HiViz S&W 617 Front Night Sight Review

The Real Deal Behind the HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight

The HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight promises to enhance the accuracy and visibility of your Smith & Wesson 617 revolver. This fiber optic sight, manufactured by HiViz, is designed to improve target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions. Its ease of installation and bright green replacement sight aim to provide a significant upgrade to your wheel gun experience.

My journey to this sight began with a frustrating day at the range. My aging eyes struggled to consistently acquire a clear sight picture with the factory front sight on my beloved S&W 617. Accuracy suffered, and the joy of shooting diminished. I needed a solution that provided enhanced visibility without breaking the bank.

Upon unboxing the HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The resin overmolding felt robust and the bright green fiber optic “LitePipe” popped with vibrant color. The sight felt lightweight yet durable, a welcome characteristic for a revolver sight.

I considered other options like tritium sights, but the HiViz sight’s reliance on ambient light and its affordability were significant factors in my decision. Compared to similar fiber optic sights from TruGlo, I preferred HiViz’s reputation for durability and the specific design tailored for the S&W 617. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this sight would restore my confidence and accuracy.

Real-World Testing: Putting HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test took place at an outdoor shooting range on a partly cloudy day. The installation, as advertised, was surprisingly easy. The green LitePipe immediately stood out against the target.

Even with varying light conditions due to the cloud cover, the fiber optic sight provided a consistently bright and clear focal point. The enhanced visibility allowed for quicker target acquisition and noticeably improved my groupings. There were no initial issues, and I was immediately impressed with the improvement.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. There are no signs of wear and tear on the resin overmolding or the LitePipe. The sight remains securely mounted to the revolver.

Cleaning is simple, requiring just a quick wipe with a soft cloth. Compared to my previous shooting experiences with the factory sight, the HiViz sight offers a dramatically improved shooting experience. It instills confidence, especially when transitioning between brightly lit and dimly lit environments. This upgrade has exceeded my expectations for a front sight at this price point.

Breaking Down the Features of HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight

Specifications

• The HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight is specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson Model 617 L-Frame Revolver. This ensures a precise fit and optimal performance.
• The finish is matte, which reduces glare and provides a non-reflective surface. This enhances visibility and minimizes distractions during aiming.
• The installed sight height is .165 inches. This ensures compatibility with the existing rear sight and maintains proper sight alignment.
• The sight features a bright green LitePipe for enhanced visibility. The vibrant color is easily seen in various lighting conditions, facilitating quick target acquisition.
• It utilizes a resin overmolding, which protects the fiber optic element and enhances durability. This makes the sight resistant to impacts and environmental factors.

Performance & Functionality

The HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight significantly improves target acquisition and accuracy. The bright green LitePipe makes it easy to focus on the front sight. This enhanced visibility results in tighter groupings, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. However, it is important to remember it relies on ambient light, so in complete darkness, it won’t be visible without an external light source. It definitely meets and, in many cases, exceeds expectations for a simple but effective upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight is designed to be holster-friendly. Its streamlined profile minimizes snagging. The resin overmolding provides a comfortable and secure feel.

The installation process is straightforward. Therefore, most users will find it easy to replace the factory sight without professional assistance.

Durability & Maintenance

The HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight is built to last. The resin overmolding provides excellent protection against impacts and scratches. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth.

Given its construction and materials, this sight should provide years of reliable service. Therefore, making it a worthwhile investment for any S&W 617 owner.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight comes as a standalone replacement front sight. No additional accessories are included in the package. There aren’t customization options directly related to the sight itself, such as interchangeable LitePipe colors.

However, the sight is compatible with most standard holsters designed for the S&W 617. The sight will enhance the overall shooting experience without limiting holster choices.

Pros and Cons of HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight

Pros

• Dramatically improves target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
• Easy to install, requiring no specialized tools or gunsmithing.
• Durable resin overmolding protects the fiber optic element.
• Affordable upgrade compared to tritium or electronic sights.
• Enhances the appearance of the firearm.

Cons

• Relies on ambient light; not effective in complete darkness.
• LitePipe color is fixed (green); no interchangeable color options.

Who Should Buy HiViz Illuminated S&W 617 Front Night Sight?