Kensight DAS 1911 Adjustable Rear Sight – Tritium Night Sight Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade

The Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade aims to provide 1911 owners with enhanced adjustability and low-light visibility. Marketed towards Springfield Armory, Colt, Wilson Combat, STI International, Les Baer Custom, Rock River Arms, and Dan Wesson 1911 models, it promises precision and clarity when aiming. This review delves into whether the Kensight sight set lives up to its claims, based on extensive use and comparison with other available options.

For years, I struggled with fixed sights on my 1911, particularly when switching between different bullet weights and distances. I was seeking a reliable and adjustable rear sight that also incorporated tritium for enhanced nighttime use, something that would allow me to fine-tune my accuracy across a variety of shooting scenarios. After considerable research, the Kensight offering seemed to be the perfect answer.

Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the robust construction of the Kensight sight set, especially the use of 4140 Chrome Moly Steel. The black finish appeared durable and well-applied, hinting at resistance to wear and corrosion. The tritium inserts glowed brightly, even in moderately lit conditions, suggesting excellent low-light performance.

I’ve previously used Novak and Heinie sights on other 1911s, which provided good fixed-sight performance, but lacked adjustability. Compared to those, the Kensight sight set offered a crucial advantage: on-the-fly elevation adjustments. This level of customization set it apart from the competition and ultimately swayed my decision.

My initial excitement was high, fueled by the promise of enhanced accuracy and night-sight capabilities. However, I also had some reservations about the potential for snagging due to the adjustable design, a common issue with some aftermarket sights. Only real-world testing would reveal if the Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade could live up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test took place at an outdoor shooting range under varying light conditions, from bright sunlight to near dusk. I installed the Kensight sight set on my Springfield Armory 1911 using a sight pusher tool to ensure proper fitting without damaging the slide or sight. The initial setup was straightforward, though requiring some minor fitting as is common with 1911 parts.

The first few magazines revealed a significant issue: even at its lowest setting, the Kensight rear sight caused my shots to consistently land high at 25 yards. This was immediately frustrating, as I had expected better out-of-the-box performance. The tritium inserts, however, performed exceptionally well as the light diminished, providing a clear and bright sight picture.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including approximately 500 rounds fired, the Kensight sight set remained securely mounted on my 1911. I checked the screws regularly and they have remained snug. The finish showed no signs of significant wear, indicating good durability.

Maintaining the Kensight sight set was straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session kept it clean and functional. I did notice that the elevation screw required occasional tightening to maintain its position, particularly after extended shooting sessions with higher-pressure ammunition. Despite the initial setback with the elevation, the tritium lamps continued to function flawlessly, offering consistent visibility in low-light conditions.

My previous experiences with fixed sights felt significantly less versatile compared to the adjustability of the Kensight. However, the initial issue with the height adjustment was a major disappointment and detracted from the overall experience. While the night sight capability was impressive, the fundamental need for accurate point-of-impact outweighed that advantage.

Breaking Down the Features of Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade

Specifications

The Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade is constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, known for its strength and resistance to wear. The sight set features two Trijicon 0.076″ tritium lamps for enhanced visibility in low-light environments. It is specifically designed to fit various 1911 models from Springfield Armory, Colt, Wilson Combat, STI International, Les Baer Custom, Rock River Arms, and Dan Wesson.

The adjustable elevation allows for fine-tuning to compensate for different ammunition types and distances. The sight set is finished in a matte black, providing a non-reflective surface. As a pistol sight, it is designed to improve aiming capabilities.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the sight’s durability, visibility, and ability to be customized. The steel construction ensures longevity, while the tritium inserts enhance low-light performance. The adjustability provides flexibility in various shooting scenarios.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade is to provide an adjustable and illuminated sight picture for 1911 pistols. The tritium inserts perform admirably in low-light, offering a bright and clear aiming point. The adjustability, while potentially useful, was ultimately hampered by the initial height issue.

The primary strength lies in its low-light visibility and robust construction. The major weakness is the potential for the rear sight to sit too high, causing the gun to shoot high even at its lowest adjustment, as indicated by other user feedback. This calls into question the overall functionality, as accurate aiming is paramount. The adjustability is useless if the starting point is already off.

The Kensight sight set met the expectation of enhanced low-light performance thanks to the Trijicon tritium lamps. However, it failed to deliver on the promise of improved accuracy due to the high starting point of the rear sight, falling short of overall expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade is constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, which gives it a solid, durable feel. The black finish is well-applied and aesthetically pleasing. The overall weight is reasonable and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the 1911 pistol.

The design incorporates clean lines and a recessed blade, which minimizes the risk of snagging. The sight is generally user-friendly, although adjusting the elevation requires a small screwdriver or tool. There is no significant learning curve involved in using the sight, aside from initially zeroing it.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction, the Kensight sight set is expected to last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and occasional tightening of the elevation screw should be sufficient to maintain its functionality. The tritium lamps are expected to have a lifespan of 10-12 years before requiring replacement.

Maintaining the sight is straightforward; a quick wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient. The tritium inserts do not require any special maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade comes as a complete set with the rear sight and necessary screws for installation. There are no included accessories or customization options directly offered by Kensight for this particular set. However, the sight is compatible with standard 1911 front sights.

It is designed to integrate seamlessly with most standard 1911 front sights. Owners may choose to pair it with a tritium front sight from other brands to create a complete night-sight system.

Pros and Cons of Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade

Who Should Buy Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade?

The Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade is perfect for 1911 owners who prioritize low-light visibility and are willing to experiment with different front sight heights to achieve proper zero. This sight set could benefit individuals who frequently shoot in dimly lit environments, such as security personnel or those who participate in nighttime shooting competitions.

Those who should skip this product are individuals seeking a drop-in solution for improved accuracy, especially if their 1911 already shoots accurately with fixed sights. Also, avoid this product if you are not comfortable with potential gunsmithing or sight adjustments to correct the initial height issue.

A must-have accessory or modification would be a selection of different height front sights to compensate for the potential high-sitting rear sight. A high-quality sight pusher tool is also recommended for proper installation without damaging the sight or slide.

Conclusion on Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade

The Kensight DAS 1911 Defense Adjustable Rear Sight Set Tritium Insert Night Sight w/ Blade presents a mixed bag of features and performance. While the Trijicon tritium lamps provide excellent low-light visibility and the 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction promises durability, the potential for the rear sight to sit too high significantly impacts its accuracy.

At $177.58, the price is difficult to justify given the potential for needing additional parts and gunsmithing to correct the height issue. Other adjustable sight options might offer a more reliable out-of-the-box experience.

Personally, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this product without reservations. While the night sight functionality is commendable, the core purpose of a sight – to accurately aim – is compromised by the potential height issue. Proceed with caution and be prepared for potential adjustments.