Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade Review

After the Test: My Review of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade

For any shooter who values precision and quick target acquisition, especially in challenging lighting conditions, upgrading the factory sights on a 1911 platform is often a necessary step. The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade aims to be that definitive upgrade, promising enhanced visibility and adjustability. This set, manufactured by Kensight, is designed to elevate the performance of a 1911 pistol for both competitive shooting and defensive applications.

My journey to this particular sight set began with a persistent frustration. While my customized 1911 is a tack-driver in daylight, transitioning to dawn, dusk, or indoor ranges often felt like a significant handicap. The standard sights, while functional, simply didn’t offer the contrast or clarity needed for rapid sight alignment when every fraction of a second counts. I had considered other brands, like LPA or even some custom shops, but the allure of a Bomar-style adjustable sight with integrated tritium proved too strong to ignore.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction felt substantial, conveying a sense of ruggedness that speaks to its intended use. The matte black finish is understated yet professional, hinting at its serious purpose. There was an immediate sense of confidence that this wasn’t some flimsy accessory, but a component built to withstand the rigors of its environment.

A quick glance confirmed it was compatible with the Novak type front sight dovetail cuts, a common feature on many 1911s. This meant a relatively straightforward installation process. My first reaction was one of eager anticipation – a feeling that the limitations of my previous sights might finally be a thing of the past.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on a crisp late afternoon at my local indoor shooting range, a place where low-light conditions are the norm. The primary goal was to assess how quickly and accurately I could acquire a sight picture compared to my old setup. Installation, thankfully, was straightforward; the rear sight slipped into the dovetail with a satisfying snugness, and the included front sight threaded in easily.

During the first few magazines, I focused on draw-and-present drills, followed by rapid fire sequences. The deep sight notch on the rear aperture immediately made a difference, providing a generous window to frame the front sight. Even in the dim lighting, the 0.076″ Trijicon tritium inserts with their white outlines on both the front and rear sights glowed with a consistent, non-distracting luminescence. This greatly aided in bringing the pistol onto target swiftly.

I did notice that the square blade front sight, combined with the adjustable rear, allowed for incredibly fine-tuning of elevation and windage. Making minute adjustments to the rear sight’s elevation screw felt precise and secure, something crucial for dialling in zero. No significant issues or surprises cropped up during this initial session, only a growing appreciation for the improved sight acquisition.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the following weeks, this Bomar BMCS sight set has become a permanent fixture on my primary 1911. I’ve put it through its paces during multiple range sessions, from bright midday sun to late evening shoots as dusk settled in. I even inadvertently exposed it to a light drizzle during an outdoor session, and it performed without a hitch.

Durability is proving to be excellent. Despite being drawn from a holster repeatedly and experiencing the recoil of hundreds of rounds, there are no signs of loosening or play in the adjustable mechanism. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel has held up remarkably well, with only minor cosmetic marks from holster contact.

Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a cloth after each range session is all that’s required. The tritium inserts remain brightly illuminated, a testament to Trijicon’s quality, and their lifespan is projected to be many years. Compared to previous adjustable sights I’ve used, the Kensight unit feels more robust and offers a finer degree of adjustment. The previous budget adjustable sights I’d experimented with often had sloppy detents or were prone to drifting under recoil, issues I haven’t encountered here.

Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade

Specifications

This Kensight rear sight set is engineered with competition and defense in mind. The rear sight features a robust, adjustable mechanism designed for precise windage and elevation control. It incorporates a deep sight notch measuring 0.120 inches, which significantly enhances the speed of sight acquisition by providing ample room for the front sight.

The construction utilizes 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, a material known for its exceptional strength, hardness, and durability, making it ideal for components subjected to significant stress. The set includes Trijicon tritium inserts (available in green or yellow) with white outlines, providing self-illuminating sight points for low-light or no-light conditions. These are rated for approximately 10-12 years of illumination.

The rear sight is paired with a serrated blade front sight, designed to reduce glare. The standard set comes with a 0.200-inch tall blade for the rear sight, but Kensight offers a range of blade heights from 0.150 to 0.220 inches upon request. This adjustability is crucial for fine-tuning the point of impact to match your specific ammunition and shooting style. The rear sight is designed to fit the common Novak type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″) found on many 1911 pistols.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of any sight set is to help the shooter put rounds on target accurately and efficiently. The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade excels in this regard. The combination of the deep notch and the precise click adjustments for both windage and elevation allows for meticulous zeroing.

During rapid fire, the sight picture remains clear and easy to manage, a direct benefit of the wider notch and crisp tritium dots. For combat carry, the sharp edges on the bevels facilitate a smooth draw without snagging. The serrated blade on the front sight effectively minimizes glare, ensuring a clear view of the target even under direct light.

A standout strength is the low-light performance. The Trijicon tritium is precisely what it promises: a reliable, glowing point of reference that dramatically shortens the time needed to align sights in dim environments. The only minor weakness, if one could call it that, is that the tritium dots, while excellent, are not as bright as some fiber-optic sights in direct, harsh sunlight. However, for its intended purpose, the tritium is a superior choice for 24/7 visibility.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Kensight sight set is clearly influenced by the proven Bomar style, known for its adjustability and speed. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel gives it a substantial, high-quality feel that instills confidence. The matte black finish is practical and resists glare, a thoughtful touch.

Ergonomically, the deep sight notch is a major win. It creates a forgiving window that makes aligning the front sight significantly easier and faster, especially under stress. The adjustment knobs for windage and elevation are well-machined, offering positive tactile clicks that confirm each adjustment.

The square blade front sight is a classic target sight feature, providing a clean edge for precise alignment. While some might prefer a rounded blade for draw speed, the squared design offers a clearer visual cue for alignment with the notch. The overall profile is also relatively low-profile for an adjustable target sight, minimizing snagging potential during a draw.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade is built to last. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction is inherently tough, and the machining appears to be precise, with tight tolerances that minimize potential failure points. The adjustment mechanism feels robust, and I haven’t experienced any creep or loosening after hundreds of rounds.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A basic cleaning after each range session, ensuring the adjustment screws are free of debris, is all that’s needed. There are no complex parts or electronics to worry about, beyond the encapsulated tritium vials, which require no user maintenance and have a long operational life.

The potential failure point in any adjustable sight is usually the adjustment mechanism itself or the durability of the tritium vials. So far, Kensight has delivered on robustness, and Trijicon’s reputation for durable tritium inserts is well-established. I have no immediate concerns about premature wear or failure with this set.

Accessories and Customization Options

This set primarily includes the adjustable rear sight and a complementary front sight. There are no additional bells and whistles provided beyond the sights themselves. However, the true customization comes from Kensight’s ability to provide rear sight blades in various heights.

This ability to swap blade heights is critical. It allows a shooter to precisely match their ammunition’s point of impact to the sight picture without needing to move the entire rear sight housing significantly for gross adjustments. For shooters who frequently switch between different bullet weights or loads, having the option to order a different height blade is a significant advantage.

While no specific tools are included for installation beyond what a standard gunsmith or experienced shooter would possess, the design itself is highly compatible. The use of the Novak type dovetail cut means it will integrate seamlessly with many 1911 platforms without requiring custom frame modifications.

Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade

Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade?

This Kensight sight set is an excellent choice for competitive 1911 shooters, particularly those involved in disciplines like IPSC, USPSA, or steel challenge where rapid and accurate shooting is paramount. It’s also ideal for concealed carry permit holders who want the advantage of night sights and the ability to precisely zero their firearm for defensive ammunition. Those who frequently shoot in varying light conditions, from indoor ranges to dawn or dusk outdoor settings, will find the Trijicon tritium illumination invaluable.

Individuals who should probably skip this set are those looking for a budget-friendly, basic upgrade or those who exclusively shoot in bright, consistent daylight and don’t see the need for tritium. If your 1911 is purely a range toy for casual plinking at moderate distances, the cost and complexity of adjustable night sights might be overkill. For those seeking the absolute brightest daylight sight picture, a fiber optic front sight combined with a tritium rear might be a more appealing compromise.

For optimal use, ensure you have the correct tools for sight installation, typically a quality sight-pusher or a well-equipped gunsmith. If you plan to experiment with different ammunition types or find your point of impact is consistently off, consider ordering an extra rear sight blade in a different height to simplify the zeroing process.

Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade

The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/ Deep Sight Notch 0.120in w/Square Blade delivers on its promise of enhanced accuracy, speed, and visibility. The blend of robust construction, precise adjustability, and effective low-light illumination makes it a superior upgrade for any serious 1911 owner. Its performance in real-world scenarios, from competitive drills to defensive readiness, has been consistently impressive.

Considering its price point, the value proposition is strong for those who demand top-tier performance. You are investing in a durable, precision-engineered component that integrates proven Bomar design principles with reliable Trijicon night vision technology. This isn’t just an aesthetic improvement; it’s a functional enhancement that can directly translate to better shooting.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this sight set to anyone looking to significantly elevate their 1911’s sighting system. If you prioritize accuracy, speed, and the ability to perform under any lighting condition, this Kensight upgrade is a worthwhile investment that will undoubtedly serve you well for years to come.