All About the **Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade**: Start Here
For years, my 1911 platform pistols have been a blend of tradition and modern enhancements, but a recent range day highlighted a persistent niggle: inconsistent sight acquisition in varied lighting. This led me to seek a solution that offered both precision and an edge in low-light conditions, ultimately pointing me toward the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade. This sight set promises competition-grade adjustability and the reliability of tritium illumination, a combination that caught my attention. My previous sight setup, while functional, lacked the defined aiming point and rapid acquisition capabilities I desired, especially during dusk or indoor range sessions. Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of robust construction; the matte black finish felt durable, and the machining had a clean, precise look. I briefly considered other adjustable sights, but Kensight’s reputation for Wire-EDM machining and their clear focus on precision tuning edged them out. My first interaction with the sight set brought a sense of anticipation, a feeling that this might finally resolve my lingering aiming issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place primarily on a well-lit outdoor range and an indoor range with variable lighting conditions. The installation process itself was straightforward, fitting snugly into the Novak-style dovetail cut on my custom 1911. I conducted drills focusing on drawing from a holster and immediate sight acquisition in both bright daylight and dimmer ambient light. The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade performed admirably, offering a crisp sight picture. The tritium insert provided a noticeable glow in the low-light environment, significantly aiding in target alignment. My only minor surprise was the tactile feel of the adjustment clicks; they were pronounced and satisfying, but perhaps a touch sharper than I anticipated.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months of consistent use, this sight set has proven its mettle. I’ve subjected it to numerous range sessions, carried it discreetly, and even encountered a light dusting of rain without any degradation in performance. The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade has held its zero through hundreds of rounds, demonstrating impressive retention of windage and elevation adjustments. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a soft brush and a touch of solvent, and the Wire-EDM machined steel construction shows no signs of wear, scuffs, or corrosion. Compared to previous fixed sights or less robust adjustable options I’ve used, this Kensight set offers a significant leap in durability and maintained precision.
Breaking Down the Features of **Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade**
Specifications
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade is constructed from 4140 chrome-moly steel, a material known for its strength and resistance to wear. This robust build ensures longevity, even under rigorous use. The rear sight features a square blade design, offering a clean sight picture that many shooters find conducive to precision aiming. Illumination is provided by Trijicon tritium inserts, available in green or yellow with a white outline, ensuring visibility in complete darkness for years without external power. The front sight is a standard tritium flat with a serrated blade, designed to complement the rear sight’s aiming point.
This rear sight is designed to fit Novak type front sight dovetail cuts with specific dimensions of 0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″, common on many customized and factory 1911 pistols. The set is supplied with a 0.200” tall blade, but the company offers a range of heights (from 0.150” to 0.220”) upon request, allowing for fine-tuning to individual pistol setups. The audible clicks for both windage and elevation are a crucial feature, providing tactile and audible confirmation of each adjustment, a significant advantage for precision tuning at the range.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of core function, the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade excels. The primary role of a sight is to facilitate accurate aiming, and this set does so with remarkable efficacy. The adjustable nature allows for precise zeroing of the firearm, adapting to different ammunition types or shooter preferences. The square blade aperture, combined with the tritium dot, creates a clear and defined aiming point, which proved invaluable during my drills.
The Trijicon tritium inserts are a standout feature, offering reliable low-light performance without the need for battery power. This is critical for self-defense or any situation where immediate access to accurate aiming is paramount. The audible clicks for adjustments are not just a gimmick; they provide confidence that each setting is locked in, and returning to a previous zero is an easily repeatable process. The responsiveness of the adjustments means that fine-tuning for any load or distance is achievable with minimal fuss.
Design & Ergonomics
The design philosophy behind the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade leans towards practical functionality and durability. The Wire-EDM machined 4140 chrome-moly steel construction is evident in the crisp edges and tight tolerances, suggesting a product built for the long haul. The matte black finish is understated and functional, resisting glare effectively.
Ergonomically, the sharp edges on the bevels, while contributing to quick sight acquisition, are not so aggressive as to snag on clothing or holsters during a draw. The height and profile of the sight are well-balanced, avoiding excessive snag points while still providing a substantial aiming surface. The knurled adjustment screws are easy to grip, even with slightly sweaty fingers, facilitating positive manipulation. The overall feel is solid and purposeful, befitting a precision instrument.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is clearly a cornerstone of Kensight’s design, and the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade is no exception. The 4140 chrome-moly steel offers excellent resistance to impact and abrasion, meaning it can withstand the rigors of regular use, including drops or accidental impacts on the bench or range. The internal adjustment mechanisms, thanks to the Wire-EDM construction, are precise and resistant to the kind of wear that can lead to looseness or drift in lesser sights.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. Regular cleaning with a mild solvent and a soft cloth is usually sufficient. The tritium inserts are sealed and designed to last for many years, requiring no active maintenance. The only real consideration for longevity would be avoiding harsh chemicals that could potentially affect the finish over extended periods. Given the robust material and manufacturing process, these sights are built to be a long-term upgrade for any 1911.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade comes as a set, including the rear sight and a complementary front sight. The primary customization offered is the choice of tritium insert color (green or yellow) and the ability to request different blade heights for the rear sight (from 0.150” to 0.220”). This allows shooters to tailor the sight height to their specific pistol’s slide milling and front sight height, ensuring a perfectly regulated sight picture.
The compatibility with Novak type front sight dovetail cuts is a significant advantage, as this is a very common footprint on many modern 1911s. This means that while Kensight provides their own matching front sight, the rear sight itself can be integrated into existing setups that utilize this standard cut. This broad compatibility reduces the need for expensive slide modifications for many users.
Pros and Cons of **Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade**
Pros
- Precision Adjustability: The audible clicks for windage and elevation allow for incredibly fine-tuning of the firearm’s point of impact.
- Superior Low-Light Performance: Trijicon tritium inserts provide a reliable and long-lasting aiming point in darkness.
- Robust Construction: Made from 4140 chrome-moly steel with Wire-EDM machining, ensuring exceptional durability.
- Clean Sight Picture: The square blade rear sight design is conducive to precise aiming for competition and tactical use.
- Customization Options: Available in different tritium colors and with adjustable blade heights to match various 1911 setups.
Cons
- Price Point: At $188.74, these are a premium upgrade, which may be a significant investment for some users.
- Potential for Snagging: While generally well-beveled, the sharp edges of the square blade could present a minor snag risk for extremely deep concealment or specific holster designs compared to rounded sights.
- Dovetail Compatibility: While standard for Novak cuts, it requires a pistol already equipped with this specific dovetail size.
Who Should Buy **Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade**?
This sight set is an ideal choice for competitive 1911 shooters looking to fine-tune their pistol’s performance for precision. It’s also an excellent upgrade for those who carry a 1911 for self-defense and demand reliable low-light aiming capabilities. Individuals seeking a durable, high-quality upgrade that will last for years without performance degradation will find this set a worthwhile investment.
Those on a very tight budget, or those with 1911s that do not have a Novak-style dovetail cut, might want to explore more budget-friendly or platform-specific options. It is highly recommended that users have a gunsmith perform the installation if they are not experienced with sight replacement, to ensure proper fit and prevent damage.
Conclusion on **Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade**
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set w/Square Blade delivers precisely what it promises: robust, adjustable, and dependable sighting for the 1911 platform. The combination of competition-grade precision with the life-saving utility of tritium illumination makes this a standout option. Its 4140 chrome-moly steel construction and Wire-EDM machining guarantee a level of durability that justifies its premium price point. For anyone serious about optimizing their 1911 for accuracy, speed, and reliable performance in all lighting conditions, this Kensight set is a highly recommended upgrade that offers exceptional value through its longevity and performance.