Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights Review

My Experience with the Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights: Here’s the Truth

For years, I’ve relied on iron sights as a dependable backup or primary aiming system for my handguns. However, the landscape of pistol optics has dramatically shifted, and I found myself needing to address a specific challenge: achieving a usable co-witness with a red dot on my Glock 48 MOS. This need led me to the Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights. While my initial experience with other Angry Bear Arms products had been positive, I was cautiously optimistic about these particular sights.

My journey to these sights was born out of a common conundrum for those adopting micro-red dot sights (MRDS) on compact Glocks. I installed a Holosun 407K on my G48 MOS, using the factory’s #1 optic plate. The problem was immediate and jarring: the stock sights were now obscenely tall, creating an absolute co-witness that felt more like a barricade than an aiming solution. They were significantly higher than any standard co-witness height I’d encountered.

Upon receiving the Angry Bear Arms sights, my first impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The billet steel construction felt robust, and the black nitride finish offered a deep, non-reflective appearance that immediately hinted at durability. Unlike some other sights I’d considered, like factory Glock sights or Trijicon’s suppressor height options, these promised a specific “X-Tall” profile, which, based on the description, seemed like it might be the solution I was desperately seeking. The de-horned, snag-free design also felt noticeably smoother than standard sights, promising easier drawing from a holster.

My initial reaction upon seeing them was a mix of hope and a slight trepidation, a familiar feeling when trying to solve a vexing equipment puzzle. The promise of a clean sight picture and a functional co-witness was palpable, but the memory of my previous sight height woes lingered.

Real-World Testing: Putting Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for these sights was the range, specifically with my Glock 48 MOS. I was eager to see how the advertised “X-Tall” profile would interact with my chosen MRDS setup. I also had a secondary test case: a Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS, which I was fitting with a Vortex Venom and the factory #1 plate. This second scenario was crucial, as it represented a different slide geometry and a slightly different optic footprint, offering a broader performance assessment.

During initial range sessions, I focused on the practical application of these sights in a typical defensive pistol scenario. This involved drawing from a concealed holster, acquiring the target, and evaluating the sight picture. I paid close attention to how the sights presented themselves through the optic and whether they interfered with the red dot’s window. The de-horned edges proved their worth during the draw; there was absolutely no snagging on my holster or clothing, which is a critical factor for concealed carry.

However, the first use experience brought a significant surprise. As mentioned, on the G48 MOS, these “X-Tall” sights were indeed very tall. They provided an absolute co-witness that was so high it was practically a distraction, obscuring a significant portion of the red dot’s field of view. It felt like I was looking through a tunnel, with the iron sights dominating the lower third of my vision. This was the exact opposite of what I had hoped for.

In contrast, the Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS with the Vortex Venom was a different story entirely. Here, the “X-Tall” profile delivered a near-perfect deck height. The top of the front sight post and the rear sight notch were perfectly aligned with the bottom edge of the red dot window. This provided a clean, unobstructed view of the optic’s reticle, with the iron sights acting as a clear and accessible backup should the red dot fail.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds across both platforms and weeks of carrying the Glock 48 with the Angry Bear Arms sights, their performance has remained consistent, though the height issue on the G48 persists. The black nitride finish has shown no signs of wear, even with the daily carry and occasional bump against hard surfaces. There’s no visible scratching or discoloration, and critically, no rust, even after a particularly humid week spent in storage.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth after range sessions is all that’s needed. They haven’t required any adjustment or re-tightening, which speaks volumes about the quality of the dovetail fit and the screws used for installation. Compared to some polymer sights that can warp or lose their zero over time, these billet steel sights feel incredibly stable.

The stark difference in performance between the two Glock models highlights a critical point: the “X-Tall” designation is very literal. For certain setups, particularly with flush-mounted micro-red dots on compact slides, these sights might be too tall for a comfortable co-witness. For larger pistols or setups where the optic sits slightly higher, they can be ideal. My experience with the G17.5 MOS proved this; the sights offered a fantastic, usable co-witness that didn’t interfere with the red dot at all.

Breaking Down the Features of Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights

Specifications

Let’s dive into the technical aspects of the Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights. They are constructed from billet steel, a hallmark of durability and resistance to impact and wear. The finish is black nitride, a common but highly effective treatment that provides excellent corrosion resistance and a glare-free surface. The front blade height is listed at 0.404 inches, while the rear sight blade height is 0.2 inches.

These dimensions are critical for establishing the correct sight radius and height over bore. The larger front sight height, combined with the smaller rear sight height, is a deliberate design choice aimed at creating a specific sight picture, particularly when co-witnessing with an optic. The snag-free design is achieved through meticulous de-horning of all edges, preventing any potential snags on clothing or gear during a draw.

Compared to standard Glock sights, which typically have a lower profile, these are significantly taller. This is precisely what makes them “X-Tall.” For instance, a standard Glock front sight is often around 0.160 inches tall, and a rear sight around 0.220 inches. The Angry Bear Arms front sight is nearly 2.5 times that height, while the rear is slightly shorter than standard, creating a unique profile designed for taller optic setups. The attachment type is standard dovetail, requiring a gunsmith or careful DIY installation.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of any sight is to help the user aim accurately and quickly. In the case of the Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights, their performance is highly dependent on the specific pistol and optic combination. On the Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS with a Vortex Venom, they excelled. The absolute co-witness was ideal, allowing for rapid target acquisition with the red dot, while the iron sights remained unobtrusive yet readily available. This setup allowed for shooting faster and more accurately than I could with just iron sights alone.

However, on the Glock 48 MOS with a Holosun 407K, the performance was less than optimal due to the height. While the sights themselves functioned correctly, the absolute co-witness they provided was too tall, hindering the red dot’s usability. This isn’t a fault of the sights’ construction but rather a mismatch with the specific firearm and optic combination. The blank nature of the sights—meaning no dots or outlines—allows for a pure focus on the red dot, which is excellent when the height is correct.

The snag-free design is a significant functional advantage. During draws from a variety of holsters, the sights glided smoothly without any catching or hesitation. This is a crucial aspect for any defensive firearm, where a fast and unhindered presentation can be vital. The black nitride finish also performed as advertised, resisting glare effectively, which is important for maintaining a clear sight picture in various lighting conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these Angry Bear Arms sights is deliberately minimalist and functional. The choice of billet steel imparts a substantial, high-quality feel. There are no unnecessary embellishments; the focus is on smooth surfaces and precise dimensions. The de-horned, snag-free design is the most prominent ergonomic feature, and it translates directly into a more comfortable and efficient handling experience, particularly during a draw.

The blank front and rear sights offer a clean, uncluttered sight picture, which can be highly beneficial when relying on a red dot. There’s no temptation to try and align colored dots or tritium vials that might draw your eye away from the optic’s reticle. This minimalist approach is a deliberate choice by Angry Bear Arms, catering to users who prioritize a clean co-witness or use their irons only as a backup.

The only ergonomic consideration, as noted, is the height. While excellent for some applications, it can be counterproductive for others where a lower co-witness is desired. The installation process itself, requiring a sight press, is standard for aftermarket Glock sights and doesn’t present any unique ergonomic challenges beyond the typical requirements for this type of modification.

Durability & Maintenance

After extensive use, the durability of the Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights appears to be exceptional. The billet steel construction, combined with the tough black nitride finish, means they are built to withstand the rigors of daily carry and regular range use. I’ve experienced no chipping, scratching, or degradation of the finish, even after encountering concrete and other hard surfaces during handling.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A light application of lubricant or a wipe with a cleaning cloth is sufficient to keep them in pristine condition and prevent any potential corrosion, although the nitride finish is highly resistant to rust. There are no complex parts to worry about; the sights are essentially solid pieces of steel. This simplicity contributes to their reliability, as there are fewer potential failure points.

The only potential durability concern would be improper installation, which could lead to the sights becoming loose over time. However, assuming they are installed correctly with the appropriate torque specifications, they should remain secure for the life of the firearm. This is a testament to the quality of the material and manufacturing processes employed by Angry Bear Arms.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights are sold as a set and do not typically come with additional accessories. Their customization options are limited to their intended application: providing a specific sight height and a clean sight picture. The “blank” design itself is a form of customization, offering a pure aiming point without distracting elements.

These sights are designed to fit standard Glock dovetail cuts on the specified models, meaning they are compatible with most existing Glock slides that accept aftermarket sights. They are not designed for further modification themselves, nor do they typically require proprietary tools beyond standard sight installation equipment. Their strength lies in their direct function and robust construction, rather than modularity.

Pros and Cons of Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights

Who Should Buy Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights?

These Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights are an excellent choice for Glock owners who are running a red dot sight and desire a highly durable, snag-free backup iron sight system that offers an absolute co-witness. They are particularly well-suited for users with Glock 17, 22, or similar larger-framed models when paired with optics that sit at a standard height. If you prioritize a robust, no-frills sight that can withstand hard use and will not snag, these are a strong contender.

However, individuals looking for sights for compact pistols like the Glock 43, 43X, or 48, especially when paired with flush-mounted micro-red dots, should proceed with caution. The “X-Tall” nature might result in an uncomfortably high co-witness that obstructs the red dot. For those who require low-light capability, you would need to look for models with tritium inserts. A must-have accessory for installation is a proper sight press; attempting to install these without one can damage the sights or your slide.

Conclusion on Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights

The Angry Bear Arms Glock 42/43/43X/48 X-Tall Profile Blank Sights are a testament to functional, durable firearm accessory design. Their billet steel construction and black nitride finish offer a level of quality and resilience that belies their $38.99 price point. For setups where the “X-Tall” profile is appropriate, they provide a clean, snag-free aiming solution that integrates seamlessly with red dot optics, offering a reliable backup in a pinch.

The value proposition here is significant, especially if your intended application matches the intended height. However, the critical caveat is their height. While perfect for some, they are potentially problematic for others. I would recommend them for specific applications where a tall absolute co-witness is desired or necessary. If you have a larger Glock frame and plan to mount a red dot, these sights are absolutely worth considering for their robust build and excellent snag-free design. Just be sure to verify the necessary height for your specific optic and firearm combination before purchasing.