XS 24/7 sight for J Frame - Big or STD dot?

chp · Mar 1, 2012

I'm thinking about putting an XS tritium front sight on my 337pd with a pinned front sight.

Trying to decide between the Big Dot or the Standard Dot. You can see them here - click on "S&W" and then "J Frame Pinned Sight" - XS Sight Systems - Sights

I shoot cardboard and steel at the range with the 337pd and carry it everyday. Not trying to shoot bullseye with it

Any preferences? Why? Thx.

LET-CA · Mar 1, 2012

I opted for the big dot on my 60-14. It's really easy for my old eyes to pick up for quick shots. Installation was pretty straight-forward and took about 30 minutes.

allglock · Mar 1, 2012

LET-CA said:
I opted for the big dot on my 60-14. It's really easy for my old eyes to pick up for quick shots. Installation was pretty straight-forward and took about 30 minutes.

Do you have to drill out the new sight?

LET-CA · Mar 1, 2012

allglock said:
Do you have to drill out the new sight?

Yes, you have to insert the new sight into the slot on the barrel and holding the drill bit in your fingers, twist it a couple of times on each side to mark where you need to drill to match the existing holes in the firearm. Remove the sight and drill half-way through from each side.

It's easier than it sounds because the XS Sight has a hole in the bottom so you're really just drilling until you hit the hole. Then put the sight back in the slot and tap in the drift pin. By drilling from each side you minimize the chances of getting your hole out of line for the existing holes in the barrel of the gun.

I had to file a small amount off the bottom of the new sight to get it to sit firmly in the existing slot on the firearm. It just took a few swipes with a fine file and it fit perfectly.

chp · Mar 1, 2012

Good info LET-CA.

Any windage/elevation issues with that Big Dot?

Unlike the Hi-Viz fiber optic install, you don't have to drill the original pin hole to a larger diameter.

I currently have the Hi-Viz on my 337pd. I like it a lot, but I would really like a Tritium front sight.

LET-CA · Mar 1, 2012

You don't have to drill a larger hole to use the XS Sight. I purchased one that matched the original hole. (I even re-used the roll-pin from my original sight). No windage issues, and elevation is all in how you use the sight. Do you cover the "bulls-eye" or put it on top of the big dot? For me, and at the short ranges I shoot at (5-10 yards) there were no issues. I put the target on top of the dot and pull the trigger. With a snub-nose at 20 feet, I'm not good enough to know if I'm shooting 1-inch high . . . I'm just pleased to be within 1 inch of what I thought I was aiming at!

DAdams · Mar 1, 2012

My M&P 340 came with standard. My eyes are average but I don't think I would want anything larger.

Actually I prefer the Crimson Trace laser on the same as first point and shoot, device, next, my p&s capability then sights. I do like them as a night sight.

BobR1 · Mar 1, 2012

I have a Standard Dot on my LCR 357 also. It looks to me to be the right size. No need for it to be any bigger. My guess is the Standard Dot will work better with your existing trough back sight also.

Big help for low light concealed carry.

Bob

nearlynormalmike · Mar 1, 2012

I really like my Big Dot, but to be honest I have never tried the standard size. I would recommend the Big Dot for SD.

allglock · Mar 8, 2012

who has the best prices on these sights?

LET-CA · Mar 8, 2012

allglock said:
who has the best prices on these sights?

I did a google search - I think I paid $60 plus shipping. ($60 is the MSRP). The part number is RV-0001N-3 for the Big Dot, Front Sight (pinned)

If you do a google search on "install XS big dot on J-frame" there's a web page put together by a fellow who really documented the whole process real well. I used it as my guide. Made the job really simple.

youngda9 · Mar 8, 2012

The standard size dot used to be their big size dot...until they made it bigger. If you want to shoot anything other than extremely close range SD with the gun I would get the standard sized dit. The big is VERY big and is just for quick acquisition. You can't shoot very good groups at all with it anything past 7 yards. It's for close in social work only IMO.

Continental Op · Mar 8, 2012

I had a Big Dot on a SIG 228 and found it to be too big. It actually obscures the target (even a large target). I recommend the Standard Dot, which is still much bigger than any regular blade.

XS 24/7 sight for J Frame - Big or STD dot?

chp

Member

LET-CA

Member

allglock

Member

LET-CA

Member

chp

Member

LET-CA

Member

DAdams

Member

BobR1

Member

nearlynormalmike

US Veteran

allglock

Member

LET-CA

Member

youngda9

Member

Continental Op

Member

Similar threads

Latest posts