NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Heinie Straight Eight Sights

Published on December 9, 2016
Duration: 4:37

This guide details the installation of Heinie Straight Eight sights on a Kimber Super Carry Pro .45 ACP 1911. It emphasizes the benefits of the Straight Eight system for low-light conditions and provides a step-by-step process using specialized tools like the Maryland Gunworks Sight Pro and a laser bore sight for alignment verification. The process involves removing old sights and installing new ones via dovetail cuts, followed by crucial range testing.

Quick Summary

Heinie Straight Eight sights offer a vertically aligned aiming system with tritium dots in both front and rear sights, simplifying sight acquisition, particularly in low-light conditions. Installation on firearms like the Kimber 1911 typically requires a specialized sight installation tool and a laser bore sight for initial alignment checks, followed by range testing for zero confirmation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Upgrading Carry Companion
  2. 00:13Firearm Overview: Kimber Super Carry Pro
  3. 00:35Preferred Sighting Systems: Bold Front/Plain Rear & Straight Eights
  4. 00:49Why Heinie Straight Eights?
  5. 01:01Tritium Vials and Glare Reduction
  6. 01:16Low Light Performance vs. Three-Dot Sights
  7. 01:40Heinie Sights Website and Fitment
  8. 01:52Heinie Straight 8 Slant Pro Sight Set
  9. 01:58Slide Dovetails and Installation Prep
  10. 02:05Sight Installation Tool: MGW Sight Pro
  11. 02:22Using the MGW Sight Pro Tool
  12. 02:33Original Kimber Sights and Set Screw
  13. 02:45Straightforward Installation Process
  14. 03:01Post-Installation: Checking Sight Alignment
  15. 03:19Using a Laser Bore Sight for Alignment Check
  16. 03:34Alignment Check at 7 Yards
  17. 03:48Importance of Range Testing
  18. 04:04Checking Other Accessories (Crimson Trace Grips)
  19. 04:17Where to Find More Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Heinie Straight Eight sights and why are they beneficial?

Heinie Straight Eight sights feature a vertically aligned system with a tritium dot in the front and rear sight. This design simplifies sight acquisition, especially in low-light conditions, by presenting a less 'busy' aiming picture compared to traditional three-dot sights.

What tools are needed to install Heinie Straight Eight sights on a Kimber 1911?

For installing Heinie Straight Eight sights on a Kimber 1911, a specialized sight installation tool like the Maryland Gunworks (MGW) Sight Pro is recommended. This tool uses specific shoes to hold the slide securely. A laser bore sight is also useful for initial alignment checks.

How do you ensure proper sight alignment after installing new sights?

After installing new sights, it's crucial to verify alignment. A laser bore sight can provide an initial check by projecting a beam down the bore axis. However, practical confirmation requires live fire testing at the range to ensure the sights are zeroed correctly.

What is the advantage of Heinie Straight Eight sights in low light?

In low light, the Heinie Straight Eight system excels because the single tritium dot in the front sight aligns vertically with the single tritium dot in the rear sight. This creates a clear, simple aiming point, unlike three-dot systems where aligning multiple glowing dots can be challenging.

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