Let’s Talk Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade
For years, I’ve been meticulously outfitting my arsenal and workspace with gear that’s not just functional, but deeply reliable. My search for an upgrade to my 1911’s sighting system led me to the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade. This isn’t just a visual enhancement; it’s a critical component designed to bridge the gap between daylight precision and low-light performance. When you’re spending serious time on the range or needing absolute confidence in your firearm’s readiness, the sights are paramount. My existing sights, while serviceable, lacked the adjustable precision and robust night-time illumination I was seeking for a specific competition platform I was building out.
After much deliberation, looking at everything from factory-standard replacements to more specialized custom shop offerings, the Bomar-style design from Kensight stood out. It promised a blend of competition-focused adjustability and practical everyday usability. Initial impressions upon unboxing were strong; the 4140 Chrome Moly Steel felt substantial, with a clean, matte black finish that exuded durability. While I briefly considered simpler fiber-optic front sights, the integrated Trijicon tritium in the rear truly tipped the scales.
My immediate thought was, “This feels like it’s built for serious use.” The weight was reassuring, and the machining looked exceptionally crisp. It felt like a significant step up from the often-softer materials found in lower-tier aftermarket sights.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing began on the familiar concrete benches of my local indoor range. The installation process, while requiring basic gunsmithing tools, was straightforward thanks to the Novak type front sight dovetail cut compatibility. The rear sight’s ability to be precisely adjusted for both windage and elevation was immediately apparent. I spent considerable time dialing it in, making minute adjustments, and observing their exact impact on the target.
The beveled blade design proved its worth quickly, offering a clean, crisp sight picture under the fluorescent lights. Even in the dimmer areas of the range, the outline of the rear sight was easy to pick up. I intentionally let it sit on the workbench for a week, exposed to the ambient dust and humidity of my workshop, before heading back out for extended range time.
One minor surprise was the slight tactile feedback of the adjustment screws. They offered a very positive click, which is excellent for precise adjustment, but I initially worried about accidental bumps dislodging them. This concern was quickly allayed as I continued to use it, finding the detents held firm.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, involving dozens of range visits and countless dry-fire drills, the Kensight Bomar BMCS adjustable rear sight has proven its mettle. It’s become an integral part of my primary competition 1911, seeing action weekly. Despite being disassembled and reassembled for thorough cleaning a few times, the adjustment mechanisms remain tight and responsive.
Durability has been impressive; there are no visible signs of stress, cracks, or significant wear on the steel body or the Trijicon tritium vial. The white outline around the rear sight’s tritium insert, a detail I initially thought might be purely cosmetic, has proven incredibly useful for quick sight acquisition during dynamic shooting exercises. It’s held up far better than any plastic or lesser-alloy sights I’ve used in the past.
Maintenance is as simple as cleaning any other firearm component. A light oiling of the adjustment screws occasionally keeps them buttery smooth. I haven’t encountered any issues with stiffness or degradation in performance, even after prolonged exposure to humid outdoor conditions during a recent extended carbine course where I had it mounted on a secondary 1911.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade
Specifications
This rear sight is constructed from robust 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, a material chosen for its exceptional strength and durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of frequent use and recoil. It features a beveled blade designed for quicker sight acquisition, a crucial element for both competition and self-defense scenarios. The rear sight incorporates a 0.076″ Trijicon tritium insert, available in either Green or Yellow, surrounded by a white outline for enhanced visibility in all lighting conditions, including complete darkness.
The set comes standard with a 0.210” tall blade, but the flexibility to request alternative heights from 0.150” to 0.220” offers a level of customization rarely found in off-the-shelf sights. This particular sight set is designed for compatibility with Novak type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″), a common standard on many customized and factory 1911 pistols. The precise adjustable target sights allow for fine-tuning of both windage and elevation.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this sight set—to provide accurate and reliable aiming under varying conditions—is executed exceptionally well. The adjustable target sights on the rear unit are beautifully machined, offering crisp clicks that translate directly into precise point-of-impact adjustments. Whether I was chasing fractions of an inch on a bullseye target at 25 yards or engaging faster at 10 yards, the ability to fine-tune the sight’s position made a tangible difference.
The Trijicon tritium inserts glow reliably in the dark, providing a luminous aiming point without the need for external light sources. The contrasting colors, specifically the yellow rear sight with a green front sight (though the set provides a green rear), are indeed a smart design choice as suggested; it saves precious fractions of a second during the crucial transition from low-light to bright conditions. The beveled edges of the rear sight blade also contribute to quicker target acquisition by offering less obstruction and a cleaner visual pathway.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade is a masterclass in practical engineering. The all-steel construction gives it a premium feel and inherent durability that instills confidence. The matte black finish resists glare, which is vital during daylight shooting.
Ergonomically, the beveled blade significantly improves handling and presentation of the sight picture. The adjustment knobs are precisely knurled, offering a secure grip even with slightly damp or gloved hands. The profile of the rear sight is low enough to avoid snagging, yet substantial enough to provide a solid platform for precision aiming.
Durability & Maintenance
From my experience, this sight set is built to last a lifetime. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel is inherently resistant to corrosion and wear, and the machining tolerances suggest excellent longevity. I’ve encountered no issues with loosening adjustments or structural integrity, even after repeated recoil cycles.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning of the firearm will naturally include the sights. A small drop of gun oil on the adjustment screws and windage mechanism can keep them operating smoothly. The Trijicon tritium is sealed and requires no maintenance; it has a rated lifespan of around 12 years of constant glow.
Accessories and Customization Options
This specific product is a set, typically including a contoured front sight with a serrated blade to complement the adjustable rear. The primary customization offered is the choice of Green or Yellow tritium inserts for the rear, and the ability to request different blade heights (0.150” to 0.220”) is a significant advantage for users seeking a perfectly tuned sight radius. While no other accessories are typically included, the compatibility with Novak type cuts means it integrates seamlessly with many existing 1911 platforms without requiring expensive slide modifications.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade
Pros
- Robust Construction: Made from high-quality 4140 Chrome Moly Steel for exceptional durability and longevity.
- Precise Adjustability: The adjustable target sights offer fine-tuning for both windage and elevation, crucial for competition and accuracy.
- Excellent Low-Light Performance: Trijicon tritium inserts with white outlines provide reliable illumination in darkness.
- Quick Sight Acquisition: The beveled blade design enhances speed in presenting the sight picture.
- Customization Options: Availability of different tritium colors and blade heights allows for personalization.
- Compatibility: Designed to fit Novak type dovetail cuts, common on many 1911 models.
Cons
- Price Point: While justified by quality, it represents a significant investment compared to basic iron sights.
- Requires Professional Installation (Potentially): May require a sight pusher or gunsmith for optimal fit and zero, especially on tightly toleranced slides.
- No Specific Front Sight Color Choice: The set typically comes with a standard front sight; choosing a specific tritium color for the front is usually a separate purchase.
Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade?
This sight set is an ideal choice for competitive shooters, particularly those involved in disciplines requiring precise aiming and quick sight acquisition, such as 1911-specific competitions or certain types of action pistol shooting. It’s also an excellent upgrade for 1911 owners who prioritize low-light visibility for home defense or duty carry, especially if they value the ability to fine-tune their sights for maximum accuracy. Anyone looking to build a high-performance 1911 that excels in both day and night conditions will find this set invaluable.
However, individuals seeking only a basic aesthetic upgrade or those on a very tight budget might want to consider simpler, less feature-rich options. Those with absolutely no experience with firearm maintenance or modification should budget for professional installation to ensure the sights are fitted correctly and safely. A dedicated sight pusher tool and a basic understanding of 1911 disassembly are highly recommended for DIY enthusiasts.
Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Beveled Blade is, without a doubt, a premium upgrade for any 1911 platform. It masterfully combines the precision of adjustable target sights with the vital functionality of night sights, all housed within a remarkably durable steel body. The performance in both bright light and complete darkness is exceptional, and the thoughtful design elements like the beveled blade truly enhance usability.
Considering the $194.32 price tag, it represents a significant investment, but one that is fully justified by the quality of materials, the precision of the machining, and the reliable performance of the Trijicon tritium. For the serious shooter, whether for competition or critical self-defense applications, this sight set offers a tangible improvement that is worth every penny. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their 1911’s sighting system to a professional-grade standard.