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Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols All Variants of the Smith & Wesson M&P Auto Pistols


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  #1  
Old 05-25-2012, 01:42 PM
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Default Shield Big Dot Night Sights Range Report

I purchased a set of Big Dot Night Sights from XS for my Shield, including shipping $98.

Tools and instruction come with the sights; however, I elected to pay Impact Guns in Ogden Utah $30 to install while I waited.

I am very pleased with the sights and the accuracy at 7 yards is verified with attached targets.

I shot low until I realized I needed to see the entire front sight over the rear blade.

If you can make a lollipop (see the entire front sight) and the rear vertical line touches the center of the candy the bullet at 7 yards will strike within the candy mass.

You will give up accuracy for the 15 - 25 yard shots due to the big front sight covering a large portion of the 8 1/2" x 11" paper target but for defensive distances (less than 10 yards) the sight is lightning fast and accurate.

Russ

Big Dot 7 yards.jpg

Big Dot Night Sights 7 yards.jpg

Shield Big Dot Rear Focus.jpg

Shireld Big Dot Front Focus.jpg
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Old 05-25-2012, 03:29 PM
Dohmein Dohmein is offline
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Been thinking about these or regular old night sights for my Shield. Something about that rear sight on the XS throws me off but I guess with alot of lead downrange it would go away..

I dig the holster too how does it work for you?
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Old 05-25-2012, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Dohmein View Post
Been thinking about these or regular old night sights for my Shield. Something about that rear sight on the XS throws me off but I guess with alot of lead downrange it would go away..

I dig the holster too how does it work for you?
Dohmein:

I just picked it up today at Impact Guns. Galco c129L ST0286 Made to fit Glock 26. Very snug fit and barrel goes right to the end.

I like it and it was $25.00

I also have a Desanti pocket holster E1 fits Glock 26. $21 (see picture)

I use the pocket holster for work and the IWB for when I wear sweats and tshirt.

Russ

S&W Shield De Santis The Nemesis Holster.jpg
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Old 05-25-2012, 03:50 PM
Dohmein Dohmein is offline
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Thanks Russ

I will take a look at my lgs this weekend. That pocket holster looks alot like my remora. Very nice
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Old 05-26-2012, 09:13 AM
setxwarrior setxwarrior is offline
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Thanks for posting. Mine came in last week, and have not had them installed yet. I hope I like them.
I have a custom fit leather IWB (McCabes Custom Leather), and it fits pretty tight and I'm a little concerned about the little extra height of the front big dot.
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Old 05-26-2012, 09:51 AM
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Default Big Dot Improves Pocket Draw

Quote:
Originally Posted by setxwarrior View Post
Thanks for posting. Mine came in last week, and have not had them installed yet. I hope I like them.
I have a custom fit leather IWB (McCabes Custom Leather), and it fits pretty tight and I'm a little concerned about the little extra height of the front big dot.
setxwarrior:

I had the same concerns and that is why I went with the soft leather Galco IWB made for the Glock 26. (Fits perfect)

Good luck and make sure you keep your receipt and warranty card. XS sights cover the glow part for 10 years at 100% replacement. I have not read into the warranty enough to see if they would replace the sight if you break it.

One thing I did not mention, I pocket conceal and the rear sight on the Big Dot tapers forward unlike the stock three dot sights which for me snagged coming out in smaller pocket openings. That alone has made the change worth it.

My goal is to draw, sweep safety acquire and shoot accurately in 1.5 seconds. No question as I have been practicing with an empty firearm that front oversized sight makes for a natural pointer even if I don't line up the back blade I find I am pretty darn close to on target if I take the time after I have done a quick point of a fixed object to line up the front with the back sight.

The next time I hit the range I am going to practice front sight only shooting.


Russ
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Old 05-26-2012, 11:49 AM
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I have them on my PM9 and love them. I am going to put a front sight on my 649 next. Any gun I carry will have Big Dots on it - I like them that much!
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Old 05-26-2012, 12:18 PM
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Russ,

I've been considering getting a DeSantis pocket holster like that for a different pistol.

I haven't seen one in person and I was wondering if the material looks like it would cause heavy wear in the finish. I had a very early pocket holster (can't recall the brand) for a revolver. It had some sort of soft rubber lining and really took the finish off the gun. Other than that it worked well.

I'd appreciate your input on the holster.

Dave
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Old 05-26-2012, 02:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D Rock View Post
Russ,

I've been considering getting a DeSantis pocket holster like that for a different pistol.

I haven't seen one in person and I was wondering if the material looks like it would cause heavy wear in the finish. I had a very early pocket holster (can't recall the brand) for a revolver. It had some sort of soft rubber lining and really took the finish off the gun. Other than that it worked well.

I'd appreciate your input on the holster.

Dave
Dave

The inside of my Desanti pocket holster is a smooth nylon material. The outside is a dimple rubber material. I have not noticed any wear on my Shield and I pocket carry 4 days a week for 10 hours per day. I leave my gun holstered stored chambered in my gun vault when not in my pocket so I don't draw the weapon much.

I would be more concerned with my leather IWB Galco holster taking the finish off.

Russ

P.S. I live in a very dry climate so I don't sweat much during the day. If you live in a humid climate you may want to look into a holster that will keep sweat off your firearm if you pocket carry. I think the acid in body sweat could take the finish off over time.

I have read of a holster company in Florida that advertises a moisture barrier. The name of the company is Remora and they sell pocket and clip less IWB holsters. It may be worth looking into especially if you live in a moist climate.

The clip less IWB Remora holsters are designed to adhere to your bare skin. I have read some complain of skin irritation over time.

Last edited by RussC; 05-26-2012 at 02:33 PM.
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  #10  
Old 05-26-2012, 02:36 PM
Dohmein Dohmein is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussC View Post
Dave

I have read of a holster company in Florida that advertises a moisture barrier. The name of the company is Remora and they sell pocket and clip less IWB holsters. It may be worth looking into especially if you live in a moist climate.

The clip less IWB Remora holsters are designed to adhere to your bare skin. I have read some complain of skin irritation over time.
I have the Remora with the full sweat shield and it works wonders. I carried without the sweat shield for a long time until I tried it now I will not go back. I have no issues with the draw and it keeps the firearm (completely) off my skin. I live in Florida so it helps a great deal. If you dont like it they will allow you to return it, they are good people as you will see online in their reviews.
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Old 05-26-2012, 03:17 PM
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Thank you both for the input.

I haven't pocket carried for quite a few years but I've been re-reading some of my Massad Ayoob books lately and he's got me thinking about a pocket backup.

It's pretty dry here in CO so I'm not too worried about moisture but I will check out Remora.

Russ, glad to hear your Shield is working so well for you. I read about your Nano problems. I think you gave it more chances than I would have.

Dave
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Old 05-26-2012, 04:07 PM
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I have an older DeSantis pocket holster, the outside is different in texture. I like it ok for pocket carry, but I'm looking at a Remora or a Sticky holster, and Desantis Pocket-Tuk looks pretty cool. BTW I saw a Nano Friday at my LGS, didn't like the looks of it compared to the Shield at all.
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Old 08-14-2012, 08:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by setxwarrior View Post
Thanks for posting. Mine came in last week, and have not had them installed yet. I hope I like them.
I have a custom fit leather IWB (McCabes Custom Leather), and it fits pretty tight and I'm a little concerned about the little extra height of the front big dot.
I have a new Shield and just received my IWB leather holster from McCabe. The holster is tight, but I hope it loosens up after break in period. I would like to add XS big dot sights. How did your setup turn out?
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Old 08-15-2012, 07:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Radworm View Post
I have a new Shield and just received my IWB leather holster from McCabe. The holster is tight, but I hope it loosens up after break in period. I would like to add XS big dot sights. How did your setup turn out?
Radworm

It looks like the Shield owner who installed their own XS Big Dot is not aware of your question.

I started this post a few months ago and I pas $30 to have my XS sights installed.

The sights come with the punch for the front sight hex wrench for rear sight and loctight.

Personally I have no regrets paying Impact Guns $30 . The gunsmith had a micrometer to center the front sight and I was able to shoot the gun before I left to ensure it was installed correctly.

Best $30 I spent.

Russ
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Old 08-15-2012, 10:12 PM
setxwarrior setxwarrior is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Radworm View Post
I have a new Shield and just received my IWB leather holster from McCabe. The holster is tight, but I hope it loosens up after break in period. I would like to add XS big dot sights. How did your setup turn out?
They are still in the box! Never got around to installing them. I'm pretty sure I'll have to use a different holster when I do switch to the XS Big Dots.
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Old 08-16-2012, 09:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by setxwarrior View Post
They are still in the box! Never got around to installing them. I'm pretty sure I'll have to use a different holster when I do switch to the XS Big Dots.
Setxwarrior

I was able to use the same holsters.

I have a soft leather IWB Galco made for the Glock 26 and a Desanti model E1 for the pocket

Russ
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Old 08-16-2012, 10:41 PM
Radworm Radworm is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussC View Post
Setxwarrior

I was able to use the same holsters.

I have a soft leather IWB Galco made for the Glock 26 and a Desanti model E1 for the pocket

Russ
RussC,

How much extra height does the big dot front sight add compared to the stock front sight? McCabe recommends sticking your pistol in a freezer bag and then holstering your pistol overnight. If the holster is really tight, he recommends using 2 freezer bags. So far, the leather has loosened up. I have ordered my XS big dots. I spoke with a local gunsmith who will install mine for $30. My guess is that the holster should still fit the Shield, but I was curious about the height difference.

Thanks,

Radworm
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