Largest Front Sight other than an XS?

[ra2bach]

it's getting difficult to see my front sight as clearly as I used to. and wearing my progressive lenses to shoot really isn't ideal (sucks)... so it looks like I need to make the move to a more visible sight on my SIG P229 which currently wears factory night sights.

does anyone make a more visible night sight for my ailing eyes, without going all the way up to the XS "BigDot"?

btw, I just purchased a set of Ameriglo sights for my S&W M&P9 and at first glance, I really like them, though I haven't gotten them mounted on the handgun yet.

I am inclined to just order a set of these for the SIG as they seem very well defined and the tritium is quite bright compared to the aging tubes already on the gun but I wanted to see if anyone had any other recommendations before I made the call...

[Robb Jensen]

You might try TruGlo TFO sights.

[ToddG]

You could look into the XS small dot (or whatever they call it). Used in conjunction with a wide rear sight it should work, at least roughly. Getting it all properly zeroed for elevation might take some effort, though.

You might also want to try some of the various techniques people use to make the front sight more visible (tape, nail polish, etc.).

Another option is to use a FO front sight. It won't work well in low light, but at least you'll be able to see the sight well *some* of the time.

[ra2bach]

You might try TruGlo TFO sights.
these are interesting. I'm a little concerned about the durability, though, as this is my carry gun.

I remember when they were all the rage for the XD but there were some reports of the light pipes being less than robust. do you know if folks are still reporting problems in this regard, or have the issues been addressed?

thanks for the reply...

[ra2bach]

You could look into the XS small dot (or whatever they call it). Used in conjunction with a wide rear sight it should work, at least roughly. Getting it all properly zeroed for elevation might take some effort, though.

You might also want to try some of the various techniques people use to make the front sight more visible (tape, nail polish, etc.).

Another option is to use a FO front sight. It won't work well in low light, but at least you'll be able to see the sight well *some* of the time.

Todd, do you know how much larger than, say, a standard Trijicon sight the small XS dot sight is? how about brightness?

how about Meps?

I'm almost to the point that I'm considering a laser but I'm left handed and the CT's don't work with my grip.

again, thanks for the reply...

[lindertw]

ra2bach,

here's a pic showing the XS sights "standard" v. "big dot" (standard on left):

http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/HGtarget_081005B.jpg
*photo courtesy of handgunsmag.com (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/HGtarget_081005B.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/target_081005/&h=189&w=420&sz=28&hl=en&start=7&um=1&tbnid=0HxxE-qbxQWP8M:&tbnh=56&tbnw=125&prev=/images%3Fq%3D24/7%2Bxs%2Bsights%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN)

I couldn't find any pics of the XS standard dot v. Trijicon; hope this helps.

[ToddG]

ra2bach -- I don't have an example here to compare (XS small dot vs. Trij).

As for the TFOs, my experience with them was negative. They weren't horrible, but there were some specific deficiencies: Very wide.
No way to replace the FO tube; so when it gets scratched, dusty, or otherwise starts to dim, you're SOL. For me, this happened by the 10,000 round mark.

[ra2bach]

ra2bach,

here's a pic showing the XS sights "standard" v. "big dot" (standard on left):

http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/HGtarget_081005B.jpg
*photo courtesy of handgunsmag.com (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/HGtarget_081005B.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/target_081005/&h=189&w=420&sz=28&hl=en&start=7&um=1&tbnid=0HxxE-qbxQWP8M:&tbnh=56&tbnw=125&prev=/images%3Fq%3D24/7%2Bxs%2Bsights%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN)

I couldn't find any pics of the XS standard dot v. Trijicon; hope this helps.

wow. that Big Dot is a BIG DOT!

the smaller one appears to be a standard sight blade with the largest dot they could fit in it.

I think, for what it's worth, that I'll just order the BTC/Ameriglo sights and see how they do.

many thanks for going to the trouble of digging this up. it really helps in making a decision...

[ra2bach]

ra2bach -- I don't have an example here to compare (XS small dot vs. Trij).

As for the TFOs, my experience with them was negative. They weren't horrible, but there were some specific deficiencies: Very wide.
No way to replace the FO tube; so when it gets scratched, dusty, or otherwise starts to dim, you're SOL. For me, this happened by the 10,000 round mark.

Todd, thanks for your input. I had heard some less than glowing (pun intended :D ) reports about the TFO's but had no one with actual hands on to confirm. still, it's a very cool concept - glow in the dark AND glow in daylight!

I may get a set anyway for a 1911 that I don't shoot quite as much as my other guns simply because I don't compete with it and the cost of ammo has me shooting my other guns at the range more.

thanks for taking the time to post your experience. it really helps when I can come here and get good information such as you willingly give.

as they say, Experience is the best teacher. but it's a lot less painful if you learn from someone else's experience...

[lindertw]

found another pic for you ra2bach:

Sig with Truglo front/rear (http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/430601935/m/1271073111?r=4431084111#4431084111) *link to SigForum post by member BeerGuy showing TruGlo sights on his Sig.

Probably moot given Todd's input above, but at any rate you'd get an idea of what they look like on a Sig ;)

[Paul45]

I have XS Big Dot on a G30, misc brand night sights in G23, G27, G21SF, 1911's and HP's. I have Dawson percision on my G34 and G35. But the best sights I have are the TFO's on my G26, G17, G19 and a extra G35. I have had one issue with the front tube coming losse after about 8000 rounds in the G17. The factory repaced the sight set with no questions asked. At my age I have focus and light issues with my eyes Since switching over to TFOs my score have improved in both IDPA and USPSA. I can see the front sight regardless of light condition - in-door, out-door, bright light, low light, dark - I carry the G26 and the G17. I like the yellow rear and the bright green front. You can not miss seeing the front sight even when I have the wrong glasses on. I am swithing over all my carry and game guns to TFO'S I like the BIG DOT but after 15 yds my acccuracy goes down. They are outsatnding for SD from contact to 12 yds - FAST!!!
Based on my experience and my vision, I would go with the TFO's even if I only get 10000rounds. They work - small price to pay to see the front sight.

[ToddG]

Based on my experience and my vision, I would go with the TFO's even if I only get 10000rounds. They work - small price to pay to see the front sight.

There was a gentleman at the range last night having TFOs put on his pistol, and when I told him about my experience he gave the exact same response as you have: "If they work and it costs me $100 or so every 10k rounds to replace them, so be it."

[ra2bach]

There was a gentleman at the range last night having TFOs put on his pistol, and when I told him about my experience he gave the exact same response as you have: "If they work and it costs me $100 or so every 10k rounds to replace them, so be it."

yeah, that sounds reasonable.

considering the gun doesn't even have 10,000 rounds through it yet after 10 years...

[Captain_Smollet]

Sorry for recovering the old tread, can any one make a photo of Glock with XS big dot vs Trijicon 3 dot standard size.

I need front size comparison to avoid possible holster matching issues.

Thanx :moil::jester:

[Nephrology]

I like Ameriglo Hackathorns. I might replace the flat black rear with tritiums but I am in no rush.

[mike benedict]

I like the Ameriglo Hack sights also I have them on several on my carry pistols.

http://www.ameriglo.net/catalog/sights/pistol-sights/sigsauer/night-sights/front-sights