Best Replacement Sight

1070 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by jaydee, Aug 21, 2001

siggy

Discussion Starter · Aug 17, 2001

Which company makes the best replacement rear sight for a Colt XSE?

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hoser

· #2 · Aug 17, 2001

Heinie slant pro. Period.
http://www.heinie.com/375385big.htm

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Many like the Heinie, some like Novak, some like something else...

It's like who makes the best Magazine, beavertail, the best barrel, or even the best gun... Very subjective, based on who you ask...

Heinie definately has an edge, and provides one of the best sight pictures of the fixed sights currently produced, but some people simply like the profile of the Novak.

Best thing I can suggest is to try a few out, if you can rent, or borrow a friends gun who has the different ones mounted, and see which you like.

I have shot most of them, but one I have yet to try, and feel like looking at closer is the Wilson, YMMV.

Good Luck.

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Str8_Shot

· #4 · Aug 18, 2001

Siggy

It really depends on if you mind having your slide milled to accept the new sight. If milling is an option, then using the Novak, or Heinie, is a good way to go. A lot of people like them. My personal favorite is adjustable night sights by MMC. These use a mill cut in the slide similar to the Novak cut.

If you want a direct replacement without the need to mill the slide. You should look to Millet, MMC, Innovative Weaponry Inc (IWI, makers of Wilson Night Eyes), and possibly Ashley Express.

Many of these companies make sights that are straight black, black with white dots, and variations of night sights. Do read the information from each company carefully concerning the compatibility of the rear sight with the stock front sight. Depending on the sight you choose you may need to replace the front sight as well.

If milling is an option, assuming that you do not have the mill, find a good gunsmith first and see what he recommends. The gunsmith may have several different options on hand (on guns), for you to look at.

I hope this helps.

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Str8_Shot

The best handgun for self defense, is the one you have with you.

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Col. Colt

· #5 · Aug 18, 2001

Let's here it for the XSE! A little noted fact is that the allegedly "inferior" standard XSE models give you total choice on sights and beavertails - the "superior" original XS models are like Kimbers in this regard - you take what you get and had better like it - it's very difficult to change, even if you want to! Just another way of looking at it, I guess.

Warmly, Col. Colt

"Beware of Counterfeits and Patent Infringements"

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UdontnoME

· #6 · Aug 18, 2001

I saw an add for Chip McCormick, they have a new Novak style sight that does not require modification to the rear dovetail. It looks very nice in their add. Go here to see a picture of it and read about it!

http://www.shooterstore.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=45&Product_ID=2969&CATID=187

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DEATH TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER!

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emmo

· #7 · Aug 20, 2001

Okay, one thing I never understood: Why are all high-quality rear sights dovetailed into the slide? Wouldn't sight changes be easier and more consistant if sights were attached to the slide by using screws into tapped holes in the top of the slide? I see it this way, my XSE has standard notch sights but I would like adjustable sights, so now I've gotta take it to a smith and let him mill into my slide (ruining its originality) while I get charged alot of money. If all rear sights simply screwed into the slide, I could do it myself in seconds while keeping the slide original. Is there something seriously wrong with using screws? Why doesn't any 1911 manufacturer use this method of sight installation?

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FirearmsPlus.FL

· #8 · Aug 21, 2001

most dovetail sights have a set screw also.
They used to make a lot of sights that fit the factory dovetail, but they're TALL.
Which means higher front sight.
Most of the milling sights are to give a lower sight profile, the McCormick looks nice, since it fits the factory dovetail, but it's not adjustable, adjustment's are done by teh front sight, so you have to...mill a dovetail for the front

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jaydee

· #9 · Aug 21, 2001

Originally posted by emmo:
Okay, one thing I never understood: Why are all high-quality rear sights dovetailed into the slide? .....If all rear sights simply screwed into the slide, I could do it myself in seconds while keeping the slide original. Is there something seriously wrong with using screws? Why doesn't any 1911 manufacturer use this method of sight installation?

Quite frankly, I can't think of a single handgun that has the sights screwed on. Most are mounted in some form of dovetail. I'd rather have something is unlikely to break, or loosen, and I can't imagine a mount using machine screws that would not do so.

I would like for everyone to standardize on one cut though, and most are adopting the Novak cut these days... The front is another story

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