[Grayrock]

Is it worth it to install nite sites yourself (or have it done) versus buying a pistol with factory nite sites already on it? I am thinking of a Taurus Millenium Pro .45ACP. The nite site version is not yet available. Should I wait for it or get what I can now, and put them on after-market? What can I expect in cost and performance versus factory?

[Graystar]

If you buy now and put the sights on now, you'll have something that no one else has. :D You'll also be able to pick which night sights you want on there, as there are a few designs to choose from, such as Trijicon 3 dot or Heinie Straight Eight.

Personally, I think night sights are a waste of money for personal defense use. I can see how LEOs would need them, but not an ordinary citizen. If you're in an area that is so dark that you can't even see your gun, how can you see the perp? And if you're in complete darkness, and the perp is in a lit area, how can you be in imminent danger? Kinda makes it hard to justify pulling the trigger.

Well, like I said, that just my personal feelings on it.

[E357]

As a civilian - out and about in the dark. If you actually have time to draw, raise the weapon, acquire the little sights and acquire the target - you adversary is holding a plastic gun.

I'm not against sights of any kind - the're great at the range. But don't count on them - Learn to point and shoot at close range.


Elliot

[boing]

If you wait for the factory sights, it'll probably be cheaper.

But, you might not like the sights that the factory chooses, and they may not be of the same quality as a tried and true aftermarket brand like Meps or Trijicon.

[Onslaught]

I'd get the pistol now, and have the sights put on by a gunsmith when you're $$$ ready.

I've bought pistols a couple times with factory night sights.
HK USP45 + factory Mepros = :D
Kahr K40 + factory no-names = :(
(Yes, Kahr does claim Mepros as OEM, but they have their "own brand" too that comes on some.... The quality ain't there. If you get the "front sight only" option, chances are, it's a Kahr sight, not a Mepro.

Personally, I'm very fond of XS Systems standard dot sights, which you can't get from the factory anyway.

As for the effectiveness of night sights, all I know is that they are more effective than standard sights in lower light environments when shooting at targets :D That's good enough for me. For my use, they're just like having a red-dot sight on my AR... I don't have to "look" for my sights, they're just there.

[10-Ring]

Over the years, I've gone in phases...right now, I'm in "get'em" phase & can see the usefullness. I'm into my 5th set of Trijicons & I'm very satisfied w/ them :) I had mine installed by someone who knew what he was doing & had he right tools to do the job right.