Fiber Optics vs. Night Sights: Shooter OVER 50

[Gary H]

Old folks have issues with seeing near and far at the same time. Truth is, none of us can do this, but young ones simply rapidly move their focus between the two distances. So, seeing those front sights becomes a real issue. The ideal solution is to use a lens on the strong side eye that allows you to see your front sights, but it helps to have readily visible front sights. Voila.. a good fiber optic sight is a welcome sight.. pun intended. Shot my first night shoot with my fiber optic gun. I discovered that without my flashlight, I couldn't see the target. In slightly greater illumination I could see the outlines of the target and of my sights. So, the flashlight is a must in order to I.D. the target, but it wasn't clear to me that I should have brought one of my guns with night sights. Now, during anything but no moon, the fiber optics seem to be somewhat to very visible. During the day, or dusk they are great. I'm beginning to think that the fiber optics are a better all around front sight. Nights on the back might be a plus. Why night sights?

 

[Cawdor]

A fiber optic sight needs light to be seen. A night sight does not. If you are shooting from an area with low light, it will be easier to pick up the night sight because it glows in the dark.

One of my revolvers has a fiber optic sight. In low light, it is no better than any other sight. In the same light, I have no problem seeing a night sight.

 

[Gary H]

I understand that, but you also need to see the target. When your flashlight is on, the night sight doesn't help.

 

[dw58]

Tru Glo has come out with sights that have both. The sights have fiber optics with tritium at the end of the tube for low light conditions. Tru Glo is shipping the Glock sights in small numbers. I have some coming next week to see how they perform. I currently have identical IDPA guns setup with different sights; one for out-of-doors ( Dawson fiber optic) and one for indoors (Mepro night sights).

Tru Glo: http://www.truglo.com/content/products/firearm/handgun_sights/tritium_fiber_optic.asp

 

[Gary H]

Let us know how they work.

 

[dw58]

I installed the TruGlo fiber optic/tritium sights on one of my Glock 19's. The rear sight had to be filed to fit the dovetail, TruGlo says that this will be fixed in the next batch. The front sight fit tight, looks good (standard hex front screw attachment). The two rear tubes are brighter than the front sight. I considered covering the rear light tubes to cut the brightness, but after using the sights at an outdoor range, I found that I liked the sights the way they are. I also tried the sights indoors and also liked them.

Overall, I find that the sights are a good combination.

 

[gyp_c2]

Yup...

Having older eyes definately makes a difference to me... I switched to a FO about 3 years ago and it improved my shooting handguns quite a bit...It works great with a flashlight as well...If I can't see something well enough to make a proper ID, I won't shoot...but, if I can, it sure makes it easier with a little green FO sitting on the target. I certainly see the military use for the night sights, but I don't have the same needs...
Anyone that hasn't tried FO for awhile...should.
They are better and brighter with great sights available from many sources.
The best re-fills I've tried came from Brazos...I think they come in several sizes to fit different apps...Good Luck...

g2

I really like that idea of both in a single set-up...I just can't justify the change right now...Maybe on the next hot-rod though?

 

[355sigfan]

I understand that, but you also need to see the target. When your flashlight is on, the night sight doesn't help.

END QUOTE

Actually the flashlight is for target identification. If you can see your target you don't need the light. Having set up and shot many night shoots, I can testify to the fact that there are a lot of lighting conditions where you can see the target but not conventional sights. This is where nightsights have merrit and earn their keep. They are also easier to see and faster to pick up in conditions where you can see standard sights but due to lighting conditions they are difficult to see. Night sights are a must on a defensive pistol. Now for hunting, plinking and all other non self defense handgun uses I love fiber optic sights.
Pat

 

[Gary H]

355sigfan:

OK, given that you can still make out the target and you can I.D. the target, you don't need a flashlight. Are you saying that you have encountered these conditions where you can't makeout the silhouette of your front sight? I ask this, because the fiber optics adds big time to my ability to see the front sight in anything but horrible light. If you have conditions where you can make out the target, but not the silhouette of your front sight, then we are done with this discussion. We need night sights for a defensive gun.

 

[355sigfan]

Are you saying that you have encountered these conditions where you can't makeout the silhouette of your front sight?
END QUOTE

Yes I have usually due to lighting around the target and not around the shooter such as when building clearing. I like fiber optics as well but at this time they can not replace night sights in my opinion.
Pat

 

[Gary H]

Understood.. Thanks

 

[dw58]

355sigfan,

The new TruGlo fiber optic/tritium sights act as normal night sights in a low light/no light conditions. I find that the new sights are a very good combination.