The Real-Use Review: Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base
For years, the quest for an edge in target acquisition, particularly under less-than-ideal lighting conditions, has led many 1911 enthusiasts down a rabbit hole of sight upgrades. The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base represents a compelling proposition for those seeking precision and speed in their sight picture. Crafted from robust materials and designed with competitive shooting in mind, this sight aims to provide a clear, fast, and durable upgrade. My own journey to finding a suitable rear sight replacement was prompted by a frustrating inability to consistently acquire a sight picture quickly during low-light range sessions, often leading to rushed shots and missed opportunities. Initial impressions upon unboxing this Kensight offering were positive; the 4140 chrome moly steel construction felt substantial, and the machining exhibited a precision that hinted at longevity. While I briefly considered factory-style adjustable sights from other manufacturers, the promise of enhanced visibility and the Bomar-style adjustment mechanism steered me towards this Kensight model. A sense of anticipation, coupled with a practical curiosity, washed over me as I prepared to integrate it onto my favored 1911 platform.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of this Kensight sight took place on a standard indoor shooting range, notorious for its inconsistent lighting that fluctuates between brightly lit bays and dimmer transition areas. The installation, while requiring careful fitting typical of aftermarket sights, was ultimately straightforward, slotting into the Novak-style dovetail with a satisfying snugness. I focused on drawing from a holster and performing rapid target engagements at varying distances to gauge sight acquisition speed and adjustability. Even in the initial minutes, the crisp edges of the rear notch and the well-defined serrations provided a noticeable improvement in my ability to align the sights quickly.
Extended use on the range, and subsequent practice sessions under simulated dusk conditions, revealed the true utility of this sight. The adjustable nature allowed me to fine-tune for various ammunition types and distances with an almost intuitive feel, a significant upgrade from fixed sights. Even after a few hundred rounds, the click adjustments remained crisp and held their zero without any drift.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of several months, the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base has become a permanent fixture on my competition 1911. It has endured countless range trips, a few accidental drops of the slide on padded mats (no damage incurred), and exposure to standard gun cleaning solvents without any degradation in finish or function. The heat treatment to RC 38-40 certainly seems to be holding up, as there are no visible signs of peening or excessive wear on the adjustment screws or the sight body itself.
Compared to the original fixed sights I replaced, this unit offers a vastly superior experience, particularly in scenarios requiring precise shot placement. Maintenance has been minimal; a light wipe-down with a solvent-dampened cloth and a re-application of gun oil to the adjustment screws during routine cleaning are all that’s been necessary. I have not encountered any issues with stiffness or binding in the adjustment mechanism, even after periods of storage.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base
Specifications
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base is engineered for serious precision and durability, featuring a Wire-EDM machined construction from 4140 chrome moly steel. This material choice, coupled with a heat treatment to a hardness of RC 38-40, ensures exceptional resistance to wear and impact, a critical factor for any firearm component subjected to repeated recoil. The rear sight blade itself sports a partially serrated, 0.100” wide blade, designed to reduce glare and enhance focus on the front sight. Its adjustability is a key selling point, allowing for precise windage and elevation corrections, crucial for competitive shooting or load development.
This rear sight is designed to pair with a contoured base fiber optic blade front sight, which incorporates a bright 0.060” diameter fiber optic rod. This rod is well-shielded to protect it from damage while maximizing its light-gathering capabilities, thereby drawing the shooter’s eye rapidly to the front post for faster sight acquisition and recovery. The contoured base is specifically mentioned as being ideal for flat-topped slides or for shooters willing to blend it to their slide’s contour for a seamless fit, though the product description also indicates compatibility with the 0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″ Novak type front sight dovetail cuts.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of any rear sight is to aid in accurate aiming, and the Kensight Bomar BMCS excels here. The crisp, sharp edges of the rear notch, combined with its generous width, facilitate incredibly quick sight alignment, especially when paired with a contrasting front sight. The tactile and audible click adjustments for both windage and elevation are precise, allowing for minute corrections that can significantly impact shot groups.
The sight’s performance is further enhanced by its ability to hold zero under sustained firing. I found that after making adjustments, the sight remained true even after multiple magazines, a testament to its robust construction and well-machined adjustment screws. While the fiber optic front sight (which this rear sight is intended to be paired with) significantly boosts low-light performance, the blacked-out rear sight itself provides a very defined sight picture in good light, crucial for precise target work.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this sight is undeniably functional, prioritizing speed and adjustability. The Bomar-style adjustment mechanism is a classic for a reason, offering intuitive control over sight picture. The serrations on the rear blade are finely executed, effectively reducing glare without feeling overly aggressive or sharp to the touch.
Ergonomically, the sight integrates well with the slide, particularly if the user takes the time to ensure a proper fit. The overall feel is one of solid engineering; there are no rough edges, and the black finish is uniform and appears durable. While it’s a target-style sight, its relatively low profile means it generally doesn’t interfere with common holster designs, although this can vary by specific 1911 models and holsters.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is where the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base truly shines. The use of 4140 chrome moly steel and the RC 38-40 heat treatment are not mere marketing points; they translate into a component that feels built to last a lifetime of heavy use. I have subjected it to typical range conditions, including exposure to gun oils and cleaning solvents, without any adverse effects.
Maintenance is straightforward and aligns with standard firearm care. Keeping the adjustment tracks clean and lightly lubricated is the most crucial step to ensure continued smooth operation. Unlike some lower-quality adjustable sights that can develop looseness or binding over time, this Kensight model has maintained its mechanical integrity flawlessly. I haven’t identified any inherent failure points; its design is relatively simple and robust.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base is a rear sight unit, its intended pairing is with a compatible front sight, typically a fiber optic model as described. The product details specifically mention the included front sight blade, which features a 0.060” diameter fiber optic rod. This fiber optic front sight is a crucial accessory that maximizes the effectiveness of the adjustable rear sight, particularly in varying light conditions.
The rear sight itself is compatible with the standard Novak type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″), which are prevalent on many customized and factory 1911 pistols. This means it can be integrated into existing setups or serve as a basis for further customization of a 1911 slide. The contoured base is noted as being ideal for flat-topped slides or for those who intend to file and blend it, offering a degree of customization for specific firearm contours.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base
Pros
- Exceptional adjustability for precise zeroing and fine-tuning with various loads.
- Robust construction using 4140 chrome moly steel ensures long-term durability.
- Crisp sight picture with partially serrated blade aids rapid target acquisition.
- Designed for quick sight acquisition and recovery, ideal for competition.
- Compatible with standard Novak type dovetail cuts, making installation straightforward on many 1911s.
- Pairs effectively with fiber optic front sights for enhanced low-light visibility.
Cons
- The contoured base may require filing and blending for a perfect flush fit on some slides.
- Requires a compatible front sight for full functionality, which is typically sold as a set or separately.
- As an adjustable target sight, it may be overkill for casual plinking if extreme precision is not a priority.
Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base?
This sight is an excellent choice for competitive 1911 shooters, particularly those involved in disciplines like IPSC, USPSA, or bullseye shooting where precise adjustments are paramount. It’s also a solid recommendation for any 1911 owner who frequently engages in load development or seeks to wring the most accuracy out of their pistol. The durable construction makes it suitable for frequent range use and dedicated practice.
Those who should probably skip this model are casual plinkers who are perfectly satisfied with fixed sights, or individuals seeking a purely defensive pistol where extreme adjustability might be seen as an unnecessary complication. If your 1911 has a unique dovetail or you’re unwilling to perform minor fitting adjustments, this might also not be the best fit. A must-have accessory is a high-quality fiber optic front sight that matches the desired width and height for optimal sight radius and visibility.
Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight w/ Contoured Base is a high-performance upgrade that delivers on its promises of precision, durability, and speed. Its robust 4140 chrome moly steel construction and fine-tuned adjustability make it an invaluable tool for serious 1911 shooters. While the contoured base might require a bit of fitting on some firearms, the resulting improved sight picture and enhanced accuracy are well worth the effort.
Considering its performance, build quality, and the level of precision it offers, the price of $118.06 is more than justified. This isn’t just a sight; it’s an investment in improving your marksmanship. I wholeheartedly recommend this Kensight rear sight to any dedicated 1911 enthusiast looking to elevate their shooting experience, especially if they frequent competitions or are passionate about achieving the tightest possible groups.