[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I have a Colt XSE Commander stainless that I've had for many years. The usual XSE package is NOT on mine for whatever reason. Maybe that was the day that the XSE section at COLT was having a Birthday Party for someone.

Anyway, I want to get new sights for it and don't know what all is out there as I haven't kept up with all the parts that are available these days. The sights I have now are exactly like a set of standard Mil-Spec sights found on their NRM Govt. models. I think they normally came with a Novak style rear sight. My front sight is also staked in and not dovetailed which I would like to change that so that it is dovetailed in.

One other thing that I'd like to toss out there and get your thoughts on. What about an adjustable sight? I've seen pics, as I'm sure you have too, of 1911's hat have these great adjustable rear sights on them that are set deep into the slide and they look like they almost grew there, they just look really classy. I know I'm not using the words to describe what I am seeing in my minds eye, but I hope you get the point.
Kinda like this on a Premier II from Baer.....

Another kinda like what I am asking about....

Basically the kind of rear adjustables that are "melted" into the slide.

Just tossing that idea out to see what you all think of the idea.

These aren't adjustable, but they are good looking sights.

Anyway, I'd like to get some ideas and advice on a good set of front and rear sights for this XSE Commander. One good thing is that I won't have to pay for a refinish when they are done making the cuts and installing them.

What do you all think? What would you pick if you were improving your XSE with better sights? I probably should also look at NIGHT sight options too.


Thanks for your time and any help you can give me.

Nalajr

 

[BuckyP]

The cut in Bomar was all the rage back in the day. However, I lot of guys I shoot with today opt for fixed sights. Anyone who has shot enough has had a Bomar clone come apart on them. My genuine BoMars seem to have held up OK though.

The first place I look for new sights is Dawson Precision. They have some nice sight options without the need to cut the slide. they do installations as well.

 

[dakota1911]

You can look through Brownells and Midways online web sites and see what looks good to you. Nowlin has an adjustable sight that looks a lot like some of their fixed sights. Sounds like you have have an early XS type pistol by the way.

 

[Jason D]

I think they made some guns that were just SX models. Perhaps you have one.

Adjustables are what I prefer on guns. I've never had a problem with any coming apart.

You have some options, but there are things to consider.

Front sight...

Having a new one staked in place.
Having the slide dovetailed for a wider range of sights.
The type of sight.
Steel black.
Steel gold dot
Steel night sight
Steel fiber optic.


The rear sight.

If you opt for adjustables, they will sit oddly rearward if the gun is a series 80.

You could have a Novak cut and have a Novak carry sight installed.

You could find them in adjustables too, but they would not look like the Bomar.

If you have the slide cut for a low mount Bomar type sight. You can now get a night sight adjustable. You can also get the fixed as you have pictured that fits those types of cuts. They are more for people that have their guns already cut for a Bomar type sight, but don't like adjustables.

While installing a set of sights is not hard. Milling the dovetails is something best left to the Pros. You will need to find someone to cut the slide. I do know there are some that will do that. I think Novak is one. I could contact Colt or Springfield and see about sending your slide in.

 

[D-Ric902]

I prefer a black rear and fiber optic front.
Many companies make them
Novak, truglo, etc

 

[Lethaltxn]

I've never been a fan of adjustable sights. Don't know why. Maybe I'm not using them right.

 

[shooter1911]

Hey all,

I have a Colt XSE Commander stainless that I've had for many years. The usual XSE package is NOT on mine for whatever reason. Maybe that was the day that the XSE section at COLT was having a Birthday Party for someone.

Anyway, I want to get new sights for it and don't know what all is out there as I haven't kept up with all the parts that are available these days. The sights I have now are exactly like a set of standard Mil-Spec sights found on their NRM Govt. models. I think they normally came with a Novak style rear sight. My front sight is also staked in and not dovetailed which I would like to change that so that it is dovetailed in.

One other thing that I'd like to toss out there and get your thoughts on. What about an adjustable sight? I've seen pics, as I'm sure you have too, of 1911's hat have these great adjustable rear sights on them that are set deep into the slide and they look like they almost grew there, they just look really classy. I know I'm not using the words to describe what I am seeing in my minds eye, but I hope you get the point.
Kinda like this on a Premier II from Baer.....

Another kinda like what I am asking about....

Basically the kind of rear adjustables that are "melted" into the slide.

Just tossing that idea out to see what you all think of the idea.

These aren't adjustable, but they are good looking sights.

Anyway, I'd like to get some ideas and advice on a good set of front and rear sights for this XSE Commander. One good thing is that I won't have to pay for a refinish when they are done making the cuts and installing them.

What do you all think? What would you pick if you were improving your XSE with better sights? I probably should also look at NIGHT sight options too.


Thanks for your time and any help you can give me.

Nalajr

I have the 10-8 U sight with a 24K Gold Bead on my Colt Series 70. Of course you can use any ball sight on front like FO, Tritium, Gold Bead, etc.

 

[fnfalman]

I'd suggest taking a look at brass bead Novak front if you don't want to pay extra for gold bead, and a Wide Notch Novak rear as opposed to regular notch Novak rear.

 

[Col. Colt]

Nothing wrong with adjustables, but you will find you never adjust them beyond sight - in.
I would advocate sending your slide to Tooltech/Trijicon and having their Night sight package installed. DO NOT get "ski-jump" Novak style - you need a square edge on the rear sight so you can use it to cycle the gun one handed, if one arm is injured or busy.
Trijicon has lots of color/size options - check their website. CC

 

[quantico]

I like standard thee dot night sights... they work day and night and are large enough unless your 50 and older. I am over 50 and they still work for me too.... I have considered the big dot sights and I like them for defensive work but after about ten yards its hard to be precise with them...

So I guess I am asking if you want a general purpose sights or target sights or combat style sights useful for idpa or other target games ???? basic sights can work for many things if you have good vision.... night sights are useful when you really need them , but you don't need them on every gun you own.

 

[CAcop]

Look into Trijicon HD sights. A few guys have them at work and they are fast.

 

[DubfromGA]

Look into Trijicon HD sights. A few guys have them at work and they are fast.

Ive been strongly considering those very sights on my Glocks and maybe a Colt Defender.

 

[weisse52]

I have the 10-8 U sight with a 24K Gold Bead on my Colt Series 70. Of course you can use any ball sight on front like FO, Tritium, Gold Bead, etc.

This is a great combination! It would only require a new dove tail be cut for the front.

As has been mentioned, the Bomar style adjustable sights will slightly overhang the rear due to the firing pin safety. I am OK with the look on my Gold Cup, but that is about it for me.

That last photo you have is from Harrison Custom.

I agree it looks good. They are used to replace adjustable sights on several different guns.

https://shop.harrisoncustom.com/rear-sights