TFB Review: XS Sights' RAM Night Sights For Pistols, R3D Night Sights

UPDATE: XS Sights renamed the RAM night sights, R3D Night Sights.

XS Sights recently released their RadioActive Material (RAM) 3-dot pistol sights that are designed to work both day and night. They are sold as a set with a front and rear sight, with red thread locker and a front sight screw, in the case of the Glock compatible version that I tested for the review. The RAM night sights differ from the factory night sights offered by Glock in several positive ways. They are slightly taller, more pronounced, and easily picked up for quick alignment with a positive front sight focus.

The RAM night sights have two different front sight options for orange or green “Ember” Glow Dot housings that surround the tritium vial. These colored Glow Dot’s are photoluminescent and are constantly charged by the tritium, and should assist in low light conditions. The rear sights have several interesting features. The tritium vials are housed in blacked-out inserts, which displays an overall smaller dot compared to the front sight and provides a good contrast to the colored front sight. The rear sight is cut in a way to provide a 90-degree angle on the front to aid in one-handed reloads, while the rear of the sight is cut with an overhang to reduce any glare. The dimensions and model compatibility are listed below:

Front Blade Width 0.145” (3.68 mm)

Notch Width 0.170” (4.32 mm)

Height Varies by model

Glock

• 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34,

35, & 36

• 20, 21, 29, 30, 37, 30S, 40, & 41

• 42, 43, 43X, & 48

Sig Sauer

• P225, P226, P228, P229, P320, SP2009 &

SP2340

Smith and Wesson

• M&P Full-size & compact

• M&P Shield

Springfield Armory

• XD, XDM, & XDS

FN

• FN 509

XS Sights also provided me with some background information into the torture tests they put their sights to.

As I looked through the clear blister packaging of the RAM sights, I immediately noticed the ninety-degree angle of the rear sight and I was intrigued, and a little nervous at the same time. I was looking forward to using the angle of the rear sight for one-handed reload drills, while also worried about what that same angle would do to my right love-handle due to my preferred everyday carry (EDC) method of using a trigger guard holster, which I wrote about HERE and HERE. The next thing I noticed was the bright orange insert in the front sight that also houses the tritium vial. By comparison, the tritium dots on the rear sight were quite small. I was also pleased with the addition of the thread locker (much more than needed) and the front sight tool.

The RAM night sights were a big improvement over my factory night sights. My accuracy remained about the same, but the bright, tractor-beam-esque front sight made it so easy for my eyes to pick up and focus on. Before installation, I wasn’t sure what to think of the black inserts on the rear sight, but it really seems to work in conjunction with the front sight as one more layer of contrast, which draws the eye even more to the front sight. I also used the rear sight to do some one-handed slide manipulation against my boot.

To clarify, XS Sights provided the sights to me free of charge for keeps, but I like to keep things objective. One potentially negative aspect of the RAM night sights is that the tritium dots of the rear sight are visible from the muzzle end via holes that were drilled completely through the rear sight body. My guess is that it aided the installation of the tritium vial. For those concerned, I’m sure those holes could be covered or lightly filled. Another aspect that I can’t fully comment on is the durability of the RAM sights’ finish. Since I evaluated these during the winter, I didn’t have much opportunity to sweat on them. I removed a spot of finish on the rear sight while using my sight press, by getting it too close to the bolt threads.

Overall though, I really like XS Sights’ RAM night sights. The size, height, brightness, and notch size all worked together to get on target quickly and keep the dominant eye focused where it should be. I don’t have access to shooting competitions, but I’m quite satisfied with the RAM night sights on my EDC pistol. You can check out XS Sights’ website HERE, or their RAM night sights page HERE. The MSRP is $140 for the set, and XS Sights also boasts a 10 year, no questions asked warranty.

Find XS SIghts RAM Night Sights