Was the Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set Worth It?
For years, I’ve relied on the precise aim offered by quality sights, and when my aging factory sights on a beloved 1911 started showing their limitations, I knew it was time for an upgrade. The Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set immediately caught my eye, promising enhanced performance for both target shooting and defensive scenarios. My previous sights, while functional, lacked the adjustability and low-light visibility crucial for my varied shooting disciplines, leading to frustrating misses and slower target acquisition.
Upon unboxing this Kensight set, the first impression was one of robust construction. The solid 4140 Chrome Moly Steel felt substantial and well-machined, far exceeding the lightweight feel of some competitors. I’d considered a few other brands, including some with simpler fixed designs, but the allure of precision adjustment and the integrated night sighting capability of this Kensight unit was too strong to ignore. A sense of quiet satisfaction settled in; this felt like the right tool for the job, a tangible upgrade that promised to elevate my shooting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place on a brisk autumn afternoon at my local outdoor range, followed by a few sessions on my home range setup after dark. The sights were installed on my classic Colt Series 70 1911. The installation process itself was surprisingly smooth; the contoured base mated well with the slide, requiring only minor fitting as advertised.
Performance under varying light conditions was a primary focus. During daylight, the deep sight notch and beveled blade proved excellent for rapid target acquisition, allowing me to bracket the front sight post quickly. As dusk settled, the true magic of the tritium inserts became apparent. The green tritium dots provided a clear, unwavering point of reference against the darkening targets, significantly improving my ability to maintain a sight picture. No significant issues or surprises arose during this initial phase; the adjustment mechanisms felt crisp and precise.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, spanning countless range trips and dedicated practice sessions, the Kensight Bomar BMCS rear sight has held up exceptionally well. It’s been subjected to thousands of rounds, exposure to occasional dust from the range, and a few instances of light rain, all without a hitch.
Durability is clearly a strong suit of this sight set. There are no visible signs of wear, such as cracks or loosening components, despite the vibrations of repeated firing. The steel construction has resisted any scuffing or marring. Maintenance is straightforward; a simple cleaning with a soft brush and a mild solvent is all that’s needed to keep it looking and performing its best. Compared to the polymer sights on some newer pistols I’ve handled, or even older, less robust metal sights, this Kensight unit feels like it’s built for the long haul, outperforming many budget options and rivaling more expensive, specialized sights.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set
Specifications
This Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set is a precision-engineered component designed for the discerning 1911 shooter. It features a robust 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear. The rear sight boasts a deep sight notch paired with a beveled blade, an intentional design choice for faster sight acquisition.
Illumination is provided by Trijicon tritium inserts, available in either green or yellow with a 0.076-inch diameter. These inserts are protected by a white outline, a critical feature for contrast during daylight shooting. The sight is engineered to fit standard Novak type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″), making it compatible with a vast array of 1911 pistols. The included front sight, a ProGlo tritium night sight, features a lumi green outline and a 0.118” wide blade, designed to complement the rear sight for optimal sight radius and target focus. The contoured base ensures a clean, flush fit on round-top slides, minimizing fitting requirements.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of any sight system is to help you aim accurately, and this Kensight rear sight excels at that. The adjustable target sight mechanism allows for precise windage and elevation adjustments with satisfying clicks, enabling fine-tuning for specific loads or shooting styles. The deep sight notch effectively shields the front sight, drawing the eye focus forward for improved accuracy.
Its major strength lies in its versatility. During bright daylight, the contrasting white outline around the tritium insert aids in quick sight alignment, while the beveled edges of the blade prevent snagging. When light conditions degrade, the green tritium insert glows reliably, providing a consistent aiming point without the need for batteries or external light sources. The main function it performs flawlessly is bridging the gap between day and night shooting, offering a significant upgrade over fixed, non-illuminated sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set is a clear nod to classic target sight aesthetics, updated with modern features. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel gives it a reassuring heft and durability that speaks to its build quality. The matte black finish is both functional, reducing glare, and visually appealing, blending seamlessly with most 1911 finishes.
Ergonomically, the sight is designed for efficient use. The larger deep sight notch and the beveled blade are intuitive, guiding the eye to center the front sight quickly. The adjustment screws are easily manipulated with a small tool, and the detents provide clear tactile feedback for each click adjustment. There’s no real learning curve for the basic function; it’s a straightforward, high-performance sight system.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of longevity, this Kensight sight set appears to be built for decades of reliable service. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel is inherently robust, and the tritium vials, while having a lifespan of roughly 12 years according to Trijicon, are replaceable if needed. The precision of the adjustment mechanisms suggests that internal components are also well-made and should resist wear.
Maintenance is minimal, which is a major plus for any equipment intended for frequent use or carry. A simple wipe-down with a dry cloth after shooting, or a light application of gun oil on the adjustment screws periodically, is all that is required. There are no complex parts to disassemble for routine cleaning, reducing the chance of user error or damage. The primary concern with any night sight is the eventual dimming of the tritium, but this is an expected characteristic of the technology.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular offering is a rear night sight set, and it is typically sold as a paired system with a matching front sight, as indicated by the “set” in its name. The included ProGlo tritium night sight acts as a crucial accessory, providing a luminous front sight to perfectly complement the rear. The design also adheres to standard Novak type front sight dovetail cuts, meaning it’s designed to work seamlessly with many existing 1911 front sights if a custom pairing is desired, though using the matched set is highly recommended for optimal sight radius and alignment.
There are no other significant accessories included, as this is a component part. However, the adjustable nature of the rear sight itself is the primary customization element, allowing shooters to dial in their preferred point of impact. If you were to consider additional customization, it would likely involve different front sight blade widths or tritium colors available from Kensight or other manufacturers, but the included components are well-selected for versatility.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set
Pros
- Robust 4140 Chrome Moly Steel Construction: Guarantees exceptional durability and longevity.
- Precise Adjustable Target Sight: Allows for fine-tuning windage and elevation for accuracy.
- Excellent Low-Light Performance: Trijicon tritium inserts offer reliable illumination for night shooting.
- Deep Sight Notch and Beveled Blade: Facilitates rapid and intuitive sight acquisition in all lighting conditions.
- Contoured Base for Clean Installation: Minimizes fitting required on round-top 1911 slides.
- Compatible with Standard Novak Cuts: Offers broad compatibility with many 1911 pistols.
Cons
- Price Point: Can be a significant investment compared to basic fixed sights.
- Requires Professional Installation (Potentially): While fitting can be minimal, proper installation may require specialized tools or a gunsmith.
- Tritium Lifespan: The tritium inserts have a finite lifespan (typically ~12 years) before dimming, though they are replaceable.
Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set?
This Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set is an ideal upgrade for experienced 1911 owners who engage in diverse shooting activities. It’s particularly well-suited for competitive target shooters and those who participate in defensive pistol training or carry their firearm for self-defense, as it offers superior accuracy and low-light capability. Individuals who frequently train or shoot in environments with challenging lighting conditions will find the trijicon tritium inserts invaluable.
However, those looking for a simple, fixed sight for casual plinking or who are on a very tight budget might find this option overkill. Beginners might also benefit from starting with less complex sights before investing in a high-end adjustable target sight. For anyone considering this purchase, ensuring they have access to a proper gunsmith or the necessary tools for sight installation is recommended, as improper fitting can compromise performance. Pairing this rear sight with a quality front sight, especially one with its own illumination, is also a strong recommendation for maximizing its benefits.
Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Deep Sight Notch Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set is a top-tier upgrade for any serious 1911 shooter. Its robust steel construction, combined with the precision of its adjustable mechanism and the vital low-light performance of its trijicon tritium inserts, makes it an outstanding value despite its premium price. It effectively bridges the gap between daylight target accuracy and crucial defensive capabilities when light fails.
For those who demand more from their firearm’s sighting system, this Kensight model delivers. It’s a piece of equipment that feels built to last and perform under pressure. I would absolutely recommend this sight set to any 1911 enthusiast looking to enhance their pistol’s accuracy, speed, and versatility, particularly if they engage in competitive shooting or defensive applications where reliable aiming in all light conditions is paramount. It’s an investment that pays dividends in performance and confidence.