Which to put night sights on first?

[Hunter125]

I have an XDm 3.8 .40 and an XDsc .40. I really like both of them and want to get night sights for both. The XDsc is my carry gun around home and in states other than the one I live in (IL). The XDm is mostly a night stand gun for now.
I like the sights on the XDsc, but really don't care for the stock sights on the XDm. By the same token, if the XDm had a front sight on it that wasn't so dang tall and Sharp, it might get carried more often. It catches on the holster, so I don't carry it very much.
Which one would you put night sites on first? I'm leaning toward the XDm, but I have heard from many people that a carry gun should really have night sights.
Also, which night sights would you suggest? Right now I'm looking at Dawson Adjustables for the XDm and plain old Trijicon night sights for the XDsc.

 

[Skribs]

I'm kind of being hypocritical here, because I have put night sights on both of my XDm pistols, but if you are looking from a dark place into a bright place (such as, it's night time and you shine a light on your target to ID it), you just see black on the sights. If you are looking from a bright place to a bright place, you're going to see the white dots more than the green ones. I'm starting to become skeptical of the night sights, especially because in most situations, you want to be able to identify your target.

Then again, I live alone, so if I woke up and someone else was in my condo, they'd have to have broken in (so I can assume they're a threat), and if I'm accosted on the street, I don't need to see the target to know he's mugging me. So...I'm still going to choose to potentially err on the side of having night sights.

I've never had an issue with the XDm sight getting caught on the holster (then again, I put night sights on it before I tried).

I put TruGlo night sights on both of my XDms, which I think are a lot like Trijicon, only cheaper. For an HD/SD handgun, I think adjustable sights are superfluous.

 

[Hunter125]

Well I think the XDm should, in theory, be capable of a little more accuracy than the XDsc, plus I've toyed with the idea of getting into competing and I think the XDm would be a good choice. The XDsc is my primary SD gun with the XDm pulling night stand duty most nights.
Supposedly the Dawson's are rugged enough to handle the abuse of daily carry.

 

[Skribs]

Okay, in that case I'd go with the plan you had for night sights, if you want night sights after my rant (on second thought, I still will, like I said above).

From what I understand about competition, though, are you sure a .40 is what you want for competition?

 

[Hunter125]

Not really sure if .40 is the best, its just what I have. If I got into competition I probably wouldn't be buying a new pistol for it, at least right away.

 

[Mr.510]

If you think you'd carry the XDM 3.8 more if it had different sights I'd put night sights on it first and carry it. I fired an XD40SC when they first came out and can't say that it would be my first choice if follow up shots are required. I also prefer to use one pistol for all defensive purposes. I carry an XD45C with green/yellow Trijicon night sights every day. I highly recommend contrasting color night sights, the green dot just seems to find it's way between the two yellow ones more quickly and easily, especially when it's very dark. The contrasting dots also make it far less likely you'll put the front dot outside the other two under stress if forced to shoot with your weak hand/eye or in some odd position. The Trijicon sights have a bright colored aluminum ring around the ampules that makes them easier to see in bright light. The ampules contrast well enough for me in sunlight that this is a non-issue. Out of curiosity I tried blacking out the rings with a Sharpie and it made no noticeable difference to me.

 

[Hunter125]

Mr.510, I've thought about contrasting the colors. What do you suggest as the best combo? The yellow on the rear and green on front as you do?

Also, I quite enjoy the XDsc .40 even for follow up shots. I find the recoil very manageable and it is very comfortable to carry.