Strike Industries U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight Review

My Real Take on the Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight

The Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight offers a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive aftermarket sights. Strike Industries aims to provide a durable and functional option for those looking to upgrade or replace their pistol’s sights without breaking the bank. I was intrigued by the promise of enhanced sight alignment and glare reduction at such an accessible price point.

My primary motivation for seeking out these sights stemmed from a persistent accuracy issue with the factory sights on my Glock 19. The factory sights felt vague and indistinct, hindering my ability to consistently achieve tight groupings at the range. I needed a set of sights that offered improved clarity and a more defined sight picture, specifically something that wouldn’t wash out in bright daylight.

Upon unboxing, the Strike Industries sights felt surprisingly solid, given their price. The SUS630 hardened stainless steel construction gave them a reassuring weight and suggested a reasonable level of durability. The black finish was consistent and seemed well-applied. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; they appeared to be a well-made product for the money.

I considered several other budget-friendly iron sight options, including offerings from TruGlo and AmeriGlo. Ultimately, I chose the Strike Industries sights based on their unique U-notch design and the promise of glare-reducing steps on the rear sight. The positive user feedback regarding ease of installation also played a crucial role in my decision.

Initially, I was excited by the potential of these sights to improve my shooting accuracy. However, I was also slightly skeptical, given the mixed reviews I had encountered online regarding fitment issues. The price was right, so I decided to try them out.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny with a clear sky, perfect for assessing the glare reduction features. I shot approximately 200 rounds through my Glock 19 at distances ranging from 7 to 25 yards.

The sights performed reasonably well in the bright conditions. The glare-reducing steps on the rear sight did seem to help minimize reflections, though not completely eliminate them. The U-notch design provided a wider field of view compared to traditional notch sights, which I found beneficial for target acquisition. I initially experienced some difficulty centering the front sight within the U-notch consistently, which affected my accuracy at longer distances.

After the first range session, I noticed that the front sight had developed a slight wobble. I was surprised and concerned given the short duration of the use. I also noticed the finish on the front sight was starting to wear.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, encompassing approximately 1000 rounds fired, the durability of the Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight became a concern. The wobble in the front sight persisted and worsened over time. This made it difficult to maintain a consistent sight picture and negatively impacted my accuracy.

The black finish on both the front and rear sights showed noticeable wear, particularly around the edges and corners. Despite regular cleaning and lubrication, I also observed some minor surface rust developing on the rear sight.

In comparison to my previous experience with higher-end sights from brands like Trijicon, the Strike Industries sights fell short in terms of overall durability and reliability. While they offered a reasonable level of performance initially, their long-term durability was questionable.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight

Specifications

The Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight is constructed from SUS630 hardened stainless steel, finished in black. Its design incorporates a U-notch rear sight and a standard-height front sight for compatibility with most Glock models and other pistols with similar sight profiles.
The sights are designed for pistol platforms, offering a more robust aiming solution. The total weight of the set is approximately 0.2 ounces, which is very lightweight and shouldn’t negatively affect pistol balance. The light weight of the sight is a great advantage.

These specifications are important because they influence the sight’s durability, weight, and compatibility with different pistol models. The stainless steel construction ensures resistance to corrosion and wear. At the same time, the standard height allows for co-witnessing with certain red dot optics.

Performance & Functionality

The Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight performs adequately for basic target shooting and self-defense purposes. The U-notch rear sight offers a wider field of view for quicker target acquisition.
However, the sight’s accuracy can be affected by the potential for inconsistent sight alignment within the U-notch and the possibility of the front sight loosening over time. The inconsistent alignment hurts the product’s overall value.

One of the main strengths is the affordable price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious shooters. A significant weakness is the questionable long-term durability and potential for fitment issues, as reported by some users. These sights meet basic expectations for a budget-friendly sight option, but they do not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight features a simple, utilitarian design. The black finish provides a low-profile appearance and helps to reduce glare.
The weight is minimal and doesn’t negatively impact the balance of the pistol. The low weight and minimalistic design are the product’s strong suit.

These sights are reasonably user-friendly, although the U-notch design may require some familiarization for shooters accustomed to traditional notch sights. Installation can be challenging, as some users have reported needing to file down the front sight base for a proper fit.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight is a significant concern, based on my testing and user reports. The stainless steel construction provides some resistance to corrosion, but the finish is prone to wear, and the front sight can become loose over time.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication to prevent rust and maintain functionality. However, the potential need for frequent tightening of the front sight can be inconvenient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight does not come with any included accessories. The front sight can be painted to the user’s color preference, allowing for some customization.
While these sights are compatible with standard Glock dovetail cuts, there are limited customization options beyond painting the front sight. It is great that the front sight is paintable.

Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight

Who Should Buy Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight?

The Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight is perfect for budget-conscious shooters looking for a basic sight upgrade for their pistol. It would be great for recreational target shooters or those seeking an inexpensive backup sight option.

This product should be skipped by those who prioritize long-term durability and reliability above all else. Anyone who needs precision performance or relies on their firearm for professional use should also avoid this product.

A must-have modification would be using a thread locker on the front sight screw to prevent loosening. A higher-quality finish could also extend the life of the sight.

Conclusion on Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight

The Strike Industries Standard Height U-Notch Iron Pistol Sight offers an affordable entry point into aftermarket pistol sights. Its U-notch design and lightweight construction provide some benefits for target acquisition and overall handling. However, the questionable long-term durability and potential for fitment issues are significant drawbacks.

The low price is justified by the materials and construction, but the cost savings come at the expense of long-term reliability. I would personally recommend these sights for casual shooters on a tight budget. But, I strongly advise investing in a higher-quality option for serious applications.

Consider your needs and priorities carefully. If you need a durable and reliable sight for self-defense or professional use, spend more money. If you just need a budget-friendly option for occasional range trips, then take a chance.