If you are a new pistol owner who has trouble shooting tight groups on target or struggles to see the rear and front sights at the same time when shooting, don’t despair. You have many sight upgrade options that could help you overcome those problems, ranging from fiber-optic and tritium replacement sights to red dot sights.
But before you proceed, you need to know the full details of the handgun (revolver or semi auto pistol) on which you wish to install new sights. Look carefully through the manufacturer’s product information brochure or operating manual. You need to know the exact model of gun you have. You also need to know the year in which the gun was made. A search on the manufacturer’s website will yield additional details. If needed, call the customer service center. These are important steps because manufacturers can change grips, frame sizes, and other parts from year to year, and those changes will determine what sights you can—or cannot—install on the handgun you wish to upgrade.
Some pistols, such as Springfield Armory's Hellcat compact pistol, permit the owner to change front and rear sights or add a red-dot sight into a slot-cutout feature atop the slide. Springfield Armory also has released upgraded slides for some pistol models, and the new slides have those optics slots cut into the top. Other pistols, such as Ruger's Security-9, have built-in rails under the muzzle and ahead of the trigger guard that will permit installation of various lights and some laser sights. Many compact pistols with polymer slides have permanent molded sights. In this case, optional sights are not an option.
A final consideration: What is the primary purpose of the handgun? Concealed carry? Plinking? Competition? Each category will require different sights.
Understand the Details
Once you have the precise handgun model information and have determined the gun's primary purpose, your hunt for new sights can begin. Now is the time to look at your options and set a price you are willing to pay. You must also determine if you can install the sights yourself or if you will need to visit a gunsmith. Look at the handgun’s current sights. Are the sights pressed into a groove on the top of the slide or barrel and frame, or are the sights held in place by a screw. For pressed-in sights, you may need to use a special clamp-like sight-press tool to remove and install the new sights—or visit a gunsmith.
Installing new sights could also possibly change the profile of your handgun, which would require the purchase of a new holster. If you will be carrying concealed, determine if a new sight could snag on clothing and make drawing the firearm more difficult—or impossible. Consulting a knowledgeable dealer is time well-spent.
Glowing Sight Options
Two very common options are fiber-optic and tritium sights. These sights are often affordable, and most models do not change the profile of the handgun.
Fiber-optic sights are available in various styles and colors (red and green are the most common). You place the glowing front sight between the two dots—or atop the single post—normally seen on the rear sight. This permits quick alignment of the three dots (sights) for shooting. Fiber-optic sights use small tubes containing fibers to gather available light and are definitely more visible in many low-light conditions than most standard sights. These sights actually seem to glow as you aim because the fibers gather and transfer available light.
Tritium sights generally provide two rear white dots and one larger front white dot on the back of the front sight post. Those dots of radioluminescent tritium glow in total darkness. Many standard LE (law enforcement) pistols use these sights to aid sight alignment. The downside is these sights diminish over time and can be void after about 12 years. Tru-Glo and XS Sights are manufacturers through which you can further research these types of sights.
A More Technical Sight Option
When considering upgrading the sights on a handgun, some owners consider red-dots and lasers. In recent years, technological advances have created this high-tech group of sights for pistols, revolvers, and handguns of all types. These battery-powered sights tend to cost more—most start at $250—and often drastically change the profile of the handgun, requiring the purchase of a new holster. Users must also become proficient at adjusting the red dot (dimming or brightening), aligning laser sights, and changing the batteries.
Red-dot sights for handguns, for example, let the user see a small red dot, or circle, inside a small screen derived from fighter jet technology to aid with aiming. Many of these are small, easy to use, and easy to install.
Laser sights—generally red or green light dots projected onto the target—are typically installed on the handgun’s grip or on the firearm’s accessory attachment rail. Red and green lasers can be easily seen in darkness, but some handgun owners like the green laser sight because it is often visible in daylight. Green laser sights do generally cost more than similar red laser sight models and can use battery power faster.
Once installed, pressure from your standard handgun grip will press a small button to activate the laser sight on some models. On others, you will need to press a button or pad to activate the laser. You will need to practice this so activation of the laser becomes instinctive. If you are color blind, red or green laser sights may not be your best choice.
Conclusion
Installing new sights on your handgun definitely can aid with target acquisition, especially in dim-light situations. But they don’t guarantee accurate shots all by themselves. That’s on you, and the solution is range time. Please remember always to obey the rules of gun safety.
FAQs
Q: How much do new pistol sights cost?
A: Most fiber-optic and tritium sight sets start at $100. The prices of red-dot and laser sights generally start at $250 but, depending on the exact model, can cost considerably more.
Q: What about batteries for laser sights and red-dots?
A: Most laser and red-dot sights use standard, readily available wafer-style or smaller pencil-eraser-sized batteries. Carefully research the required batteries before buying a laser sight. Some models use batteries that are available only from the manufacturer.
Q: If the handgun profile changes with new sights installed, where would I find a holster?
A: Reputable holster manufacturers—such as Blackhawk, CrossBreed, Galco, and 1791 Gunleather—make some standard holsters that could hold the handgun with new sights installed. You should visit a gun shop and try various models to determine the best fit. Select a holster that securely holds the handgun and permits easy drawing. Adjustable polymer holsters and flexible Cordura holsters seem to meet the needs of many holster shoppers who have installed new sights on a handgun.
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