Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight Review

Out of the Box: Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight

Having spent over a decade wrestling with every conceivable piece of gear across diverse environments, from sterile labs to dusty workshops and rugged field sites, I’ve developed a keen eye for what truly performs. My recent search for improved sighting solutions for my 1911 platform led me to the Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight. This particular unit promises a blend of competition-ready speed and combat-practical illumination, a combination I’ve often found lacking. My existing sights, while functional, were proving to be a bottleneck during low-light training sessions, forcing me to rely on less precise aiming methods. Alternatives I considered included other premium adjustable rear sights, but none offered the specific deep-notch design coupled with tritium illumination in quite this configuration. My initial impression upon unboxing this Kensight sight was one of robust precision; the machining looked sharp and the materials felt substantial, sparking a sense of cautious optimism.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for this Bomar BMCS rear sight were my familiar indoor range bays and a few carefully controlled outdoor excursions at dusk. I installed the sight on a well-maintained 1911, anticipating a standard fitting process for Novak-cut slides. The “contoured base” design lived up to its promise, ensuring a remarkably snug fit with minimal need for any filing, a welcome change from some previous installations.

During the first few range sessions, I focused on drawing from a standard holster and acquiring the target rapidly under varying light conditions. The deep notch design proved immediately beneficial, offering a clear, unhindered aperture that seemed to draw the front sight into alignment almost instinctively. Even as daylight faded, the tritium insert began to glow, providing a discernible aiming point that made transitioning from daylight to low-light shooting seamless.

There were no immediate issues or surprises, just a consistent performance that suggested solid engineering. The adjustment mechanism felt precise, with distinct clicks that gave confidence in repeatable zeroing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including weekly range visits and carrying the pistol in a concealed fashion (where legal and appropriate), the Kensight rear sight has held up exceptionally well. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction has resisted the inevitable scuffs and minor bumps that come with regular handling and holster wear. I’ve experienced no loosening of the adjustment screws, nor any degradation in the brightness or clarity of the tritium vial.

Cleaning and maintenance have been straightforward, essentially mirroring the standard care I provide my firearms. A light wipe-down with a soft cloth and occasional application of a quality gun oil to the adjustment mechanism are all that have been required.

Compared to other adjustable rear sights I’ve used, including some that cost significantly more, this Bomar BMCS unit offers a superior balance of durability, ease of use, and reliable low-light performance. It doesn’t exhibit the frustrating play or stiffness that can plague some adjustable sights after extended use.

Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight

Specifications

The Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight is engineered with specific performance enhancements for 1911 platforms. It features a 0.120-inch deep notch, designed to facilitate quicker sight acquisition, especially during dynamic shooting scenarios. The rear sight is paired with a ProGlo tritium night sight front sight, which includes a lumi orange outline and a 0.118” wide blade for enhanced visibility.

The tritium inserts themselves are available in either green or yellow and feature a 0.076″ size, complemented by a white outline for superior contrast. This setup is crucial for low-light conditions, as the tritium provides a constant glow independent of external light sources. The rear sight is crafted from durable 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, ensuring resilience against recoil and environmental factors.

Its compatibility with standard Novak type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″) makes installation on most custom and factory 1911 pistols a straightforward process. The contoured base is a critical design element that promotes a uniform fit against the slide, minimizing the need for extensive fitting.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of pure performance, the Bomar BMCS rear sight excels at its primary function: providing a reliable and visible aiming point. The deep notch genuinely speeds up the process of aligning the front sight during a draw or transition, a benefit keenly felt on the range. The white outline surrounding the tritium vials, both front and rear, significantly aids in sight clarity under a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to near-total darkness.

A particular strength of this setup is the contrasting color strategy mentioned in its description – using yellow for the rear and orange for the front can indeed shave off precious milliseconds during critical moments. I found this contrast to be highly effective, especially when transitioning from bright to dim light. The adjustability is precise, allowing for fine-tuning of the point of impact without any perceivable drift.

The only minor limitation, which is inherent to most tritium sights, is that their illumination is not infinite; they will dim over time (typically 10-12 years). However, for most users, this lifespan is more than adequate and far surpasses the utility of a non-illuminated sight for defensive or tactical applications.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Kensight rear sight is a thoughtful marriage of competition speed and practical robustness. The sharp edges on the bevels contribute to snag-free drawing while also ensuring the sight face isn’t overly rounded, which could compromise precise aiming. The black finish is utilitarian and blends well with most firearm finishes, avoiding any distracting glare.

Ergonomically, the sight feels well-integrated once installed. The adjustable mechanism is tactile and intuitive, allowing for easy manipulation with a small tool or even a flathead screwdriver for on-the-fly adjustments. The width of the sight blade and notch strikes a good balance: wide enough for rapid acquisition, yet narrow enough for sufficient precision at typical pistol engagement distances.

The contoured base is a standout ergonomic feature, as it simplifies installation, ensuring a clean flush mount. This attention to detail in the base design prevents unsightly gaps or the need for extensive post-installation work, which can be a significant headache with less well-designed sights.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, this Bomar BMCS unit is built to endure. I’ve subjected it to repeated firings from a .45 ACP 1911, and the steel has shown no signs of peening or deformation around the adjustment points or where it interfaces with the slide. The tritium inserts are protected by robust housings, and I haven’t experienced any issues with them becoming loose or damaged.

Maintenance is minimal; it’s designed to be a part of the firearm’s permanent sighting system. Regular cleaning of the firearm and a periodic check of the sight’s security are sufficient. There are no complex moving parts that require specialized lubrication, making it a low-maintenance upgrade.

Potential failure points are primarily associated with the tritium itself, which has a finite lifespan. However, the quality of construction suggests that the mechanical aspects of the sight are highly durable and likely to outlast the luminous properties of the tritium inserts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight is primarily sold as a component, meaning it doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories. However, its design implies a pairing with a specific front sight, which is often included as part of a set or purchased separately. The product description notes it is designed to be paired with their ProGlo tritium night sight front sight, which is a crucial piece of information for a complete system.

Customization options are inherent in its adjustable nature. The vertical and windage adjustments allow users to fine-tune the sight picture to their specific ammunition and shooting style. Its compatibility with standard Novak dovetail cuts means it can be fitted to a wide range of 1911 pistols, and in some cases, minor modifications to the slide cut might allow for fitment into other popular dovetail patterns, though this is not guaranteed without professional gunsmithing.

Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight

Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight?

This Bomar BMCS rear sight is an excellent choice for experienced 1911 owners who prioritize performance and reliability in all lighting conditions. It’s particularly well-suited for competition shooters seeking faster target acquisition and self-defense-minded individuals who require dependable aiming points in low-light situations. Gunsmiths and hobbyists who frequently work on 1911 platforms will appreciate the precise machining and easy fitting characteristics.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals looking for the absolute cheapest sighting solution, or those who rarely shoot in anything other than brightly lit conditions and don’t see the value in tritium illumination. It’s also not the best choice for someone seeking a completely minimalist aesthetic, as adjustable sights do add a bit more visual complexity. For optimal performance, purchasing the Kensight ProGlo tritium front sight to pair with this rear sight is highly recommended.

Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight

The Kensight Bomar BMCS .120in Deep Notch 1911 Tritium Night Sight is a testament to thoughtful design and quality manufacturing for the discerning 1911 owner. It delivers on its promise of enhanced speed and visibility, making it a valuable upgrade for both competitive and defensive applications. The robust construction ensures longevity, while the precise adjustability allows for fine-tuning your firearm’s accuracy.

Considering its performance, durability, and the critical advantage of tritium illumination for low-light shooting, the price point, while substantial, is justified by the quality and enhanced capability it brings to the platform. I would absolutely recommend this sight to anyone looking to elevate their 1911’s sighting system. If you value rapid sight acquisition and reliable performance from dawn till dusk, this Kensight unit is a worthwhile investment that you won’t regret.