Why Install Aftermarket Sights? | GUNS Magazine Podcast #70 | Presented by Berger Bullets

This guide details the process of installing aftermarket firearm sights, focusing on the importance of proper fitting and the use of specialized tools. It emphasizes measuring dovetails, filing as needed, and using a sight pusher or punch for installation. The discussion highlights that while some newer designs are easier to fit, older or more complex sights may require professional gunsmithing.

Quick Summary

Aftermarket sights are often installed because manufacturers treat them as an afterthought. Upgrading to options like XS Big Dot sights provides significantly improved visibility and faster target acquisition, crucial for defensive shooting and for those with visual challenges.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Guns Magazine Podcast
  2. 00:26Sponsor: Berger Bullets
  3. 01:05The Rise of Red Dot vs. Iron Sights
  4. 01:24Interview with Monty Long of XS Sights
  5. 02:11Why Install Aftermarket Sights?
  6. 03:00Personal Preference in Sight Selection
  7. 03:30The XS Big Dot Sight Explained
  8. 03:54History of Express Sights
  9. 05:09Express Sights for Defensive Handguns
  10. 06:11Endorsements from Experts
  11. 07:53Express Sights vs. Red Dots
  12. 08:15Advantages of Iron Sights
  13. 09:56Accuracy of Big Dot Sights
  14. 10:30Shooting Groups at 50 Yards
  15. 11:25Effective Range of Big Dot Sights
  16. 11:37Zeroing at 25 Yards Explained
  17. 13:20Offset Sights for Carbines (XTI's)
  18. 14:34Shooting Further with Familiar Sights
  19. 15:01Choosing Sight Colors
  20. 16:37Optic Orange vs. Optic Yellow
  21. 18:03Understanding Tritium
  22. 19:40Origin of Tritium in Firearm Sights
  23. 20:20Trijicon's Role in Tritium Installation
  24. 20:55XS Sights' In-House Tritium Installation
  25. 21:36Safety of Tritium Sights
  26. 23:36Practical Application of Old Tritium Sights
  27. 24:40Tritium Half-Life and Lifespan
  28. 26:10When to Replace Tritium Sights
  29. 26:41Environmental Effects on Tritium
  30. 27:21Installation Challenges
  31. 28:08Sight Installation Process
  32. 32:39Fitting Sights to Dovetails
  33. 34:37Using a Sight Pusher Correctly
  34. 36:45Counterfeit Sights and Tritium Knockoffs
  35. 37:48Other XS Sights Products
  36. 38:07Backup/Secondary Sights for Carbines
  37. 38:38Offset Sights in 3-Gun Competition
  38. 40:00Design of XTI2 Offset Sights
  39. 41:42Concept of Offset Sights
  40. 42:04Learning More About XS Sights
  41. 43:50Closing Thoughts on Big Dot Sights
  42. 44:12Thanks to Monty Long
  43. 44:41Concluding Remarks
  44. 45:33Sponsor Reminder: Berger Bullets

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would someone install aftermarket sights on a new production gun?

Firearm manufacturers often treat sights as an afterthought, focusing more on ergonomics and accuracy potential. Aftermarket sights offer improved visibility, faster acquisition, and are a personal preference choice that can significantly enhance shooting performance, especially for defensive applications.

What are the main advantages of XS Big Dot sights?

XS Big Dot sights are designed for extreme speed and visibility. The large front dot is easy to acquire on target, making it ideal for defensive shooting and for individuals with aging eyesight. They offer a fast sight picture that prioritizes putting rounds on target quickly and effectively.

How long do tritium night sights typically last?

Tritium night sights have a half-life of about 11.35 years, meaning their brightness diminishes by half every 11.35 years. Most manufacturers offer a warranty of 10-12 years, and while they can remain usable for longer, their glow will eventually become too dim to be effective.

What is the proper procedure for installing aftermarket sights?

Proper installation involves carefully measuring the firearm's dovetail and the new sight, filing the sight to achieve a snug fit that allows it to seat halfway into the dovetail by hand. Then, use a sight pusher or a non-marring punch to drive it fully into place, followed by checking zero and applying Loctite.

Are tritium sights safe if the lamp breaks?

Yes, tritium sights are safe even if the lamp breaks. Tritium is a weak beta emitter, and the gas must be inhaled or ingested to be harmful. The amount of tritium in a sight lamp is minuscule, and any released gas dissipates quickly into the atmosphere without posing a significant risk.

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