijicon tritium lamps offer a bright and clear aiming point in darkness.
- Robust and Durable Construction: The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel ensures the sight can withstand heavy use.
- Enhanced Sight Picture: The recessed blade design minimizes glare and provides a cleaner view.
- Easy Installation: The sight is easy to install with a sight pusher tool.
- Reliable Performance: The sight maintains zero even after extensive shooting sessions.
Cons
- The sight is only available in black, limiting aesthetic customization options.
- Tritium lamps have a limited lifespan (approximately 10-12 years) and will eventually need replacement.
Who Should Buy Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight?
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight is perfect for anyone who uses their 1911 in low-light conditions. This includes concealed carry holders, home defense enthusiasts, and law enforcement personnel. It is also a great upgrade for competitive shooters who participate in nighttime or indoor shooting events.
Those who prioritize aesthetics over function or require adjustable sights may want to skip this product. A must-have accessory is a high-quality tritium front sight to complete the sight system.
Conclusion on Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight
The Kensight Springfield Recessed Blade Tritium Rear Night Sight is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their 1911’s low-light performance. The price of $150.61 is justified by the sight’s quality construction, improved visibility, and reliable performance.
I would personally recommend this sight to anyone who relies on their 1911 for personal defense or professional use. Upgrade your sight picture today and experience the difference.