Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight Review

First Impressions of the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight

As someone who relies on dependable aiming solutions across various demanding environments, I’m always on the lookout for upgrades that offer a true edge. My 1911, a trusted tool for both range work and personal defense, was in need of a serious sight upgrade. Specifically, I found myself fumbling in low-light conditions, a scenario where split-second target acquisition is paramount. After a fair bit of research, the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight emerged as a strong contender, promising enhanced visibility and robust construction. I’d briefly considered other brands, but Kensight’s reputation for precision manufacturing and the classic Bomar-style rear sight’s proven design kept drawing me back. Unboxing this set brought an immediate sense of quality; the weight and machining suggested a product built to last. It offered a quiet satisfaction, a feeling that a reliable piece of gear had finally arrived.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on a familiar indoor range with controlled lighting, and later, during dusk and dawn hours at an outdoor range. The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight was installed on my customized 1911 platform, a process that required careful fitting due to the dovetail cuts. In both dim indoor lighting and the fading natural light of dusk, the tritium vials immediately became apparent, providing a distinct aiming point. The initial sighting-in process was straightforward, thanks to the adjustable nature of the Bomar-style rear sight.

I was particularly impressed with how the sights performed during a rapid-fire session, where maintaining a consistent sight picture under pressure is crucial. Even with repeated recoil, the sights remained firmly seated, with no shift in zero. I encountered no unexpected issues or quirks; the installation was snug, and the aiming points were immediately clear.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past few months, this sight set has become a permanent fixture on my 1911, seeing regular use at least twice a week. It’s been exposed to everything from the dust of a well-worn range to the occasional light mist, and it has held up exceptionally well. There are no visible signs of wear or tear on the 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction, no scratches marring the finish, and the tritium vials show no dimming whatsoever.

Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the slide; the serrated blade on the front sight and the clean lines of the rear sight allow for easy maintenance. Compared to some composite or polymer sights I’ve used in the past, these Kensight sights feel substantially more durable and reliable. They have definitely outperformed budget alternatives in terms of both longevity and consistent performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight

Specifications

The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight package includes a Bomar-style adjustable rear sight and a 0.200in tall tritium front sight with a serrated blade. Both are constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, a testament to their intended durability. The rear sight is designed to fit Novak-style dovetail cuts, a common sight on many 1911 pistols, measuring 0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″. The tritium illumination is a key feature, providing passive light for low-light and no-light situations. This set offers a black finish, which is standard and blends well with most firearm aesthetics.

These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits for the shooter. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel ensures robustness against recoil and environmental factors. The 0.200in front blade height, paired with the adjustable rear, allows for precise sight radius adjustments to match various ammunition types or shooting preferences. Compatibility with Novak type front sight dovetail cuts means it integrates seamlessly with a vast majority of popular 1911 models, offering a broad appeal. The tritium vials offer a passive illumination type, meaning no batteries or external power sources are required, a crucial advantage for reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of any sight system is to provide a clear, accurate aiming point, and this Kensight set excels at that. The Bomar-style rear sight, with its micro-adjustable elevation and windage, allows for incredibly precise zeroing. I was able to dial in my 1911’s accuracy to a degree I hadn’t achieved with previous fixed sights. The serrated blade on the front sight effectively reduces glare during bright daylight shooting, enhancing focus on the target.

The tritium bar on the rear sight and the single tritium dot on the front are sufficiently bright for low-light acquisition without being distracting. While some might prefer a full tritium bar on the front, the single dot is perfectly adequate for most shooting tasks and maintains a clean sight picture. It meets and exceeds expectations for a night sight system, offering both daylight precision and low-light utility.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight is a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality. The Bomar-style rear sight has a substantial feel, with crisp, positive clicks for adjustment. The black finish is deep and uniform, resisting minor scuffs well. The serrated blade on the front sight adds a functional texture that is not abrasive but provides enough grip for the eye to track it easily.

Ergonomically, these sights integrate flawlessly into the shooting experience. The sight radius provided by this setup is ample for a full-size 1911, contributing to accuracy. There’s a slight learning curve with the micro-adjustments on the rear sight, but it’s a welcome one for those seeking fine-tuning capabilities. The overall feel is one of solid, well-machined components.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on the materials and initial usage, this sight set is built for long-term service. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear, suggesting these sights will outlast many other components on a firearm. Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving keeping the slide clean to ensure the sight channels are free of debris.

I haven’t encountered any potential failure points thus far; the adjustment screws on the rear sight are robust, and the tritium vials are sealed within protective housings. The only real concern with tritium sights is their finite lifespan, typically 10-12 years before significant dimming occurs, but this is inherent to the technology and not a flaw of this specific product.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary “accessory” included with this Kensight product is the inherent adjustability of the Bomar-style rear sight, allowing for windage and elevation tuning. While the product description mentions that blade heights from 0.150” to 0.220” are available upon request, the included set comes with a standard 0.200in front blade. This offers a degree of customization straight out of the box.

The sights are designed to fit standard Novak-style dovetails, meaning they are generally compatible with aftermarket 1911 slide cuts. If you were to seek further customization, one could explore different front sight blade styles or tritium colors if Kensight offered them as separate options. However, as a matched set, the provided configuration is very effective.

Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight

Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight?

This sight set is ideal for 1911 owners who prioritize accuracy and low-light performance. If you frequently train or carry in conditions with less-than-ideal lighting, the tritium feature is invaluable. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate the ability to fine-tune their sight picture for maximum precision, making it a great choice for competitive shooters or serious handgun enthusiasts.

Those on a very tight budget, or who only shoot in bright daylight and have no immediate need for night sights, might want to consider less expensive fixed sights. Additionally, individuals who are not comfortable with firearm disassembly and sight installation should budget for professional gunsmith services. A good gun cleaning kit is a must-have accessory for maintaining these sights.

Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight

The Kensight Bomar BMCS 3 Tritium Bar 1911 Night Sight w/ 0.200in Tritium Flat Base Front Sight delivers on its promise of enhanced visibility and precision. The combination of robust 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction, a highly adjustable rear sight, and the crucial low-light capability of tritium makes this a top-tier upgrade for any 1911. While the price reflects the quality and technology involved, the performance and durability justify the investment for those who demand the best. I wholeheartedly recommend this sight set to any serious 1911 shooter looking to elevate their aiming capabilities in all lighting conditions.