Hi-Viz or gold bead front sight?

[Dollar An Hour]

On SP101 for carry, is there any reason (other than looks) to choose a gold bead over a hi-viz front sight?

It seems like the Hi-Viz would be easier to see for quick follow up shots. I guess neither is any good in low light conditions.

On the Hi-Viz, is there any strong argument for red versus green, or is it strictly personal preference?

 

[Brian Williams]

I would rather a Gold bead over a Hi-Viz. The bead stays more consistant for me. Besides a Gold bead won't break.

 

[Pistol Toter]

I doubt it would make any difference. With the SP101 the longer barrel is 3 1/16"s. If the gun had a long barrel and was to be used for target or long shots then a small gold bead with the approiate rear sight would be better. If vision is not a problem yet, the smaller sights would allow much finer target sighting. IMHO there is something to said for "aim small - hit small"; for me pistol sights cover to much of a small target unless one is using a 6:00 hold to accurately place a bullet in a confined / small target. I painted the front sight on my 2 1/4" with a bright yellow model paint mixed with white and one little tiny drop of light blue made by TESTORS and it seems to do quite well. A little blue make white brighter. The HI VIZ sight seem to me to be even larger. But my SP is a carry / conceal gun so I can't imagine ever useing it beyond 20' to 30' and that would a long shot. In my younger days, I could frequently be found squirrel hunting where a small gold bead was employed to make head shots. My gun of choice was a bolt action single shot .22. If the little varmit got away he deserved to other wise he wound up on his back in a frying pan. I'm with Mr. Williams, if change is going to be go with the gold bead... P.T.

 

[SAWBONES]

Neither one can be seen in the dark.

With moderate to high ambient lighting, a Hi-Viz (especially the green one) stands out more than the gold bead, but there are times when the gold bead can be seen better than the fiber optic cylinder in fairly dim light if the bead happens to catch the light just so.

Plain black sights work fine for me on my SP101s, both of which point well enough naturally that I can probably count on hitting what I aim at even in dim light if the distance is fairly short, like 7 yards and less.

 

[KINGMAX]

Stepped ramp

How about a stepped ramp w/ Hi-Viz orange front sight - I love 'em.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Neither one can be seen in the dark.

Maybe, but how dark is too dark to be seen? If its SO dark that I can't pick up the bead, its probably too dark to identify the target and threat. If ANY ambient light exists, a gold bead will pick it up.

I've put one on all my carry pieces. Its on my wife's Hi-Power. I've stepped into the indoor range, turned all the lights off, and its picked up the littlest bit of light coming in thru cracks in the exhaust fan.

Gold beads work better than anything I've tried. Tritium, fiber-optic. I've given most everything a chance. Even Crimson Trace. I prefer beads over them.

This is only my opinion. Ultimately, you'll have to try them yourself and arrive at your own.

 

[Ala Dan]

I've always wanted a 6-1/2" Smith N' Wesson model 27 with a McGivern
Gold Bead front sight. Many years ago, they use to be a cataloged item
from the factory. uhoh: Hush Dan, you are telling your age~!)

 

[one eye joe]

Barring glow in the dark material, you will find that plain white will be visible in "dark" enviroments longer than any other color. I would go with either a white bead, or gold, which should work in any situation I would want to have to shoot in.

 

[Will Fennell]

Gold Bead

I've found that Doomed gold beads work best for me.......I've broken too many fiber optic rods for me to trust one on a carrygun. I carry 1911's, and I prefer a black ramp front with raised, doomed gold bead.....and CTC lasergrips the best.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Gold Bead

I think the Gold Bead is the way to go for durability, function and classic coolness. Here's a picture of a Kings Super Police Night Sight gold bead on my S&W 1905 4th change .32-20 WCF.