My Honest Thoughts on the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch
For years, my 1911s have been workhorses, reliable companions in everything from the dusty workshop to the sometimes-unpredictable field. While they’ve always performed admirably, I’ve been on a constant, quiet quest for that extra edge, that subtle refinement that elevates a good tool to a truly exceptional one. My search led me to the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch, a component promising precision and rapid sight acquisition. This particular sight, manufactured by Kensight, caught my eye with its reputation for crisp edges and well-defined serrations, features that are paramount for demanding shooting applications.
The impetus for seeking out a new rear sight wasn’t a failure of my existing setup, but rather a desire to optimize. I’d been noticing a slight inconsistency in my rapid target transitions, a fractional delay in acquiring the front sight against the rear notch, particularly under pressure. It’s the kind of thing a casual shooter might not even register, but for someone who values precision and efficiency, it becomes a nagging point. I considered a few other brands, including some that offered integrated fiber optics, but ultimately, the classic Bomar-style adjustable target sight, with its proven track record and emphasis on pure mechanical precision, felt like the right direction. Unboxing the Kensight Bomar BMCS adjustable sight, I was immediately struck by its solid, no-nonsense construction.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch to the Test
My initial testing grounds for this sight were the familiar confines of my personal shooting range, a place where environmental variables are controlled and the focus is purely on function. I mounted the sight on a dedicated competition 1911, a platform already tuned for accuracy. This allowed me to directly compare its performance against the factory-equipped sights I had previously used.
First Use Experience
The installation process itself was straightforward, fitting snugly into the standard 1911 dovetail. My first few shots were dedicated to zeroing, and I was immediately impressed by the audible clicks for both windage and elevation adjustments. Each increment felt precise and repeatable, a welcome change from some mushier adjustment mechanisms I’ve encountered. The 0.140-inch wide sight notch, coupled with the crisp edges, provided an excellent sight picture, making the front sight blade stand out clearly.
After the initial zeroing, I moved to more dynamic shooting exercises, focusing on speed and transition drills. The sight facilitated significantly quicker sight acquisition than my previous setup. The crisp serrations on the rear blade helped reduce glare, a crucial factor during bright outdoor shooting sessions. I experienced no issues with the sight shifting or losing its zero, even after a series of rapid fire strings.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months of consistent use, this Kensight Bomar BMCS adjustable rear sight has proven to be exceptionally reliable. It has endured multiple range days, exposure to varying temperatures, and the usual workshop dust without any degradation in performance. The 4140 chrome-moly steel construction, advertised as Wire-EDM machined, feels incredibly robust, showing no signs of premature wear or stress.
Maintenance has been minimal, typically just a light cleaning and occasional application of a quality firearm lubricant to the adjustment screws. Compared to some aftermarket sights that can become stiff or develop play over time, this model has maintained its crisp adjustments and solid feel. It’s a testament to the manufacturing quality that it performs just as well today as it did on day one, a significant improvement over some budget options I’ve tried in the past that developed issues within months.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch
Specifications
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch is a precision-engineered component designed for the discerning 1911 shooter. It is crafted from 4140 chrome-moly steel, a material chosen for its strength and durability, ensuring longevity even under rigorous use. The manufacturing process utilizes Wire-EDM machining, a method that allows for exceptionally tight tolerances, resulting in ultra-smooth adjustments.
This sight features a standard dovetail mount, ensuring compatibility with most 1911 platforms without requiring significant slide modification. The adjustable mechanism provides positive, audible clicks for both windage and elevation, allowing for precise and repeatable sight adjustments. The sight notch width is specified as 0.140 inches, a dimension often favored for its balance between rapid acquisition and precision aiming. Kensight also offers a range of blade heights from 0.150″ to 0.220″ upon request, allowing users to fine-tune their sight radius.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch performs exceptionally well. The adjustable nature of the sight allows for precise zeroing at various distances, a capability that is paramount for competitive shooting or any scenario demanding accuracy. The crisp, sharp edges and well-defined serrations contribute significantly to its appeal for competition, making sight alignment quick and intuitive.
Its strengths lie in its precision adjustments, excellent sight picture, and robust construction. The main job of a rear sight is to provide a reliable and adjustable aiming point, and this model excels. While it is designed for target shooting, its effectiveness in allowing for fast and accurate sight acquisition makes it a strong performer even in defensive or tactical applications where quick follow-up shots are critical. The smooth action of the adjustment screws is a definite highlight, making on-the-fly corrections effortless.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this rear sight is a classic Bomar-style, which has been a benchmark for adjustable target sights for decades. The build quality is immediately apparent, with a uniform black finish that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, helping to minimize glare. The materials feel substantial in hand, conveying a sense of rugged dependability.
Ergonomically, the sight is designed for practical use. The adjustment turrets are easily accessible and provide a good tactile feel, even with gloves on. The 0.140-inch wide sight notch is well-proportioned, offering a generous window for the front sight without being so wide as to encourage sloppy alignment. The serrations on the rear face of the sight are finely cut, providing excellent anti-glare properties, a small but important detail that significantly aids in acquiring the sight picture quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on its construction and my testing, the Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch is built for longevity. The 4140 chrome-moly steel is a hallmark of durable firearm components, and the Wire-EDM machining process inherently leads to components that resist wear and maintain their precise dimensions over time. I have observed no signs of premature wear, such as peening on the adjustment mechanisms or stress marks on the body.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A basic cleaning regimen, ensuring the adjustment screws are free from debris, is generally all that’s required. I’ve found that a very light application of a high-quality firearm lubricant to the threads of the adjustment screws helps maintain their smooth action. There are no complex parts to worry about, making it a low-maintenance upgrade that should last for the lifetime of the firearm, consistent with Kensight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch is sold as a primary component, and the product description indicates it comes with our standard front sight with a serrated blade. The set is sold with a 0.200″ tall blade, but the key customization offered directly by Kensight is the availability of blade heights from 0.150″ to 0.220″ upon request. This allows shooters to perfectly match the rear sight height to their chosen front sight and desired sight radius for a correct point of impact.
Beyond the adjustable blade height, the design is intentionally straightforward to ensure compatibility. It uses the industry-standard dovetail cut, meaning it will integrate seamlessly with most 1911 pistols that are already set up for this type of rear sight. While Kensight focuses on the quality of their primary sight components, the inherent design of the Bomar-style sight means it works harmoniously with a wide variety of front sight types, from standard serrated blades to fiber optic inserts, provided the height is correctly matched.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch
Pros
- Precision Adjustments: The audible clicks for windage and elevation are distinct and precise, allowing for fine-tuning and repeatability.
- Rapid Sight Acquisition: The crisp, sharp edges and the 0.140-inch wide sight notch create an excellent sight picture, facilitating quick front sight focus.
- Robust Construction: Made from 4140 chrome-moly steel and Wire-EDM machined, it offers exceptional durability and tight tolerances.
- High-Quality Materials: The use of premium materials ensures a long service life and consistent performance.
- Adaptable Blade Height: The option to request different blade heights allows for customization to match various front sight heights and pistol configurations.
Cons
- No Night Sighting Features: Unlike some modern sights, this model lacks tritium inserts or fiber optic elements for low-light conditions.
- Requires Dovetail Cut: Installation necessitates a factory or aftermarket dovetail cut on the slide, meaning it’s not a drop-in for all 1911 models without prior modification.
Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch?
This Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch is an ideal choice for competitive 1911 shooters, particularly those involved in disciplines like Bullseye, USPSA Limited, or other action shooting sports where precision and quick adjustments are paramount. It’s also an excellent upgrade for any 1911 owner who values superior sight picture clarity and the ability to fine-tune their firearm’s zero without guesswork. Individuals seeking a durable, reliable, and finely crafted adjustable target sight would benefit greatly from this component.
Conversely, this sight might not be the best fit for someone primarily seeking a self-defense pistol with integrated night sights, or for a shooter who prefers a fixed sight setup. If your 1911 slide does not already have a dovetail cut for an adjustable rear sight, the cost and complexity of milling the slide should be factored in. For those looking for an upgrade, a good quality file, a vise, and patience might suffice for minor fitting, but professional gunsmithing is recommended for a perfect installation.
Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch
The Kensight Bomar BMCS Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Sight w/ 0.140in Wide Sight Notch stands out as a superb component for any 1911 enthusiast looking to enhance their shooting experience. Its precision engineering, robust materials, and user-friendly adjustability contribute to a significant improvement in both accuracy and speed. The audible clicks and clear sight picture are genuinely transformative for target acquisition and zeroing.
Considering its premium construction and the performance benefits it offers, the price point of $100.39 represents excellent value for a sight of this caliber. It delivers on its promise of high performance, making it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters. I wholeheartedly recommend this sight to anyone looking to upgrade their 1911’s sighting system for competitive or precision shooting applications.