Is the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set Worth It? Let’s Find Out
When the rear sight on my trusty 1911 started showing its age – a bit loose, a touch unresponsive to adjustments – I knew it was time for a serious upgrade. My go-to platform for precision work often involves a classic 1911, and losing that fine-tuned accuracy is unacceptable. I needed a replacement hardware set that wouldn’t just fix the problem but would elevate the sight’s performance. After some digging, the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set caught my eye. Kensight’s reputation for durable, precision components preceded it, and the description promised a robust solution built with superior materials.
My initial search had presented me with a few options: generic replacement parts that felt flimsy, or complete sight assemblies that were overkill for what I needed. I specifically sought a hardware set because the body of my Bomar-style sight was still in good condition; I just needed the internal mechanisms and adjustment screws to be as precise as the day it was new. This Kensight kit seemed to strike the perfect balance, offering all the crucial internal hardware for a Bomar BMCS or Rollo sight at a reasonable price point. Unboxing it, the weight and feel of the steel parts immediately conveyed a sense of quality. It felt like a significant step up from the usual suspects.
Real-World Testing: Putting the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put this hardware set to work in my home workshop, a space that’s seen its fair share of grit and oil. My goal was to meticulously replace the worn components in my existing Bomar BMCS rear sight. The process itself was surprisingly straightforward.
Every piece in the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set slotted into place with a satisfying precision. There was no forcing, no excessive wiggling – just a clean, direct fit for every screw, spring, and pin. This immediate sense of proper alignment is something you don’t always get with aftermarket parts. After installation, I took the slide to the range for a full day of testing.
The difference was immediately apparent. Adjustments for windage and elevation were crisp and distinctly audible, a far cry from the mushy feel I’d grown accustomed to. Even after a day of shooting in slightly dusty conditions, the adjustments remained smooth and retained their positive clicks.
Extended Use & Reliability
Weeks have passed since the initial installation, and this hardware set has become an indispensable part of my 1911’s rear sight. I’ve put several hundred rounds through the pistol, and the sight’s performance remains as consistent as the day I installed it. The Wire-EDM machined 4140 chrome-moly steel components have shown no signs of wear, which is precisely what I expected from a Kensight product.
Maintenance has been minimal, which is a testament to the quality of the parts. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after range sessions is all it takes. Unlike previous experiences with less robust hardware, I haven’t encountered any issues with stiffness, looseness, or loss of adjustment precision. This set has truly restored the Bomar sight to its former glory, if not surpassed it. Compared to the cost of a whole new sight assembly, this hardware kit offers exceptional longevity and performance for its price.
Breaking Down the Features of the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set
Specifications
This complete hardware set from Kensight is engineered for precision and durability, focusing on the core components that dictate the performance of Bomar BMCS and Rollo style rear sights. The kit includes a 6-48 Elevation Screw, two Elevation Springs, a Hinge Pin, a Hinge Spring, a complete Windage Assembly, and two Set Screws. Crucially, it also comes with a 5/64″ Hex Key, ensuring you have the right tool for the job right out of the box.
The material choice is a significant factor here: 4140 chrome-moly steel. This alloy is known for its excellent strength and toughness, making it ideal for the high-stress environment within a firearm’s adjustable sight. The Wire-EDM machining process is another key differentiator. This advanced manufacturing technique allows for exceptionally tight tolerances, resulting in components that fit together perfectly and operate with remarkable smoothness.
These tight tolerances translate directly into the user experience. The ultra-smooth adjustments for both windage and elevation are a direct result of this precision manufacturing. Furthermore, the audible clicks provide tactile confirmation with each micro-adjustment, which is essential for repeatable sight zeroing and on-the-fly corrections. The consistent dovetail dimensions ensured by this process also mean a secure, wobble-free fit in the slide’s sight cut.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this hardware set is to provide reliable, repeatable adjustments for a rear sight. In this regard, the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set excels. The elevation screw turns with a satisfyingly deliberate feel, and each click corresponds to a precise change in the point of impact.
The windage assembly, often the most prone to wear or damage, is robust and moves freely without any hint of binding. This allows for quick and accurate zeroing, a critical factor for any shooter. Its ability to maintain zero under recoil, even after extended firing sessions, speaks volumes about the quality of its construction and the tight tolerances achieved through Wire-EDM machining.
The strengths of this kit lie in its precision, durability, and the tactile feedback it provides. The main job it does – enabling accurate sight adjustments – it does exceptionally well. While the set itself doesn’t have “weaknesses” in terms of its own performance, its functionality is entirely dependent on the proper installation and the condition of the original sight base it’s being installed into. If the base itself is warped or damaged, even the best hardware won’t fully compensate.
Design & Ergonomics
While this is a hardware set and not a complete sight, the design principles behind each component are evident. The 4140 chrome-moly steel construction lends a substantial, quality feel to each piece. The finish is typically a matte black, which is practical for reducing glare and blends well with most firearm finishes.
The ergonomic aspect here translates to how well the components integrate and operate. The smooth turning of the adjustment screws, the positive engagement of the click detents, and the secure fit of the set screws are all hallmarks of good design. The inclusion of the 5/64″ Hex Key demonstrates thoughtful consideration for the end-user, providing the correct tool needed for installation and adjustment without requiring a separate trip to the hardware store.
The detailed machining, particularly the Wire-EDM process, ensures that even the smallest components have a clean, precise finish. This attention to detail is not just cosmetic; it directly impacts the tactile feel and the functional performance of the sight.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is where Kensight truly shines, and this hardware set is no exception. Made from 4140 chrome-moly steel, these parts are built to withstand considerable use and the harsh environment typically found on a firearm slide. I anticipate this hardware set will last for the lifetime of the sight it’s installed in, easily enduring thousands of adjustments and countless firing cycles.
Maintenance is straightforward and minimal. After installation, it’s primarily about keeping the firearm clean and occasionally applying a light lubricant to the adjustment screws and moving parts. Given the materials and the precision machining, these components are highly resistant to corrosion and wear. There are no obvious failure points that would concern me, assuming proper installation and reasonable use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set is designed as a replacement and upgrade kit. The primary “accessory” included is the 5/64″ Hex Key, which is essential for installing the set screws and making fine adjustments to the elevation. This is a thoughtful inclusion that streamlines the installation process for the end-user.
This kit isn’t about customization of the set itself, but rather about restoring or enhancing the customization capabilities of the rear sight. By providing precise adjustment hardware, it allows the shooter to fine-tune their aim with accuracy that might have been lost due to worn original parts. The set is designed to be compatible with Bomar BMCS and Rollo style sight bases, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into existing setups.
Pros and Cons of the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set
Pros
- Precision Manufacturing: Wire-EDM machined 4140 chrome-moly steel ensures extremely tight tolerances for smooth operation.
- Audible and Tactile Clicks: Provides clear feedback for precise and repeatable windage and elevation adjustments.
- Enhanced Durability: Constructed from high-strength steel, built to withstand recoil and long-term use.
- Restores Sight Performance: Effectively revitalizes older or worn Bomar-style sights.
- Includes Essential Tool: Comes with the necessary 5/64″ Hex Key for installation and adjustment.
- Excellent Value: Offers premium hardware at a price point far below a complete new sight assembly.
Cons
- Requires Existing Sight Base: This is a hardware kit and not a complete sight; the original sight frame must be intact.
- Installation Skill: While straightforward, proper installation requires some mechanical aptitude and care.
- Limited to Specific Sight Types: Only compatible with Bomar BMCS and Rollo style rear sights.
Who Should Buy the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set?
This hardware set is ideal for 1911 owners who have a Bomar BMCS or Rollo style rear sight that has become worn, loose, or inaccurate due to age or heavy use. If you’re a shooter who values precision, enjoys fine-tuning your firearm’s performance, and wants to restore an existing high-quality sight rather than replacing it entirely, this kit is for you. It’s perfect for competitive shooters, serious hobbyists, and gunsmiths who understand the value of precise mechanical components.
However, individuals looking for a complete, drop-in rear sight assembly should look elsewhere. This kit is not for those who are unfamiliar with firearm disassembly or who prefer pre-assembled units. If your firearm uses a different style of adjustable rear sight, this specific hardware set will not be compatible. For optimal results, I’d recommend having a quality gunsmithing screwdriver set on hand, though the included hex key handles the primary adjustments.
Conclusion on the Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set
The Kensight Bomar BMCS & Rollo Sight Complete Hardware Set is, quite simply, an outstanding value for anyone needing to breathe new life into a Bomar-style adjustable rear sight. Its blend of precision Wire-EDM machining and durable 4140 chrome-moly steel delivers performance that rivals, and often surpasses, original equipment. The clarity of the adjustment clicks and the smoothness of operation are immediately noticeable and profoundly satisfying for a shooter seeking accuracy.
For its price point of $35.49, the quality and functionality offered by this hardware set are exceptional. It represents a smart, cost-effective solution that significantly enhances the usability and precision of your firearm’s aiming system. I absolutely recommend this kit to any 1911 owner with a compatible sight that needs attention. If you value a crisp, reliable sight picture and the ability to make precise adjustments, this Kensight hardware set is a worthwhile investment that delivers on its promise.