Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set Review

One Week with the Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set

My quest for improved accuracy and low-light performance on my beloved 1911 led me directly to the Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set. This wasn’t a casual upgrade; it stemmed from a specific frustration during a late-afternoon range session. As the light faded, my ability to acquire a precise sight picture diminished, and I knew it was time for a serious upgrade. While many affordable options exist, the reputation of Kensight for precision machining and their Bomar-style design, known for its adjustability, made this set a compelling choice.

Initial impressions upon unboxing were positive. The weight and feel of the steel were immediately apparent, suggesting a robust and durable component. The beveled blade design and the prominent white outline around the tritium insert hinted at practical functionality. I had briefly considered a simple three-dot night sight setup from a less specialized manufacturer, but the promise of precise, tool-less adjustments on the Kensight model swayed my decision. A sense of anticipation, mixed with the practical satisfaction of having a solution to my light-dependent accuracy problem, settled in.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set to the Test

My primary testing ground for this rear sight was my local indoor range, a controlled environment where lighting conditions can be manipulated. I also conducted some dry-fire practice at home in various low-light scenarios, from twilight to near-total darkness. The sight’s performance was immediately noticeable, even before live fire. The larger white outline on the front sight (paired with this rear) provided a much better visual cue than my previous sights.

The real magic happened during live fire. The elevation and windage adjustments, using the micro-adjustments, were incredibly precise. I found myself making minute corrections that significantly tightened my groupings. Even with repeated firing and the natural recoil of a .45 ACP, the adjustments held firm. There was a slight learning curve in understanding the exact clicks for my desired adjustments, but this was quickly overcome with a few test shots.

Extended use over several weeks confirmed the initial positive impressions. The Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set proved to be exceptionally durable. The 4140 chrome-moly steel construction has resisted any noticeable wear or tear, even with consistent use at the range and regular handling. Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth and a touch of gun oil is all that’s needed to keep it looking and functioning optimally.

Compared to the basic factory sights I had previously, this upgrade is night and day. While budget three-dot sights offer a basic illumination, they lack the adjustability and the robust build quality of this Kensight set. I haven’t experienced any of the common issues like tritium fading prematurely or adjustment screws becoming loose.

Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set

The specifications of this rear sight are geared towards serious shooters who demand precision and reliability. The core of this set is its adjustable target rear sight, allowing for fine-tuning of both elevation and windage. This is crucial for any shooter looking to optimize their firearm’s accuracy for specific ammunition or shooting disciplines.

The integration of a Trijicon tritium insert is a significant feature, providing a reliable and self-powered illumination source for low-light conditions. These inserts are known for their long lifespan, typically glowing for 12 years or more. The contrast provided by the white outline around the tritium further aids in rapid sight acquisition.

The 0.076″ Trijicon tritium inserts are available in either Green or Yellow, with a white outline. This choice allows shooters to select a color that best suits their personal preference and shooting environment. Many experienced instructors advocate for contrasting rear sight colors, like yellow or green, believing it can shave precious fractions of a second off target acquisition times, especially in high-stress situations.

The rear sight blade itself is a lighter, wire-EDM cut from a solid bar of 4140 chrome-moly steel. This manufacturing process ensures high precision and a smooth finish. The ProGlo tritium night sight on the front, often paired with this rear, comes with a 0.118” wide blade and a contoured base. This contoured base is designed to create a uniform fit with the round-top slide and the sight’s dovetail.

Compatibility is key for any aftermarket part, and this sight set is designed to fit standard Novak type front sight dovetail cuts. These cuts typically measure 0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″ and are commonly found on both custom and factory 1911 pistols. This ensures a relatively straightforward installation process for most 1911 owners.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Kensight
• Gun Make: 1911 Platform
• Gun Model: 1911
• Color: Black
• Fabric/Material: 4140 Chrome Moly Steel
• Gun Type: Pistol
• Illumination Type: Tritium (Green or Yellow inserts with white outline)
• Mount Type: Dovetail
• Rear Sight Blade Material: Wire-EDM cut 4140 Chrome Moly Steel
• Tritium Insert Size: 0.076″ (rear), 0.118″ (front ProGlo blade width)
• Dovetail Cut Compatibility: Standard Novak type (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″)

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits for the shooter. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel offers exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, essential for a firearm component that might be exposed to the elements. The Tritium illumination provides a constant, reliable aiming point in any light condition, removing a common variable that affects accuracy.

The adjustable target design is where this sight truly shines for precision shooting. It allows for micro-adjustments that can compensate for ammunition variations or minor manufacturing tolerances in the firearm itself. This level of control is often missing in fixed sights, making this set ideal for competitive shooters or anyone striving for the absolute best accuracy from their 1911.

The compatibility with Novak type dovetail cuts is a critical specification for ease of installation. This standard ensures that most 1911 owners can have these sights fitted with minimal modification, saving time and potential gunsmithing costs. The beveled blade design also contributes to a cleaner sight picture, reducing glare and improving focus on the front sight.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set is to provide a precise and reliable aiming solution for 1911 pistols, particularly in low-light conditions. In this regard, it excels. The adjustability allows for a level of accuracy tuning that fixed sights simply cannot match. I found that after zeroing, the sight held its adjustments perfectly through multiple shooting sessions.

A significant strength is the contrast between the white outline and the tritium vial. This provides a clear aiming point that is visible in bright daylight and also glows effectively in darkness. The contrasting colors, especially when paired with a brightly colored front sight, allow for very quick sight acquisition, a critical factor in dynamic shooting scenarios or self-defense situations. The beveled blade itself is designed to minimize light reflection, further enhancing sight picture clarity.

The main weakness, if it can be called that, is the potential complexity for a novice. While the adjustments are precise, understanding how much each click affects the point of impact requires some experimentation and knowledge of ballistics. For a shooter who just wants “set it and forget it” sights, this level of adjustability might be overkill. However, for those who value precision and the ability to fine-tune their firearm, this is its greatest strength.

Overall, this sight set meets and exceeds expectations for a precision target sight with night sight capabilities. It delivers on its promise of accuracy and low-light performance, making it a worthy upgrade for any serious 1911 shooter.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this rear sight set is immediately apparent. The 4140 chrome-moly steel feels substantial and well-machined, with no sharp edges or rough finishes. The black oxide finish is durable and provides a non-reflective surface, which is ideal for a sight.

Ergonomically, the design is functional and intuitive for its intended purpose. The knurled adjustment knobs are easy to grip and turn, even with slightly sweaty fingers. The clear markings on the knobs make it easy to track adjustments. The beveled blade design is not just about aesthetics; it also contributes to a cleaner sight picture by reducing glare and preventing the blade from catching on clothing or gear.

The contoured base is a subtle but important design feature. It ensures a flush fit with the contoured slides often found on 1911s, leading to a clean installation that requires minimal filing. This attention to detail in the design minimizes potential fitting issues and enhances the overall professional appearance of the installed sight.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set is built to last. The solid steel construction is inherently robust and resistant to impacts and stresses associated with firearm use. I have no doubt that this sight will outlast many other components on the pistol.

Maintenance is minimal. A light application of lubricant to the adjustment screw threads occasionally, and regular cleaning of the exterior surfaces, are all that is needed. The Trijicon tritium inserts are sealed and require no maintenance; their lifespan is determined by their manufacturing.

A potential point of concern, though not experienced by me, could be the delicate nature of the tritium vials themselves if subjected to extreme shock or impact. However, for normal use and even robust handling, they are quite resilient. The precision nature of the adjustment mechanism means that excessive force should always be avoided during manipulation.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product is a rear sight set. It is typically purchased to replace existing sights or as part of a new build. Therefore, the primary “accessory” is the front night sight that is usually paired with it to create a complete night sight system. Kensight offers compatible ProGlo tritium front sights designed to match the rear sight’s aesthetics and functionality.

Beyond that, the customization options are inherent in the adjustable nature of the sight itself. The ability to precisely adjust windage and elevation allows the shooter to customize the point of impact to their specific ammunition and firearm. This is the true customization Kensight offers here: the ability to fine-tune.

While Kensight offers specific front sights, this rear sight is designed to fit standard Novak type dovetail cuts. This means it can potentially be installed on a wide range of 1911 pistols that feature this common sight cut. The beauty of this system lies in its self-contained precision and the ability to achieve a custom fit without needing complex machining for each individual pistol.

Pros and Cons of Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set

Who Should Buy Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set?

This sight set is ideal for the serious 1911 pistol owner who prioritizes accuracy and demands reliable performance in all lighting conditions. It is particularly suited for competitive shooters participating in disciplines like bullseye, USPSA, or IDPA, where precision aiming is paramount. Enthusiasts who frequently shoot in low-light environments, such as during dusk or in indoor ranges with adjustable lighting, will also benefit immensely.

Anyone looking to upgrade from basic factory sights to a more refined and adaptable aiming system should strongly consider this option. If you are someone who appreciates the ability to fine-tune your firearm for optimal performance, this adjustable rear sight is for you. Those who need a no-nonsense, highly reliable aiming solution for self-defense applications would also find this sight set to be an excellent choice, provided they are willing to invest in a paired front night sight.

Shooters who are looking for the absolute most basic, least expensive sight upgrade, or those who are not interested in making sight adjustments, might want to look at simpler alternatives. Additionally, individuals who will not be pairing this with a quality front night sight will not fully experience the benefits of this rear sight. A high-quality tritium front sight from Kensight or a reputable brand that matches the Novak dovetail cut is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set

The Kensight Bomar BMCS Beveled Blade Adjustable Target 1911 Rear Night Sight Set is, without a doubt, an exceptional piece of engineering for the discerning 1911 shooter. Its blend of robust 4140 chrome-moly steel construction, precise Trijicon tritium illumination, and highly functional adjustable target design sets it apart. The ability to fine-tune your aim with micro-adjustments is a game-changer for those seeking peak accuracy.

Considering its performance, durability, and the advanced features it offers, the price point, while premium, is justified. This isn’t just a visual upgrade; it’s a functional enhancement that directly translates to improved shooting performance. For anyone serious about their 1911’s accuracy and their ability to shoot effectively in any light, this sight set is a highly recommended investment. It’s a component that will elevate your shooting experience and provide reliable service for years to come.