I have used at least three or four different FO sights, and prefer the Dawson. Though it's on a "competition gun" (USPSA, IDPA) now, I wouldn't hesitate to put one on a dedicated carry gun. The fiber will get cloudy after a while, apparently from getting solvent on it, and I've changed it a few times, but never because the fiber fell out.

 

I have DP fiber optic front sights on all of my competition guns and also have them installed on my carry guns.

I'm of the opinion that the DP FO sights are very robust and get hard use in our shooting games -possible harder than just EDC on a carry gun. Early on I lost a fiber optic tube during a match, but I could still see my front sight post well enough even without the tube to finish the stage (but there was a momentary "something ain't right" pause). I attributed that to incorrect replacement of the tube since it happened right after I replaced it and probably installed it with too much slop. It hasn't happened since.

On one of my comp guns I've broken the front sight post twice, each after about 12 months of hard use. Both times they broke off leaving the dovetail and enough of the post that I was able to finish the stage/match. After the second time I realized I was dragging the front sight blade on a portion of my kydex holster, and modified the holster to eliminate that.

My carry guns get shot little and carried a lot, but they have been going strong with the DP FO sight and the leather holsters I use.

Incidentally, once a year one of my clubs hosts a night IDPA shoot. I've shot it with guns outfitted with the DP front sight, and didn't feel the lack of a night sight. I found that when using a flashlight, the FO sight is no different than a solid post and I'm looking for the silhouette of the sights anyway. And with Non-Threats intermingled with Threat targets, gotta hit them with a light to ID them...

 

Dawson FO on my VIP for carry. So far so good.

 

they are my preferred sight for any use.
Never had an issue with the fiber coming out or getting loose.

after a 3 day and ~2000rd Costa Ludus class, no issues. Costa was also running a Dawson on his Tactical 4.0 that he was using in class.

 

What I like about the Dawson sight is that the fiber optic is small enough that it doesn't dominate the sight picture. You still have plenty of black front sight to align properly with the rear sight for longer shots. I have them on several guns and I think I've had to replace the fiber maybe twice.

 

I dont see why you can't use it for both application. if it helps your vision, use it

 

Gents, thanks a bunch for all the replies and info.

Keep the comments coming. It's great to hear from those that have used the product. You've got me ready to pull the trigger on this.

 

just a warning, if you have multiple guns, you might find that you want to switch your other sights as well, so your wallet will hate you :biglaugh:

 

+1 on Dawson fiber optic sights although they have poor customer service.

 

My Sig Sauer 1911 22LR and Spartan V 9MM have Dawson's FO sights and they really light up! Also. I found Dawson's Precision to have excellent customer service.

 

I found Dawson's Precision to have excellent customer service.

+1 on the CS, and Dave's How-To video's are very helpful.

For me, my preferred sight combination on competition guns is a Bomar-style adjustable rear with a .115" wide notch and a .100" wide DP FO front sight. On my carry guns, I prefer the plain black Heinie Slant Pro rear with .125" notch and a .100" wide DP FO front sight.

 

I have it on my Sentry - I special ordered it but now am kind of ambivalent about it. It doesn't work well in the indoor range (that is kind of dim) at my club, even if I leave the booth light on - which can be distracting. It also quickly fouls after a few dozen rounds and gets even dimmer.

Honestly, the front sight I "installed" on my little Ruger .22 (a stripe of neon orange Testor's model paint covered in clear nail polish) performs better.

But I hear they are a whole different ballgame shooting outside in daylight.

 

I shoot mine outside and its a great front sight, I have it on my STI Trojan

 

I have his front (red) and rear (green) sights on an STI Ranger II that I use for target shooting. I love them. They don't work as well at my indoor range but at worst they are just like standard iron sights. I prefer a smaller ramped front sight on a carry pistol but with the right holster I don't see why the fiber optic front wouldn't work. It will catch on your shirt if you just shove it into your waistband.

Alan

 

Very pleased with mine. Dawson sends you a cool aluminum punch for tapping the sight in, plus replacement fiber rods (a red and a green IIRC).

 

and if you order a Dawson Mag catch, you get a screwdriver with it.

 

I had DP install their FO front on my TargetMaster before it shipped.

Yes, awesome sight, robust, hi viz color stands out, etc..

 

I had the DP FO sight installed on my 9mm Trojan before it shipped.

It is very easy to see and very easy to pick up with the subdued rear sight.

 

The only time the fiber optic comes loose is if you melted the end piece wrong when installing a new rod.

MIke.

 

I've had a few dawson fiber optics... I never really had issues with the fiber optic but the sight is self would break; usually right where the notch is to break the fiber optic.

So I swapped it out with a Brazos Lighting Rod MiniDot and have not had a issue since... I got tired of it breaking right in @ the middle of stage or when I took Taran Butler's class...

heres one that broke towards the end of the sight:

 

I have a Dawson Precision fiber optic sight on a 1911 which I carry. The fiber optic rod gets chewed up after a while but it's simple to replace.

I also installed an SDM fiber optic on a S&W revolver. I like the thicker rod much more than the thin Dawson version, especially when light level isn't perfect. Don't know who makes a thicker rod version for 1911s though.

 

I used to like the larger one then found that it clutters up too much of my sight picture. Now I go with the smaller micro dot. And it seems my aging eyes prefer green, it seems younger guys prefer red.

I've always had excellent customer service from Dawson.

I've had the FO break during a COF, as noted above, you now have a non FO front post, just like a normal sight, drive on. Takes about 2 min to install a new FO...if you have a lighter.

 

F/O front sight

I just started using a F/O sight about 3 months ago, and really like the sight. I use the "green" rod, and it seems to help me pick up the sight faster for IDPA style shooting.

My STI 9mm had a staked on front sight, so I made my own F/O sight, which works very well. I did not have to take the sight off, and simply modified the existing staked on front sight. I was also concerned about possible breakage, so I have three posts on my sight, and I staggered the notches to allow more light near the front dot. Seems to work great, and I have not lost any accuracy at 35 yard shots.

 

I just started using a F/O sight about 3 months ago, and really like the sight. I use the "green" rod, and it seems to help me pick up the sight faster for IDPA style shooting.

My STI 9mm had a staked on front sight, so I made my own F/O sight, which works very well. I did not have to take the sight off, and simply modified the existing staked on front sight. I was also concerned about possible breakage, so I have three posts on my sight, and I staggered the notches to allow more light near the front dot. Seems to work great, and I have not lost any accuracy at 35 yard shots.

Would you mind sharing how you did it???

 

Awesome job, Rich ! That looks great and I'm sure it works just that well.

I've been using the Dawson fiber optic sights in IDPA and USPSA for about five years now. My primary match gun will see on average four matches a month and practice sessions whenever I can find the time. So whichever gun is in use that year will get at least 15,000 rounds through it and I have yet to break the first sight. I generally replace the fiber rod whenever it seems to get a little dim from use but if you buy it by the yard off the internet the F/O rod is so cheap that it's insignificant.

 

I have DP FO sights on everything so far except revolvers and I'm looking for a gunsmith to cut the dovetail so I can add one to the revolvers too.

 

So, as I was shooting a plate rack yesterday, I was 300 rounds into it when my .170"Tx.100"W DP front sight on my new .40 Trojan broke off behind the dovetail. As I said above, I have DPs on ALL my pistols to include Glocks, M&Ps, STI/SVs, Kimbers, COLTs. I've likely put these and a few dozen on friend's guns as well......
I HAVE NEVER BROKEN A DP front sight..............???????

Yeah, I kow how to properly install them and know NOT to hit the upright!
Dave even gives out a tool for installation. Looking around the web I see this is becoming a common thing.
I heard Dave once say he's a genious when it comes to engineering gun parts etc. I pretty much believed that! I have DP basepads on everything too.

Here's the kicker. When I called DP this morning and offered to send a picture of the broken sight, they requested I send in the broken sight and might deal with it after they examine the sight. Hmmmmm.......

I've worked with two other companies that make sights. No names, you'll know them. I have a REAL GOOD IDEA how much those sights cost and what the profit margin is.
I'm not sure I'm happy with DP's response this morning....

I shot that Trojan for an IDPA win a week ago and won a USPSA match last Saturday. I had been hoping to get it running for a match this weekend, doesn't look that'll happen....

 

A friend of mine just had his front sight break. He called Dawson and they asked him to send the broken sight to them and they would replace it. Can't ask for any more than that !

 

This happened to me as well. The sight sheared in half one day after being on the gun for about a year. I called Dawson and they replaced it at no charge. Outstanding service.

 

Yea front sight is in the gun,can't beat it when you get replacement parts when you didnt buy it new..that's why I order all my sights from Dawson.