Getting My Hands on the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade
My quest for enhanced accuracy and a more robust sight system on my beloved 1911 platform led me to the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade. After years of pushing the limits of my existing setup in varied environments – from dusty workshop benches to sun-baked ranges and even the occasional field application where precision mattered – I found myself wanting more. Specifically, I needed a rear sight that offered superior adjustment capabilities and a clearer sight picture, especially under less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The Kensight Bomar BMCS promised a modern take on a classic design, aiming to deliver both speed and precision. I’d considered simpler, fixed rear sights, but the allure of fine-tuning my point of impact without resorting to a gunsmith was too strong. My initial impression upon unboxing this unit was one of solid engineering; the weight and the crispness of the machining immediately conveyed a sense of quality and durability. There was a palpable sense of relief and anticipation, knowing I was holding a piece of equipment designed to elevate my shooting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put the Kensight Bomar BMCS through its paces on my personal 1911 at my usual outdoor range, a location that offers varying light conditions throughout the day, from bright midday sun to the approaching dusk. The initial installation, while requiring a bit of careful fitting as is typical with aftermarket dovetail sights, proved straightforward with the right tools. I was immediately impressed by the clarity of the sight picture. The beveled serrated blade, a feature designed for quicker draw times, did indeed seem to help clear the peripheral view of the target more effectively. Even in the fading light, the deep notch and the contrast with the front sight post (a flat base fiber optic front sight that came paired with this rear unit) made acquisition noticeably faster than my previous setup. There were no immediate surprises or quirks; it simply performed as advertised from the first magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, which includes weekly range sessions, dry-fire practice sessions, and even a few weekend competitive shooting events, this Kensight Bomar BMCS sight has proven to be remarkably reliable. The adjustments remain crisp and positive, with no unintended movement or “slippage” during recoil, which was a concern with some less robust sights I’ve encountered in the past. Durability has been excellent; despite being jostled in my range bag and exposed to the elements on occasion, there are no discernible signs of wear and tear. The 4140 chrome moly steel construction is evident in its resilience. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a cleaning cloth and a touch of gun oil is all that’s needed to keep it functioning smoothly. Compared to the budget-friendly, non-adjustable sights I’ve used before, this unit offers a significant leap in both precision and longevity. It has definitely outperformed my previous experiences with sights that required frequent re-zeroing.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade
Specifications
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade is a testament to thoughtful design and robust construction. It features a .020 taller blade compared to classic Bomar sights, which allows for a deeper notch. This deeper notch significantly enhances the light bar on either side of the front sight, providing a clearer and more defined sight picture, especially under dynamic shooting conditions. The blade itself is finely serrated at a 45-degree angle, designed to reduce glare and assist in a quicker draw by minimizing snagging. Accompanying this rear sight is a flat base fiber optic front sight with a 0.060” diameter fiber optic rod. This rod is well-shielded, offering superior visibility without being overly distracting, and its flat base is ideal for custom fitting to a flat-topped slide or for users who prefer to blend the sight base seamlessly. The entire unit is Wire-EDM machined from 4140 chrome moly steel and heat-treated to a hardness of RC 38-40, ensuring exceptional durability. The rear sight blade itself is 0.100” wide and partially serrated. This optic is designed to fit Novak type front sight dovetail cuts, a common standard on many customized and factory 1911 pistols. The combination of these specifications means you get a highly adjustable, durable, and visually optimized sighting system for precise shooting.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function – providing an accurate and reliable aiming point – the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade absolutely excels. The adjustability is a game-changer; I found that dialing in my windage and elevation was intuitive and precise, allowing me to quickly compensate for different ammunition types or shooting distances. The deep notch rear sight paired with the fiber optic front sight creates a superior sight picture that genuinely speeds up target acquisition and sight recovery between shots. Its strengths lie in its exceptional adjustability, clear sight picture, and robust build quality. The only minor weakness I could identify is that the inherent nature of adjustable sights means they can be slightly more complex to set up initially compared to a fixed sight, but this is a trade-off for significantly improved performance. It not only meets but exceeds the expectations for a target-grade adjustable sight, especially considering its price point relative to some higher-end custom shop sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this sight system is a masterful blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality. The use of 4140 chrome moly steel gives it a substantial, quality feel without being overly heavy. The beveled serrated blade on the rear sight is not just about quick draws; it also reduces visual obstruction of the target and minimizes glare, which is a thoughtful ergonomic consideration. The serrations on the blade itself provide a non-slip surface for any necessary fine-tuning adjustments by hand. The deep notch design is ergonomically sound, guiding the eye naturally to center the front sight post. The flat base of the front sight, while requiring careful fitting for a perfect flush mount, offers excellent potential for customization. Overall, the ergonomics are excellent, allowing for quick sight acquisition and comfortable focus on the front sight.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade is built to last. Its construction from Wire-EDM machined 4140 chrome moly steel and heat treatment to RC 38-40 hardness indicates a commitment to enduring significant use. I anticipate this sight system will remain a reliable component of my firearm for many years to come, even with heavy use. Maintenance is straightforward; a simple cleaning and lubrication routine is sufficient to keep the adjustment mechanisms free and functional. There are no complex parts that are prone to premature failure. The most important aspect to watch out for is proper installation to avoid damaging the dovetail on either the slide or the sight itself. I’ve encountered no failure points to date, which speaks volumes about the engineering and material choices.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade is sold as a set, its primary customization comes through its inherent adjustability for windage and elevation. The included flat base fiber optic front sight is designed to be filed and blended to match the contour of the user’s specific pistol slide, offering a high degree of personalized integration. This means you can achieve a truly seamless installation. The compatibility with Novak type front sight dovetail cuts is a significant advantage, as it opens the door to potentially integrating this rear sight with a vast array of existing front sights if a user preferred a different front sight style or material. The well-shielded fiber optic rod provides superior visibility without being obtrusive, and its 0.060” diameter is a common size that, if ever needed for replacement, would be readily available.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade
Pros
- Superior Adjustability: The fine-tuning capabilities for both windage and elevation allow for precise zeroing with different ammunition.
- Excellent Sight Picture: The deep notch rear sight paired with the fiber optic front sight provides a clear, fast sight picture, especially in varying light.
- Robust Construction: Made from 4140 chrome moly steel and heat-treated, this sight is built for long-term durability.
- Enhanced Draw Speed: The beveled serrated blade helps to clear the line of sight quickly and smoothly.
- Modernized Classic Design: It offers the benefits of a Bomar-style sight with modern enhancements for improved performance.
Cons
- Requires Professional Fitting: The flat base front sight often needs to be filed and blended for a perfect fit, which may require gunsmith assistance for some users.
- Higher Initial Cost: While offering excellent value, it represents a significant investment compared to basic fixed sights.
- Potential for Adjustment Loosening: As with all adjustable sights, there’s a theoretical possibility of screws loosening over time with extreme use, although this has not been an issue for me.
Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade?
This sight system is ideally suited for 1911 owners who are serious about improving their accuracy and speed. Competitive shooters, dedicated range enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the ability to precisely zero their firearm will find this to be an invaluable upgrade. It’s also a great choice for individuals who frequently shoot in varying light conditions, thanks to the fiber optic front sight and well-designed rear notch. Those looking to enhance the precision and aesthetic of their customized 1911 platform will also be very pleased.
Conversely, shooters looking for a simple, set-it-and-forget-it solution might find the adjustability to be more complexity than they require. If your pistol is primarily for casual plinking and you have no desire for fine-tuning, a fixed sight might be a more economical and less involved choice. For those who already have a perfectly sighted fixed rear sight and are not experiencing accuracy issues, this upgrade might be overkill.
If you do opt for this sight, consider investing in a good sight pusher tool for installation, as well as some thread locker for the adjustment screws if you plan on aggressive shooting disciplines.
Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Beveled Serrated Blade is a superb upgrade for any 1911 enthusiast looking to enhance both precision and practical usability. The combination of precise adjustability, a clear and fast sight picture, and robust construction makes it a standout product. Its performance in real-world scenarios, from competitive stages to precise target work, has been consistently impressive. Considering the quality of materials, the precision machining, and the functional benefits it provides, the price point of $122.71 is more than justified.
I would absolutely recommend this sight system to anyone seeking to elevate their 1911’s performance. It’s a long-term investment that pays dividends in improved accuracy and shooting confidence. If you’re a shooter who values fine-tuning your equipment and demands reliable performance, this Kensight Bomar BMCS unit is a top-tier choice that you will not regret.