Thinking of adding XS Big Dot on Hi Power...Aging eyes

[Orion8472]

So, with my fairly aging eyes, I am thinking I may need a new setup. I'm thinking about going with the XS Big Dots [the smaller front sight] and was wondering how people like them. . . . and [more importantly] how those with "aging eyes" are doing with them.

If you have a better suggestions [for fairly aging eyes], please post an image or like to an image. Thanks!

 

[CDW4ME]

I'm 46 and my vision is still okay, no glasses.
That being said, the XS Big Dot is certainly easier to see than a smaller front sight.

 

[Orion8472]

Well, all my other guns are the typical 3 dot setups. I was curious if the Big Dot, with post [to make the "lollypop"] would work better for me.

 

[Hangingrock]

I had the XS-Big Dot sight set on a G21. After using that setup for an extended period of time opted to change too a Novak night sight front and a plain 10-8 "U" notch rear sight combination. In my sixth decade closing in on the seventh decade the sight picture is what it is but you have to work with what you got not what you wish you had.

 

[Orion8472]

Well, the deal is, . . . my Hi Power's night sights are running a bit less than 50% glow, so I would like to switch them out. I don't . . . REALLY . . . need night sights, but just like the glow.

 

[bannockburn]

Orion8472

I have the XS Big Dot sights on my Colt New Agent and I bought the gun primarily because I wanted to see how well the sights work. For quick sight aquisition, especially in low light situations, they're great and very easy to use. If I were going to change anything about them I would add a luminous vertical post on the rear V notch. I don't know how well they'll work with aging eyes but I think it's worth giving them a try just so you can decide for yourself if they're a viable option or not.

 

[dbp]

I put the XS Big Dots on my G26 a few months back. In less than full light they really are easier to pick up quickly. I wear progressive lens glasses and have always had the problem of a very fuzzy front sight. The Big Dots while still not entirely clear, are much easier to put on target than the stock sights on my Glock.

At distances of 5 to 10 yards you're going to hit center mass fairly easily if you just put that Big Dot center of target.

They work for me. Give them a try.

 

[Orion8472]

Bannock, . . . the set I would get would have the illuminated rear post as well.

 

[bannockburn]

Orion8472

Good choice; would have loved to have that option available when I bought my gun a couple of years ago.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm into my 6th decade and wear tri-focals. I've put a lot of time into deciding which sights offer the best combination of speed of acquisition and accuracy.

I would suggest that more than a small part of the issue with seeing your sights is that they are "the typical 3 dot setups", because the rear dots are drawing your eye away from the front dot.

What I have found works the best for most people is a bright point (fiber optic, gold bead, night sight lamp) on a narrower front blade (.100"-.125") and an all black rear with a wider (.156" vs. .140") notch. This allows you to look through the rear notch and have your eye drawn to the front blade without the sacafice of accuracy inherent to the express rear of the XS sights

 

[627PCFan]

I had a big dot on my 627 and liked it. I did not like how much target it takes up at the range beyond 25 yards.

 

[CDW4ME]

Here are pictures of XS Big Dots compared to Meprolight on subcompact Glocks.
One pic in light, one in dark.

IMO the XS Big Dots are good for quick sight acquisition and hitting a 6'' target on a silhouette at about 7 yards.

 

[Orion8472]

9mmepiphany, interesting you say that. On one of my target 9s, I am removing the 3 dot night sights and using the FO thin front post and a black rear. I may do the same with the Hi Power because I really don't plan on using it for "combat" style shooting.

Anyone know of a good sight set that would be worth getting for this setup?

 

[wally]

As another 60+er I can say 9mmepiphany has nailed it, but I'm close to giving up on iron sights, more frustration than fun these days.

Here is my newest carry pistol:

And the view through the RMR dual illumination -- no batteries, tritium in low light, fiber optic in normal lighting:

The reddish-orange irregular ring is actually the bulk of the flower I aimed at. To take the photo I locked the camera focus on the target (flower) and lined up the dot through the viewfinder. This how you use red dots -- focus on the target and look through the dot to align. Takes some getting used to as years of practice with "focus on the front sight", but these work so much better for me, both speed and accuracy wise, its my new standard.

 

[huntershooter]

My aged eyes prefer a FO front (.090"-.100"), or a black patridge of the same width.
The thinner front (coupled with FO) allows more daylight between the front blade and rear sight-which makes for quicker acquisition of front sight.
I do not care for 3 dot sights, unless they are tritium "night sights"-which do have a legitimate purpose.

 

[Orion8472]

Thanks for the posts, guys.

 

[DougW]

Big Dot 24/7 on all 5 of my Glocks.