A meditation on sight systems...

[Fox_Hound]

In the world of defensive handguns these days, it still seems to me like the three dot sight systems still rules. It has found it's home on nearly every model of modern auto-loading pistol still produced. I for one, do not shoot so well with such a system. I believe that my speed on target is not fast enough with the plain white three-dot style sights. After shooting several hundred rounds through my newest pistol, my Para USA SSP in .45 ACP, which is equipped with such a system, I have decided to replace the sights. I wholeheartedly enjoyed shooting my father's Dan Wesson Pointman 7, also in .45 ACP which is fitted with a beautiful Bomar style rear sight and a plain serrated front blade style sight. They remind me of the sights on a Smith & Wesson 686 that my mother carried as a deputy sheriff, a pistol I have always shot very well (when I was allowed to do so).  I would prefer a plain adjustable rear sight, but I have been unsuccessful in my search to find a adjustable rear sight to fit the dovetail on my pistol. I would also like to replace the front sight with a fiber optic model that Para is now putting on their carry pistols. So... What kind of sights do you prefer on your pistols? And, if anyone knows of a rear sight I can install on my Para, please speak up! Shoot straight...

~Fox         

[tombogan03884]

Is the dove tail to small or to large ?
If it's to small any competent gun smith should be able to recut it.

[Fox_Hound]

The fixed rear sight is relieved into the slide, much like Novak's cut or even those found on Springfield's pistols. The dimensions are 0.375" at 30 degrees. The only difficulty is that the slide would need to be reshaped a bit, or I need to find a sight that won't hang to far off the back of the slide.

~Fox

[tombogan03884]

I'd just get the sight you like and have a gun smith install it. There are others on here who may have better ideas over the next day or 2.

[fightingquaker13]

I'd just get the sight you like and have a gun smith install it. There are others on here who may have better ideas over the next day or 2.

I just want to add one point here, and it probably goes without saying, but as a result of bitter and expensive experience, I'll say it anyway. Talk to the gun smith BEFORE buying. Better to hear "I can't do that" before, rather than after dropping $60+ on sights. Just sayin'.
FQ13

[Sponsor]

[ellis4538]

Dawson Precision @ www.competitionshooters.com might have what you are looking for.

I prefer a green FO front with a plain black rear but that is just because I have old eyes.  Where my semi had 3 white dots I blackened the 2 in the rear sight and use it that way (I have this on my CCW gun).

FWIW

Richard

[Timothy]

Like Ellis, I blacked out my rear dots.  I find it directs my focus on the front sight.  Combat accuracy is all I'm working for, my bullseye days went with the eyesight about 8 or 9 years ago. 

If I can hit a 6" circle at 25 yards that's good enough for Government work....

[fightingquaker13]

Like Ellis, I blacked out my rear dots.  I find it directs my focus on the front sight.  Combat accuracy is all I'm working for, my bullseye days went with the eyesight about 8 or 9 years ago. 

If I can hit a 6" circle at 25 yards that's good enough for Government work....

Right there with you. It is amazing how fast your eye sight deteroriates when you start to sneak up on forty. If it weren't for pretty much everyone in my family going through the same thing, I'd think I was going blind or something. 20/20 at 35, needing glasses at 39. It truly sucks and in the last two months, post glasses, I can't shoot a pistol worth a damn anymore. My old method of instinctive shooting, both eyes open, point and click, just doesn't work like it used to. I actually need to find a set of sights I like for my Glock, which pisses me off, because Timothy and I are the same page for what constitutes acceptable accuracy (6" at 25 yd.s) for an SD pistol. I didn't used to need to even worry if there were sights on the gun. Oh well, at least I'm not buying Viagra or Rogaine....yet.
FQ13

[Timothy]

I sneaked up on forty, scared the shit out of fifty and pushing to retirement....so far, knock on wood....   I have NO need for growth products from any industry!

[True_Texan]

XS sights makes a great, fast acquisition gun sight. The XS Express is a small or big dot Tritium (depending on what you choose) front sight with a 'V' shaped rear sight using a Tritium post. The basic principal is "Dot the I". They work really well, but I am not totally sure if they make a sight that fits your gun. I have a set on a Para 14-45 Limited which has an target rear sight.  I absolutely love them to death. It's been at least 6 years now since I got them and I wish they made a sighting system for more of the other handguns I my use for concealed carry.