Why the Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights Caught My Eye
For years, my Glock platforms have been workhorses, reliably serving across various demanding environments. Yet, as the competition scene, and indeed my own shooting practices, have evolved, I found myself seeking an edge. Standard iron sights, while dependable, can sometimes feel like a relic in the face of modern red dot sights and the need for lightning-fast transitions. The Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights promised to bridge that gap, offering a snag-free, robust, and visible sighting solution that complements, rather than competes with, optical sights. I stumbled upon them while browsing for backup sight solutions, and the description of their “de-horned, snag-free design” immediately resonated with my preference for gear that won’t hinder movement. My first impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the Billet Steel construction felt substantial, a far cry from flimsy polymer alternatives. While I briefly considered the ubiquitous Glock factory sights, their utility for active competition or swift transitions felt limited. These sights, however, sparked a sense of practical optimism, a feeling that a subtle but significant upgrade was within reach.
Real-World Testing: Putting Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing grounds for these sights were primarily the range and a few controlled dynamic drills. I installed them on a Glock slide I had milled for an RMR, aiming to see how they performed as backup sights and in scenarios where a red dot might fail or be less optimal. The installation process itself was straightforward, requiring a standard sight pusher. The sights slid into the dovetails with satisfying precision, indicating good manufacturing tolerances.
Under typical range conditions, the sights performed as advertised. The snag-free design was immediately apparent. Whether drawing from a holster or moving through simulated obstacle courses, there were no catches or snags on clothing or gear. The black nitride finish effectively reduced glare, allowing for a clear sight picture even under harsh lighting.
During a series of rapid fire drills, the tall profile and serrated front sight provided a distinct point of reference, even when acquiring a red dot sight. There was no noticeable shift in point of impact after installation, and the sights remained secure throughout the testing period. One minor quirk was the slightly rounded rear sight notch, which some users might find less precise for dedicated iron sight shooting, but for its intended purpose as a backup or speed sight, it proved quite effective.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including regular range sessions and carrying the pistol discreetly, the Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights have proven their mettle. They have endured countless draws from various holsters and a few accidental bumps without any signs of damage or loosening. The Billet Steel construction is clearly a significant factor in their resilience.
Maintenance has been minimal, which is precisely what you want in a set of backup sights. A quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth is all they’ve needed to maintain their glare-free finish and prevent any rust, despite exposure to humidity and sweat. Compared to previous experiences with some after-market sights that tended to develop play or chip easily, these have held up exceptionally well.
The user feedback I’ve seen and my own experience align on this point: these sights offer a durable and functional solution at a very competitive price point. They are a significant step up from basic factory sights and offer a reliable secondary aiming point without compromising the primary optic.
Breaking Down the Features of Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights
Specifications
The Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights are crafted from Billet Steel, a key indicator of their intended durability. The set includes both a front and rear sight, designed with a snag-free profile to prevent snags on clothing or gear. The finish is a tough black nitride, which provides excellent rust resistance and minimizes glare, crucial for maintainability and visibility in varied lighting conditions.
The front sight blade height is specified at 0.305 inches, while the rear sight blade is 0.31 inches tall. This slight difference in height is designed to work with standard Glock sight cuts and provides a usable sight radius. The mounting mechanism for both sights relies on a dovetail mount, secured by screws, ensuring a firm attachment to the slide. This model specifically lists compatibility with Glock models such as the Glock 17, Glock 22, and their respective Gen 4 and Gen 5 variants, fitting into the “small frame” category of Glock pistols.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of core function, these sights excel as a backup sighting system. The tall profile allows for a clear sight picture when a red dot is not in use or if the optic fails. The front sight’s serrations and the black nitride finish make it easy to pick up quickly under pressure, reducing the time needed to reacquire a sight picture.
Their primary strength lies in their unobtrusiveness. The de-horned, snag-free design is genuinely effective; I’ve had no issues with them catching on anything during draws or movement. For users running red dots, they serve as an excellent secondary aiming point without adding bulk or creating interference. However, if you are looking for a primary iron sight for precision shooting at extended distances, these might feel slightly less precise than dedicated target sights due to their design optimized for speed and snag-resistance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights is focused on practicality and durability. The Billet Steel construction feels solid and well-machined. The black nitride finish provides a non-reflective, matte appearance that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional in reducing glare.
Ergonomically, the sights are rounded and chamfered to eliminate sharp edges, living up to their “Bear Bones” name and the snag-free promise. This design means they don’t interfere with drawing from a holster or carrying the firearm concealed. The rear sight notch, while functional, is a fairly standard U-shape, offering a good balance between speed and accuracy for this type of sight. The front sight blade is adequately wide for quick acquisition, with effective serrations.
Durability & Maintenance
Built from Billet Steel and finished with black nitride, these sights are engineered for longevity. I have personally experienced no degradation in performance or appearance after extended use. The nitride finish is known for its hardness and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for firearm components that are frequently handled or exposed to the elements.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down is usually sufficient to keep them clean and free of debris or moisture. Unlike some sights with painted dots or fiber optic inserts, there are no delicate parts to worry about breaking or wearing out. The screws that secure the sights are also robust, and with proper installation, they are unlikely to loosen under recoil. This makes them an excellent choice for a duty weapon or a frequently carried concealed firearm where reliability is paramount.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights come as a set, including the front and rear sights, along with the necessary screws for installation. Notably, these sights are designed to fit standard Glock dovetails, meaning they are compatible with a wide range of Glock slides that have been milled for optics or factory sight cuts.
While these sights themselves are not customizable in terms of color or inserts (they are a solid black nitride), their strength lies in their universal compatibility as backup sights. They integrate well with most common red dot sights on the market for Glock pistols, providing a functional and reliable backup should the optic fail. There are no additional bundled accessories beyond the essential mounting hardware.
Pros and Cons of Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights
Pros
- Snag-free design: The de-horned profile virtually eliminates snagging on clothing or gear during draws and movement.
- Durable Billet Steel Construction: Built from high-quality steel for robust longevity and resistance to damage.
- Glare-Free Black Nitride Finish: Minimizes light reflection for a clear sight picture, even in bright conditions, and offers excellent corrosion resistance.
- Reliable Backup Sight System: Provides a dependable secondary aiming point, ideal for use with red dot optics.
- Excellent Value: Offers significant quality and functionality for its price point, making it an accessible upgrade.
Cons
- Limited Precision for Primary Use: While excellent as backup sights, their design prioritizes speed and snag-resistance over extreme precision for long-range target shooting.
- No Color Options: The all-black design, while practical, doesn’t offer color choices that some shooters prefer for enhanced visibility.
- Minimal Included Accessories: Comes with essential mounting screws but no additional sights or customizability beyond their intended function.
Who Should Buy Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights?
These sights are an excellent choice for competition shooters who run red dot optics and need reliable backup irons that won’t snag during transitions or movement. Law enforcement officers and self-defense-minded individuals who carry concealed or duty firearms will appreciate the snag-free profile and robust construction. Anyone looking to upgrade from factory Glock sights to a more durable and visibly distinct backup aiming system will also benefit significantly.
However, individuals who primarily shoot iron sights at extended distances and require the absolute highest level of precision might consider dedicated target sights instead. Those who prefer highly visible front sight posts with fiber optics or colored inserts may find the all-black design less ideal for their specific shooting style. For those who do purchase, ensuring you have the correct sight pusher tool for installation is recommended for a proper fit and longevity.
Conclusion on Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights
The Angry Bear Arms Glock Bear Bones Tall Profile Serrated Small Frame Pistol Sights deliver precisely what they promise: a tough, snag-free, and functional secondary aiming solution for Glock pistols. Their Billet Steel construction and black nitride finish speak to a commitment to quality and durability, ensuring they will hold up to rigorous use. While not designed to be primary target sights, they excel in their intended role as reliable backups that complement modern optics without adding unnecessary bulk or potential snags. Considering their modest price, the performance and robustness offered represent exceptional value. For anyone running a red dot on their Glock and seeking an upgrade from basic irons, or simply wanting a more resilient backup sight system, these are a highly recommended choice that won’t disappoint.