1911 guys, what is the deal with black front sights?

[Indynic]

I have noticed some "higher end production" 1911's sporting black front post sights. Case in point is the Smith and Wesson Performance Center 1911. Here is a $1500 1911 with a polished feed ramp, lightning cut slide and a whole bunch more bells and whistles. But, it has a plain black front sight, with black adjustable rear sights.

I really notice how much longer it takes me to align the sights when they are black on black like that. Especially after handling a firearm with a fiber optic front sight just prior to the SW1911.

Am I missing something? Seems like a gun of this price range would have something more. Thoughts?

 

[BiscuitNaBasket]

I get the rear Hackthorn sight. It works for some people. But I also don't understand the blacked out front sight.

 

[NyleRN]

1911s with that sight set up is usually a target model

 

[Gluemanz28]

1911s with that sight set up is usually a target model

Both of my springfield 1911's are considered target models and came with e black front blade. I have already changed out the RO to a red Hi-Viz. The loaded will be changed out next.

 

[2ADMNLOVER]

Am I missing something? Thoughts?

Cause that's how JMB designed it , if he thought it needed a tritium FS he'd put one on it . Now get yourself a GLOCK and be done with antiques , they suck !

 

[hoosier_sully]

As stated above black sights are for mainly for target use. As far as your problem seeing a black sight on a black target try using a lighter colored target. When I shoot iron sights I use an orange B27 repair center target. I'll keep my "antiques"

 

[freekforge]

1911s are what manly men carry and and manly men dont need some fancy sights

 

[2tonic]

Most pistols with black squared-off, or undercut "Patridge" style front sights are set up for bullseye target shooting, where the proper sight picture involves using the proper black roundel target at the proper distance, aligning the sights with the target sitting atop the front sight. The critical dimension with these type sights is the daylight showing on either side of the front blade along with perfectly perpendicular angles "in the box".
The even blackness cuts reflection and helps the eye compose the sight picture without calling undue attention to the front sight, which disturbs the "homogeny" of the target/sight focus. ( Some shooters refer to this blending as "planing out" the target, as in target and sights appearing to be in the same focal plane.)

 

[Indynic]

2tonic, thanks for the thorough explanation. Makes perfect sense, but I still don't like them.

 

[Indynic]

Cause that's how JBM designed it , if he thought it needed a tritium FS he'd put one on it . Now get yourself a GLOCK and be done with antiques , they suck !

I am assuming PURPLE here.......especially with the Glock punchline. LOL

 

[drop45]

My Wilson came with black sights as well, but I just got done fitting a gold bead on the front and a u-notch on the rear. Am I still a "manly man"?

 

[sloughfoot]

How did we manage to get hits before hi-viz sights were invented?

Some of you guys are funny.

 

[gregkl]

When I was younger, a black sight was no problem. Now that my eyes are not what they used to be, I need some contrast. I may buy a FO front for my 1911 one day, but in a hurry to get it out shooting this year, I painted the front blade with Florescent orange model paint and it works great!

 

[churchmouse]

Cause that's how JBM designed it , if he thought it needed a tritium FS he'd put one on it . Now get yourself a GLOCK and be done with antiques , they suck !

Aw Jeez man.......

 

[churchmouse]

2tonic, thanks for the thorough explanation. Makes perfect sense, but I still don't like them.

Well, change it out. That is another aspect of the "Antique" and outdated 1911 platform. You can alter/modify it to suit your needs/ability's.

 

[Indynic]

Well, change it out. That is another aspect of the "Antique" and outdated 1911 platform. You can alter/modify it to suit your needs/ability's.

I hear you. Not something I want to do on a $1500 gun that I am about to buy. I'm not really into all the bullseye shooting, so if that is what the black front sight is all about, then no biggie, I'm not looking for that anyway.

I think that I have fallen in love with the SA TRP in stainless. Trijicon night sights, which I'd be more than happy with!

What's your overall thoughts on that TRP, CM?

 

[churchmouse]

I hear you. Not something I want to do on a $1500 gun that I am about to buy. I'm not really into all the bullseye shooting, so if that is what the black front sight is all about, then no biggie, I'm not looking for that anyway.

I think that I have fallen in love with the SA TRP in stainless. Trijicon night sights, which I'd be more than happy with!

What's your overall thoughts on that TRP, CM?

For the price point it is the best out of the box 1911 available right now. I am not alone in my opinion. I have owned a couple and they are serious shooters.
As to the blacked out front site......I paint mine. It helps my tired eyes.

 

[JetGirl]

No love for front target sights?

It's because they're black, isn't it?
You all should be ashamed of yourselves.

 

[churchmouse]

No love for front target sights?

It's because they're black, isn't it?
You all should be ashamed of yourselves.

JG.....I am so ashamed.

 

[Indynic]

Well, being the 1911 aficionado that you are, I think that is saying a lot. Sold me on it. It is definitely on the list... Just have to wait for the CFO to let me