Trijicon HD Night Sight

I bought these sights to put on a Glock 22 that had the standard Glock sights on it.  I personally don’t care for the “Goalpost” rear sight that Glock uses.  I was looking for a sight that had a larger front dot to help in quicker front sight post acquisition.  It came down to the Trijicon HD Night Sights or the XS Sights Big Dot. Since I already have 3 dot sights on my other Glocks, I decided to go with the Trijicons, as they also have a three dot set up.  That is verses the XS sights that use a lollypop sighting system.  I felt that consistency throughout my handguns is important, so that no matter which one my wife or I grab, the sight picture will be as similar as possible.

Upon taking my Glock to the range, I found that the sights were just what I was looking for.  As soon as I snapped it up on target my eyes were drawn to the front sight post like the mainstream media to a smooth talking liberal.  Well maybe not quite like that, I didn’t get weak in the knees, and start drooling.  As I continued to shoot, I found that they weren't the most accurate sights I had shot.  However, they served the purpose that I had gotten them for.  As a “combat” sight I feel that they are right on the money.  As for competition, I feel that they would be more than capable of allowing you to run and gun quickly.  So for competitions that speed is the key (ie: most three gun matches) I feel they would be great.  The rear sight is strong enough to aid in single handed slide manipulations.  In the future, I plan on putting these sights on other handguns I get.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The large front sight dot that allows for quick sight acquisition.  The three dot design allows for a sight picture that most people are used to.

Target Market: Anyone looking for a fast acquisition combat sight.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Metal Body
• Tritium-Phosphor inserts
• sapphire window that helps evenly distribute Tritium's light
• Silicone Rubber cushion
• Protective clear coat and high visibility colored front sight post
• “U” notch rear sight
• subdued rear sight allows the shooter to more easily focus on the front sight

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: There are two options for the front sight color.  They come with either a yellow or orange front dot.

What others are saying?: 

• OpticsPlanet (Bob’s Review) In over 35 years training civilian and LE officers with firearms, I have used many different notch sites. The trijicon hd is without a doubt the best I have ever used. The large U on the rear site makes acquiring the large (yellow) front site extremely fast . I have them on every Glock I own.
• Review on the Bang Switch: http://www.thebangswitch.com/trijicon-hd-night-sights/

Price point:

• MSRP = $157
• Retail =  $106-$126

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase the Trijicon HD Night Sights from many retailers, including Amazon and directly from Trijicon.

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Fast front sight acquisition
• easy to shoot fast and make first shot hits at defensive ranges
• Easy installation

Cons:

• Cost
• Not as accurate as other sight options

Score: 9 Amazing

The only thing I could really mark these sight down on is the cost.  They are super fast to acquire, and get on target.

Tasco .22 Rimfire Red Dot Riflescope

It wasn't long ago that red dot sights were rare and expensive pieces of equipment, which were all but unattainable for most shooting enthusiasts. But, over the past decade or so, they've gained tremendous popularity, as the number of options on the market have increased and prices have decreased. It's now possible to purchase a functional red dot sight for less money than a used copy of Call of Duty. This is fantastic news for the frugal gun owner, but the options can be overwhelming. With all of the inexpensive options on the market, how do you know what's worth buying? I found myself in just such a dilemma when I decided I wanted a red dot sight for my newly purchased Ruger 10/22 Carbine. If you spend any time on the internet, you'll quickly realize that most of the commonly recommended red dot sights are more expensive than the 10/22 itself (often they're many times more expensive). Most owners of .22lr rifles are just looking to do some cheap plinking, and would rather buy a few thousand rounds of quality ammunition than a red dot sight designed for military use.

That's where the Tasco BKRD3022 comes in: it's an inexpensive red dot sight designed for use on rimfire rifles. It doesn't offer any frills or a plethora of features - it's just a basic red dot sight meant for plinking. There are only three controls on the entire unit: elevation adjustment, windage adjustment, and power/brightness adjustment.

Elevation and windage can be adjusted in .5 MOA (1/2" at 100 yards) increments. The adjustment knobs are concealed underneath threaded dust caps, and a screw driver or coin is needed to turn them. Each click of the adjustment knob is satisfying, crisp, and light. Make sure you don't lose those dust caps, otherwise you'll likely end up accidentally turning the knobs all the time.

Power and dot brightness are controlled via a large knob located on top of the unit, which gives you 11 different brightness settings. On the lowest settings, battery life is claimed to be 6,000+ hours (250 days) of continuous use. However, the brightness knob ended up being the only thing I didn't like about the Tasco BKRD3022, as I felt it was too difficult to turn. Sure, this will keep you from unintentionally turning it, but it becomes difficult to turn if it's wet from rain or sweat.

So, how does it actually perform? For a red dot sight that can usually be found for about $30, the Tasco BKRD3022 feels and performs very well! The construction is surprisingly solid and durable, and it manages to feel hefty without being heavy (it weighs just 6 ounces). The 1x30mm glass is nice and clear, and the lens coating works well without being too obtrusive.

With it's 5 MOA dot, it's obvious that this wasn't intended to be used for any kind of serious target shooting (but then again, what red dot sight is?). But, I found it to be more than adequate for my uses. Once zeroed, it was easy to keep 3" groups at 50 yards from my completely stock 10/22 Carbine (and I'm no crack shot). I found the maximum brightness to be suitable for broad daylight, and the lower settings were useful indoors. And, other than one minor mishap, it had no problem staying zeroed.

"What was the mishap?" I'm sure you're asking. A pretty silly mistake on my part: I forgot to put Loctite on the screws for my 10/22 Weaver mount. So, after ~500 rounds or so it started to come lose. The BKRD3022 itself stayed securely fastened to the weaver mount though (because I did remember to use Loctite on that). Obviously, this is not the fault of Tasco, I'm just bringing it up to remind you to always use Loctite! Make sure to use the Blue 242 variety of Loctite, as if you use the green, it will require heat and heavy force to remove and you would risk damaging your gun, sight, or both.

All in all, I've been very satisfied with the Tasco BKRD3022. For the price (which really is "bargain basement"), I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better red dot sight. In fact, I think you could spend 2 or 3 times as much and still not find anything better.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The price

Target Market: .22lr rifle plinkers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Low cost
• Brightness Adjustability
• Battery life
• Easy mounting

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Tasco 22 Rimfire Red Dot Riflescope is only available in black.

What are others saying?: 

• "The Tasco Red Dot sight is the company’s basic entrant in the red dot sight competition, and is a pretty good choice for desert- and snow-dwelling target shooters, or anyone operating under heavy glare" - RedDotSights
• "The Tasco Red Dot feels nice and sturdy, I dont expect it to break on me anytime soon. I've bumped it into a few things over the months that I've owned it and haven't seen a loss in accuracy, nor have I had to re-zero it." The XtremeConditioning Blog

Price Point:

• MSRP: $53.95
• Retail = $29.49

I need it now! Availability: Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Very low price
• Solid construction
• Good performance

Cons:

• Brightness knob is hard to adjust
• Need coin/screwdriver for elevation and windage adjustment
• Loctite is basically a necessity

Score: 7.5 Good

Cameron's links:

Serial Hobbyism

SightMark UltraShot Pro Spec NV QD Reflex Sight Review

By Warner Peredes

The SightMark Pro Spec NV QD is a entry level reflex sight with the makings to be a viable option on your AR or other modern sporting rifle. This is a well-built reflex sight with the AR red coated lens surrounded by aluminum construction similar to much more expensive EOTechs. The glass itself is dual layered and durable with torture testing  videos posted on YouTube from the company itself! This model comes with a quick detach mount, NV compatible (3 settings), 4 pattern reticles, and 3 brightness settings. The reticles are extremely clear and visible during daytime operations and better at night. I have used this sight in Belgium and it held up with no problem. On a side note, during a trek through thorn bushes the QD mount lever snagged on some vines and ripped the optic off my rifle. This is not the optics fault, but a reason to keep in mind why some mounts are better fixed and not QD. Came with manual, cloth, wrench, and battery.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: If you are not deploying or using this as your only survival rifle optic, this is an affordable choice to have on multiple AR uppers or other rifles. The company states clearly that this is tested to withstand calibers up to .50 caliber! The Pro Spec runs around $120.00 with sales taking it down to almost $80.00 at certain times of the year.

Target Market: This is an awesome range time or even good enough to take to a rifle class. The best way to test its performance is taking it out and testing it. The company does not advocate using it in wet conditions! Its water-resistant, not water-proof.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Magnification: x1
• Objective: 30x24mm
• View: 36meters@100 yards
• Eye Relief: unlimited
• Coating: AR red
• Reticle: 4 patterns
• MOA:1"
• Battery:CR1632 (20hrs on high)
• Battery Settings: 1-3, NV1-NV2
• Temp:-10-50(c)
• Weight:7.7 oz

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The SightMark UltraShot Pro Spec NV QD Reflex Sight is only available in black.

What others are saying?: “Have owned 2 of these for over a year. Both have held up wonderfully. I found out the hard way that they are waterproof and VERY shock resistant. I've dropped mine and it held zero like a champ.

This is not meant to compete with the EOtech or Aimpoint units; however, it does. The only downside is the low battery life (only 2-2.5 hours of actual operation time on high power). I usually take a couple of extra batteries with me anytime I go on a trip.

If you plan on using a zoom behind this unit, you'll want to get one that mounts low or get a riser for the sight (they don't line up very well).

Best $100 I ever spent!” - Amazon Customer Review

Price Point:

• MSRP = $155.99
• Retail = $114.00

I need it now! Availability: This reflex sight is available from multiple retailers, including Amazon, Optics Planet, and directly from SightMark.

Our Rating:

+ Cheap + Well-built + NV compatible + Bright

- QD mount needed tweaking to stay super tight on 1913 rails (electrical tape)

 Score: 8.5