What makes good sights "good"??

[trooper]

What are the qualities you look for in sights? Do you notice practical differences when using various sights?

What brand or type do you prefer and why? Is ist just a personal preference or can you objectively point out why sight X is better than sight Y?


Regards,

Trooper

 

[orangeninja]

To me what makes a good sight is 2 things.

1. They have to be fast. That means visable and large enough to see. Since most shootings occur in seconds, I have to be able to aim effectively with BOTH EYES OPEN. This has been contested by several ex-military guys who squint and shoot, but if you do this, you are more likely to "tunnel vision" yourself and delay shooting time. It may kill you if you have multiple opponants.

2. It has to be accurate. This one should be obvious why.

I like the 24/7 Express (XS Big Dot) or Sig sights....anything with the line/dot setup. Whenever you have 3 dots and you shoot with both eyes open. It looks like 6 freakin' dots. Way too slow...way too confusing. The line and dot will still double vision on you a little BUT, it will still be the dot on top of the line. There is no question which one is the front sight. Eventually you will notice your eye dominance. Which is important, but another discussion.

 

[444]

The sights have to be big enough to pick up easily. You have to be able to see them quickly and clearly. By the same token they can't be so big that they hamper your draw, cut the inside of your holster, and catch on stuff like your clothing when coming out of the holster.

Obviously you want them to hit at the point of aim using your desired load.

You want them to be as rugged as possible. This usually means no moving parts.

 

[XavierBreath]

In general, the sights must be able to stay in place while the pistol does it's job. I like the front sight to be dovetailed if possible.

For a carry weapon I like XS Big Dot night sights. They are quick to acquire with flash sighting and accurate enough to get the job done.

For general all around use, I like a Novak style sight with three dots.

For more precision I like adjustable sights. If I have a choice, I like a dot on the front sight and a U on the rear.

So for me, it really depends on what i will use the pistol for.

 

[ChickenHawk]

While viewing a sight picture you should be able to see "daylight" on both sides of the front sight (as viewed through the rear sight).

The "thinner" the front sight, the quicker you'll be able to acquire a sight picture.

Cheers,
ChickenHawk

 

[JiminCA]

The above comments are good. My criteria:

1) Clean rear notch. By this I mean the outline is crisp with no reflections or other distractions.

2) Clean front, serrated semi post works for me. Dovetailed and pinned is best.

3) Durable as noted above (for SD gun). For a bullseye gun you don't have to worry about knocking it around - just function.

4) Dots distract me unless straight-8. Otherwise dot only on the front or a bar dot is preferred. Don't like the white outlines on trit dots - just the dots.

5) Need light on either side of front post, unless a bullseye gun, then it should be tighter with just a sliver of light on each side to enforce additional accuracy.

6) Don't like sights that obliterate view of the world any more than necessary. Bomars tend to do this - I have the rear blade cut to a "pyramid" because of that.

 

[Majic]

It depends on the intended usage of the firearm. Target sights require precision. A clear small sight window with repeatable adjustments. Combat sights require speed. A clear larger sight window allowing for faster aquisitions. Fixed sights, as long as the firearm hits POA, are prefered.

 

[dairycreek]

Not an easy question you ask!

As I have grown older my eysight has dictated what the "best" sight is for me at any given time. For me the one absolute criteria is that I can pick up the front sight with a minimum of effort. I am always looking for a bigger, better, brighter front sight. FWIW. Good shooting