What is the Reason for All-Black Handgun Sights?
Firearms companies produce all-black handgun sights for various reasons, and although I never felt a use for them, I was interested to know who did.
When choosing handgun sights, you have a wide range of options. One type of sight that has become increasingly popular again in recent years is the all-black handgun sight. As the name suggests, these sights are entirely black and lack contrasting colors in other types of sights. All-black sights can provide a clear, unobstructed sight picture that some prefer. Although, they may also pose challenges for those with certain types of vision or in low-light conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of all-black handgun sights and examine the types of shooters who may prefer them. Further, we’ll explore some alternative sight options for those with difficulty using them.
Table of contents
- What is the Reason for All-Black Handgun Sights?
- History of All-Black Handgun Sights
- Some Competition Shooters use All-Black Sights
- Manufacturers who offer All-Black Sights
- Why Black Sights Don’t Work For Me
- Eyes That Won’t Work for All-Black Sights
- What Types of Eyes Will Work
- Best Sight Alternatives
- Black Sight FAQs
History of All-Black Handgun Sights
The history of black handgun sights is closely tied to the development of firearms themselves. The earliest handguns had no sights, and the shooter would simply aim down the barrel to fire. However, as firearms technology advanced, the need for more accurate aiming systems became clear.
The first handgun sights were often made of iron or steel. They were simple notches or bumps on the top of the barrel. These sights were typically painted white or brightly colored to make them more visible against the gun’s black finish.
In the late 19th century, the first black sights began to appear on handguns. These sights were made of steel or other dark metals and were designed to contrast with the lighter-colored backgrounds. The idea was that the black sights would stand out more clearly against these backgrounds. Making it easier for the shooter to aim accurately.
During World War II, black sights became more common on military firearms, including handguns. This was partly due to advances in firearms technology, such as the widespread adoption of semi-automatic pistols, which required more accurate sights to be effective in combat.
Since World War II, black sights have remained popular for handguns.
Some Competition Shooters use All-Black Sights
Firstly, all black sights provide a clear contrast against brightly colored targets, making it easier for the shooter to align their sight picture and achieve accuracy. This is particularly important for precision shooting competitions, where even minor deviations in aim can significantly impact scoring.
Secondly, all-black sights can be less distracting than sights with bright or contrasting colors. Allowing the shooter to focus more on the target and their technique. This can be particularly important in high-pressure competition situations where the shooter needs to remain focused and composed.
Finally, some competition shooters may prefer the aesthetics of all-black sights or find them more reliable and durable than sights with colored elements that may wear or fade over time.
It’s worth noting that while some competition shooters may prefer all-black sights, other shooters may choose sights with bright or contrasting colors depending on their shooting style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice of sights will depend on the individual shooter’s needs, likes, and the specific competition requirements they are participating in.
Manufacturers who offer All-Black Sights
Many modern handguns come from the factory with all-black sights, as they are a popular choice for some shooters. Some examples of guns that come with all-black sights include:
- Glock pistols: Glock is known for their simple and durable all-black plastic sights that are standard on many models.
- Smith & Wesson M&P series: The M&P line of pistols from Smith & Wesson features black iron sights as standard equipment.
- CZ P-10 C: The CZ P-10 C is a popular striker-fired pistol that features black serrated sights as standard equipment.
- Tisas- Tisas produces models with all-black sights, including the Zigana PX-9 and Zigana K, which are polymer-framed handguns with fixed all-black sights—additionally, the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9, Tisas Classic 1911-A2 and Tisas Classic 1911-B2.
- Walther PPQ: The Walther PPQ is another popular striker-fired pistol with black 3-dot sights as standard equipment.
Of course, many other handguns come from the factory with all-black sights, and the availability of all-black sights may vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer.
Why Black Sights Don’t Work For Me
As I mentioned earlier, the all-black sight picture was never really appealing to me, and as I get older, it isn’t even viable. I have bifocal LASIK and find the fiber optic sight options most productive.
Some people with bifocal LASIK surgery may have difficulty using all-black sights on a handgun. This is because bifocal LASIK surgery can cause changes in the eye’s visual acuity. It affects how the shooter sees the sights and the target.
All black sights provide a clear contrast between the sight picture and the target. This can be difficult for some people with bifocal LASIK to discern. This can make it harder for the shooter to achieve proper alignment and accuracy when aiming the handgun.
In some cases, shooters like myself with bifocal LASIK may prefer sights with contrasting colors. For example, fiber optic or tritium sights that use light to enhance visibility and provide a more precise sight picture. Lastly, these types of sights can make it easier for the shooter to align them and achieve accurate shots.
It’s worth noting that the specific visual acuity changes caused by bifocal LASIK can vary from person to person. So, if you have bifocal LASIK you may still be able to use all-black sights effectively. Ultimately, the choice of sights will depend on your needs and preferences and specific visual acuity challenges.
Eyes That Won’t Work for All-Black Sights
Some types of eyes may have difficulty using all-black handgun sights effectively. For example:
- Older eyes: As we age, our eyes may become less sensitive to light and more difficult to distinguish between dark colors, such as black. This can make it difficult to see all black sights clearly, especially in low-light conditions.
- Color blind eyes: People with color blindness may have difficulty distinguishing between black sights and a dark target background, as they may see these colors as similar shades of gray.
- Astigmatic eyes: Astigmatism is a common condition that causes the cornea to have an irregular shape, which can distort vision. This can make it difficult to see all black sights clearly, especially if the shooter’s astigmatism is not corrected with corrective lenses.
- Eyes with cataracts: Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, which can cause vision problems such as blurred or hazy vision. This can make it difficult to see all black sights clearly, especially in low-light conditions.
In these cases, you may prefer contrasting colors or fiber optic or tritium sights. They use light to enhance visibility and provide a more precise sight picture. In addition, these types of sights can make it easier for you to align the sights.
It’s important to note that vision challenges and preferences will vary. Thus, the choice of sights should be based on the individual’s needs and preferences.
What Types of Eyes Will Work
All-black handgun sights can work well for many types of eyes, including those with good visual acuity and sensitivity to contrast. Here are some examples of the kinds of eyes that may work well with all-black handgun sights:
- Younger eyes: People with younger eyes may have better visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. This can make it easier to see all-black sights.
- Normal color vision: People with normal color vision can easily distinguish between black sights and a dark target background. They see these colors as distinct shades of black and gray.
- Corrected eyesight: People who wear corrective lenses to correct any vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, can often use all-black handgun sights effectively. As long as their prescription is up to date.
- Good low-light vision: If you have good low-light vision, you will likely be able to see all black sights effectively. Where fiber optic or tritium sights may not provide much benefit.
It’s important to note that the choice of sights should be based on your needs. Focus on your preferences; what works well for you may not work for another. Ultimately, trying different options is the best way to determine which sights work best for your eyes.
Best Sight Alternatives
Several alternative options may work better if someone’s eyes don’t adapt well to all-black sights on a handgun. Here are a few examples:
- Fiber optic sights: Fiber optic sights use a brightly colored fiber-optic rod to gather and transmit light to the shooter’s eye. This creates a bright, contrasting sight picture that is easy to see and especially helpful in low-light conditions.
- Tritium night sights: Tritium night sights use small vials of tritium gas to produce a glowing dot or line visible in low-light conditions. These sights are beneficial when using your handgun in dimly lit environments.
- Red dot sights: Red dot sights use an LED or laser to project a dot onto a glass lens. It is superimposed onto your field of view. This creates a clear and easy-to-see aiming point that can be especially useful if you have a less-than-perfect vision.
- Adjustable target sights: Some handguns come with adjustable target sights that can be adjusted for windage and elevation. These sights often have a larger sight picture and finer graduations than standard factory sights. It makes them easier to see and use.
Ultimately, the best alternative sight option will depend on the individual shooter’s needs and preferences and their specific vision challenges. Therefore, trying out different options and seeing what works best for you is essential.
Black Sight FAQs
Black sights are sights on a handgun that are entirely black in color, without any contrasting colors or materials. These sights can be difficult to see in low light conditions or for those with certain types of vision challenges.
Some shooters prefer black sights because they can provide a clear, uncluttered sight picture. They find they are less distracting than other types of sights. Additionally, some competitive shooters prefer black sights because they can help to prevent distractions and promote focus.
Many handguns come with black sights from the factory. Including popular models from Glock, Smith & Wesson, and SIG Sauer, among others.
Black sights can be more difficult to see in low light conditions compared to sights with contrasting colors or materials. However, some shooters may still be able to use black sights effectively in low light conditions. It will depend on their vision and the ambient lighting conditions.