xs big dot
- Thread starter iloveak47
- Start date
If your still open to other options check out the Ameriglo Hackathorn sights, or the Trijicon HD's. Both offer a large highly visible front dot but in the notched rear that makes it much easier to aquire, and more accurate than the big dots 'post and dot' configuration.
Metal_Militia
CGN Regular
- Location
- Brandon, MB
Glock Parts (dot) com
I could definitely point you in a good direction, but I would argue that direction is "away from XS big dots".
I have Trijicon HDs on my 17 and i really like them, maybe i'll go with them on my 26 too.
lol are they so bad?
I have a set of XS Big Dot on my 1911 and fricken LOVE them. They are not a target sight but they do allright in slow aimed fire. However they are simply awsome for quick snap shooting.
Personally I don't think they give you anything you can't get from other high-visibility sights, and you lose a substantial amount of precision on harder shots. They make hard shots harder, and they don't make easy shots easier.
You can train around their deficiencies and I know some people who have, but in my experience most people who compare them to other sights when using timers and scoring their hits find that they are consistently worse with XS big dots.
I think if you could get them with a notch rear that allowed more precise alignment they'd be okay, or maybe even good. But I think that rear sight is terrible and the fact that you just do not see them in high-level competition, where speed and precision both count, is to me a pretty good indication that they don't work that well for many shooters.
I heard a Ken Hackathorn quote earlier today about them that I thought was pretty good: "XS sights work great at distances at which you can point-shoot anything."
They were really big around the same time Tactical Response was the go-to high-speed training outfit to learn from, probably because James Yeager was a big user of them.
I think he's pretty much the only big name ever associated with big dots...and his name is not exactly up there with Thomas Jefferson these days.
You can train around their deficiencies and I know some people who have, but in my experience most people who compare them to other sights when using timers and scoring their hits find that they are consistently worse with XS big dots.
I think if you could get them with a notch rear that allowed more precise alignment they'd be okay, or maybe even good. But I think that rear sight is terrible and the fact that you just do not see them in high-level competition, where speed and precision both count, is to me a pretty good indication that they don't work that well for many shooters.
I heard a Ken Hackathorn quote earlier today about them that I thought was pretty good: "XS sights work great at distances at which you can point-shoot anything."
They were really big around the same time Tactical Response was the go-to high-speed training outfit to learn from, probably because James Yeager was a big user of them.
I think he's pretty much the only big name ever associated with big dots...and his name is not exactly up there with Thomas Jefferson these days.
I have a couple sets of Ameriglo "Hackathorn" sights. I really am liking them. I don't like 3 dots but do like high viz front with tritium. Good combo.
I think those are a vastly superior sight...all the advantages of the big dot (or 95% of the advantages, say) and none of the disadvantages.
Xs big dots are not and were not designed for competition. They're defensive sights for shooting people.
Very fast under stress and they offer a fair margin of error while still making hits.
Tdc
I know the pitch. I don't agree that the margin of error they provide is "acceptable".
after doing a bit of research, this is what comes up most of the time. knowing that i really like th HDs on my 17, i might just get the same for the 26 so i always get the same sight picture and all, consistency is good. only thing is they cost more, but in the end i am sure i'll buy only once if i go this way.
The hackatorne are nice but they don't have the tritium in the back.
i guess the next question is, where to get HDs ?
Last set i got was at sporteque when they were on sale at 130$ but now they are 180$ and out of stock.
Brownells won't ship them because they are over 100$.
Other options?
Last set i got was at sporteque when they were on sale at 130$ but now they are 180$ and out of stock.
Brownells won't ship them because they are over 100$.
Other options?
Depends on a couple of factors. Is the margin enough to permit good hits on the intended targets? And how grossly misaligned the sights are during said shoot. I will say that xs sights are not a good setup for a beginner. If you're consistent from the holster with your sight alignment and sight picture then big dots are great. I mostly ignore the rear and use the front alone.
Tdc
I have heard that same comment from a number of people who shoot them well - which I have seen done. In fact I ran in to a guy last year who had taken the rear right off his Glock, and only used the front.
But to me that says "this guy could be point shooting with about that level of accuracy".
They're workable and some people do better with them than others but I would hate to have to make a low-probability shot with big dots.
But to me that says "this guy could be point shooting with about that level of accuracy".
They're workable and some people do better with them than others but I would hate to have to make a low-probability shot with big dots.
I agree with you there. However, if you're need to make a low probability shot with a handgun, its probably a shot you shouldn't be taking with a handgun in the first place, regardless of sight system. For the majority of handgun work at or inside 25 yards, XS are workable for sure.
TDC
Im with TDC on this , love the XS big dots! Once you have them set up properly for you and know the impact at your distances they are just as accurate as any Hi Vis sight out there.
Everything is a compromise at some point, XS do what they are intended for well. Defensive hits quickly on target in all lighting conditions.
Everything is a compromise at some point, XS do what they are intended for well. Defensive hits quickly on target in all lighting conditions.
