Gun sights are a very personal item, so we each have our own likes and dislikes. Some of us (me included) have seen a change in our vision as we age, while others may not see certain colors. For me sight selection begins when I am choosing a handgun. I look to see what type of sight attachment system is machined into the slide. Is it a dovetail? A post? The stronger of the two means for securing sights to the slide is by dovetail. Many manufacturers will dovetail the rear of the slide and use a post type attachment for the front sight. Kahr does this with “C” and “S” series handguns. The addition of a front slide dovetail usually comes on premium models, such as the Kahr “P” series of handguns. For me, any “carry” gun will always have dovetails at both front and rear. This is why I carry the Kahr “PM9” as my everyday carry.

Whichever front and rear sight attachment your gun has, there are many models of sights to choose from. When picking a sight, I immediately narrow my selection to night sights. Night sights contain vials of Tritium, a radioactive isotope that glows in the dark. From the time the Tritium is extracted from its source, its brightness diminishes over time. Most manufacturers will say the vials will produce visible light for 20-years. However, I have found it necessary to change them out every ten. Most defensive shooting events take place in low light environments. The addition of night sights allows you to see your sights in a low to no light environment without the aid of a flashlight. This also greatly improves accuracy.

The second thing I look for is what the sights are made from. Some sight systems are made from polymer or pot-metal; however, I prefer a sight that is made from steel. Steel sights may be harder to install, but will stand up to some serious use and abuse. The third characteristic I look for is the profile of both the front and rear sights’ leading edge. I want a front sight with a taper or radius on the front, so as not to grab or catch when re-holstering. In contrast I want a rear sight with a leading front edge angled forward or at least flat to aide in grasping. What I do not want is a rear sight that is ramped as is popular with many 1911 sights. You may be asking why? Your sights on your handgun are not just used for aiming. They are also a tool that can aid you in cycling the slide if one of your arms or hands is incapacitated and unable to function. By having a strong, steel sight system, you can use the rear sight to catch against an object and push the slide back.

Kahr “P” series handguns come standard with both a front and rear dovetail for sights. Additionally, the “P” series are now offered with the TruGlo TFX-Pro series night sights. These sights are made out of steel and offer the combined benefits of Tritium for night use with fiber optic illumination for daytime use. A unique feature is that the rear sight is canted forward affording a better purchase when the sight is used as a racking tool. Whichever model of Kahr handgun you own; Kahr has a steel night-sight option to fit your gun. Check us out at https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com for a full list of sights and other products for your Kahr handgun. The sights installation service is also available ($40.00 for installation + $25.00 for return shipping). If you would like to install a set of sights on your Kahr pistol, please contact us 508-795-3919 (9am - 4:30pm EST).

Shawn Barry is Kahr Pro-Staff member and retired law enforcement officer with over 21 years of service. He is a certified FBI, NYSDCJS, and NRA Firearms Instructor. He holds Master Degrees in both Justice Studies, and Terrorism and Homeland Security. Shawn has been teaching firearms and use of force topics for the last seventeen years. He continues to instruct at his local police academy, as well as providing instruction to civilian clientele.