XD sight options

[John Wayne]

I'm looking to replace the factory sights on my XDM9. This gun is used for both competition and HD, so I would like sights that are fast aquisition and easy to see in all lighting conditions. I was thinking about TFOs but I have concerns about their durability--I've heard that the fiber optic rods have a tendency to break or fall out.

Another consideration is that I don't like the three dot design. I tend to want to make a triangle with the dots, where the front sight is above the two rear dots--having all three in a horizontal line looks unnatural to me and distracts me more than it helps. I blacked out the factory dots on my sights, and shoot much better without them.


My favorite type of sight, by far, is the Glock "field goal" type, but no one makes a tritium or fiber optic version of them. I thought about just getting a new front post and painting the "field goal" outline on the rear sight, but would rather buy a set that incorporated some sort of rear tritium element.

I've tried the Heine/SIG in-line type sights as well, but do not like them.

Also, I've read that the XD and XDM use the same sights, but how can the same sights for the subcompact model (3") be expected to shoot to the same POA as the XDM (3.8"/4.5") and Tactical (5") models?

 

[Hk Dan]

Heads up, I've heard that the XD dovetails are somewhat inconsistant from gun to gun, and WILL require a gunsmith's installation. Have a look at Dawson and Heinie.

 

[John Wayne]

Thanks for the tip, I had planned on having a gunsmith install them and do a complete disassembly/ultrasonic cleaning at the same time.

 

[wbwanzer]

I sent the slide from my XDm to Gilberts Guns and had the TruGlo TFOs installed. I like them a lot and have had no trouble so far. Here's a pic:

 

[Sheepdog1968]

For my home defense pistols, that I've also used in competition, I switched over to the XS sights. It works well per your OP. If you don't like the Vnotch rear, there is someone who makes a U notch rear so it lines up more like a traditional rear. XS has great customer service and should be able to help you. I tried fiber optics and then switched over to the XS sights. XD sights are considered hard to install and my local smith won't install them. The Springfield factory will be happy to install them for a nominal fee if u ship them the slide.

 

[Mike J]

I took my XD to a local smith to have meprolights installed. His pusher wouldn't budge them. I waited a couple of weeks while he was supposed to be researching what to do to get them out. After a couple of weeks of no results I decided to do it myself. So I did. My advice would be to find someone else to do it for you. I finally managed to get the rear out with a 2 1/2 pound hammer & a brass punch. The front never did budge. I had to cut the front sight to relieve the pressure on it before I could get it out. As I said I think it would be worth it to pay someone else.

 

[Skribs]

I'm actually going to get some Trijicon night sights for mine tomorrow.

 

[340PD]

I was lucky and my shop has all three popular sights mounted on dummy firearms. I had them put on the TFO's. I think they work best in all light conditions. In the dark they beat the sights on my Kobra Carry and my Kimber CDP II which are other brands. In bright sunlight it is absolutely no contest. The TFO's are a clear winner for me. My smith assured me if the TFO's fail they will be replaces quickly for free. I am not concerned at all about my choice.

 

[TX expat]

I sent the slide from my XDm to Gilberts Guns and had the TruGlo TFOs installed. I like them a lot and have had no trouble so far. Here's a pic:

Same here with my subcompact, and I couldn't be happier! Gilbert's did an excellent job and did it with next day turnaround.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FLAvalanche]

What ever happened to that triangle shaped set of sights they were making for the XD?

 

[wbwanzer]

From Punk rocka: "Gilbert's did an excellent job and did it with next day turnaround."

I forgot to mention that. Gilberts had the slide the next day after I sent it, installed the sights and got it out the door the same day back to me. Outstanding service IMO. If I ever wanted sights on some other gun, I'd go back to Gilberts.

 

[Detachment Charlie]

"SureSights"

Avalanche,
The sights you're talking about were (are?) "SureSights". I may be one of the very few people who actually received a set I bought.
I had a local (Sarasota) "gunsmith" install them on a 4" XD45.
They are different. But, they are very fast, once you adapt to the sight picture.
The gun is my bedside piece because of reliability and capacity. I have to take it out to the range every few months to adjust to the sights. The product was a great idea by a poor businessman.