Understanding Your Needs
Focusing on Primary Use
What is the primary role your M&P 2.0 Full Size plays? Is it for casual range days, honing your skills? Is it for concealed carry and personal defense, where split-second decisions are critical? Perhaps you are a competitive shooter aiming for podium finishes in action pistol events. Each of these use cases calls for a different sight profile. For range practice, precision is key, and adjustable sights might be an excellent choice. In self-defense scenarios, speed and visibility are paramount, making night sights or fiber optic sights highly advantageous. Competition shooters often prioritize speed and accuracy, leaning towards red dot sights or specialized iron sights designed for rapid target transitions. Knowing your pistol’s primary purpose is the first step in determining what kind of sight would best fit your shooting style.
Analyzing Shooting Skills and Experience
The experience of a shooter matters a great deal. Beginners may find it easier to learn with iron sights, as they help establish the fundamentals of sight alignment and sight picture. As proficiency increases, the transition to other sighting systems like red dot optics can provide enhanced speed and accuracy. Experienced shooters often benefit from more advanced sight options, such as adjustable iron sights or red dot sights that are optimized for speed and precision. Moreover, personal factors like eyesight play a part. People with aging eyes might find illuminated sights, like those with tritium or fiber optic elements, to be a major asset for faster target acquisition. Consider your experience, comfort level, and any visual impairments before making a selection.
Considering Your Budget
Sights range in price from the very affordable to the quite expensive. Setting a budget is important. Entry-level iron sights can be a cost-effective upgrade, while advanced sights like red dot optics can be significantly pricier. Remember that the price is often a good indicator of the sight’s quality, build, and features. High-quality sights are made from durable materials and designed to withstand the rigors of shooting. While budget is a factor, prioritize quality and reliability; sometimes spending a bit more upfront will save you in the long run.
Exploring Sights for Your Pistol
There’s a diverse landscape of sight options available for your M&P 2.0 Full Size, and understanding the differences between them is critical to making an informed decision.
Reviewing Standard Sights
The M&P 2.0 Full Size comes standard with factory sights. They generally consist of a front post and a rear notch, typically constructed from polymer. These sights provide a functional starting point and are adequate for basic shooting tasks. While they’re often sufficient for casual use, they might not meet the demands of more advanced shooters, self-defense scenarios, or competitive shooting. Many shooters immediately look for an upgrade as they seek better performance.
Examining Iron Sights
Iron sights are a classic and reliable option for any firearm. They provide a passive aiming system, relying on the shooter to align the front sight with the rear sight. There are several variations available.
Fixed Iron Sights
Fixed iron sights offer a robust and straightforward design. They are permanently secured to the slide and do not allow for adjustment. They offer a great amount of durability and are generally simple to use. They can be extremely effective when properly aligned and sighted in, but the lack of adjustability is something to keep in mind. They’re often an excellent choice for shooters who desire a simple and reliable setup that requires minimal maintenance.
Adjustable Iron Sights
Adjustable iron sights provide the ability to fine-tune your point of impact. These sights allow for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) adjustments, which help correct for any errors and improve precision, especially at longer ranges. They can be particularly useful for competition shooters and those seeking maximum accuracy. However, the added complexity can also increase the risk of snagging on clothing or gear during a draw from a holster, which should be kept in mind for those concerned with concealed carry applications.
Utilizing Fiber Optic Sights
Fiber optic sights utilize bright, colored fiber optic rods to collect ambient light and transmit it to the shooter’s eye, creating a bright, easy-to-see aiming point. These sights are particularly beneficial in bright daylight conditions, and the enhanced visibility allows for faster target acquisition. The advantage of the fiber optic rods is to enhance the contrast between the front sight and the target. Fiber optic sights are a popular choice for both range use and self-defense, however, the rods can be vulnerable to damage or breakage, and they might not be optimal in low-light environments, if the light conditions are not bright enough to illuminate the fibers.
Understanding Tritium Night Sights
Tritium night sights are designed for low-light and no-light conditions. They incorporate small vials of tritium gas, which emits a faint glow in the dark. Tritium is a self-illuminating element and doesn’t require batteries. This provides a constant and reliable sight picture in the dark. Night sights are especially advantageous in self-defense scenarios where encounters often occur in low-light environments. They provide a significant advantage for quick target identification and engagement. However, tritium sights are generally more expensive than standard iron sights or fiber optic sights, and the tritium vials have a limited lifespan, after which the glow will diminish.
Considering Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights (RDS) or reflex sights offer a significant advantage in terms of speed and accuracy. They project a red dot onto the lens, providing a clear and concise aiming point that is easy to acquire. Red dots allow the shooter to focus on the target while keeping the dot in view. This feature aids quick target acquisition and allows the shooter to maintain situational awareness. Red dots can also improve accuracy, especially at longer ranges. While the initial investment might be higher, the performance boost can be well worth the cost. They also require the addition of a mounting plate and sometimes require co-witnessing with the iron sights as a backup.
Other sight upgrade options
Many more accessories are available, including aftermarket sight modifications, such as improved front sights and sight paint for contrast. Many of these options can further enhance the performance of your firearm and provide an enhanced experience.
Crucial Factors for Sight Selection
Beyond the specific type of sight, several critical factors should guide your decision-making process.
Understanding the Sight Picture and Sight Alignment
A good sight picture and proper sight alignment are the keys to accurate shooting. The sight picture refers to how the shooter views the sights and the target, while sight alignment focuses on lining up the front sight with the rear sight. Different sight designs impact the sight picture in various ways. For instance, a three-dot sight arrangement (one dot on the front sight and two dots on the rear) offers an intuitive sight picture, while a blacked-out rear sight with a front fiber optic sight may allow for quicker target acquisition in specific lighting conditions. Choosing sights that provide a clear and consistent sight picture for you is essential for optimal performance.
Prioritizing Durability and Build Quality
The durability and build quality of your sights are critical for their longevity and reliable performance. Sights are subjected to recoil and environmental stressors. Consider the materials used in construction. High-quality sights are generally made from steel or aircraft-grade aluminum, which can withstand the rigors of shooting. Be sure to consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Researching different brands and reading reviews from other shooters is an excellent way to assess the build quality of any set of sights.
Considering Installation
Many sight upgrades can be installed at home with the right tools, such as a sight pusher and a few basic hand tools. However, professional installation by a qualified gunsmith is recommended, especially for more complex sights like red dots. A gunsmith has the expertise and tools to ensure a proper fit and avoid damaging your firearm. When installing sights yourself, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and be sure to apply the appropriate thread locker.
Finding the Right Sight Height
Sight height is an important consideration, particularly if you plan to use a red dot sight. The height of your sights influences the point of impact. If you choose to use both iron sights and a red dot sight, you will need to choose sights that co-witness, meaning that the iron sights are visible through the red dot’s window, allowing you to use them as a backup in case of a red dot failure. Ensuring that the height of your sights is compatible with the red dot mount and chosen red dot is essential to maintaining your aim.
Top Picks and Recommendations
Choosing the best sights for your M&P 2.0 Full Size requires a bit of research and comparison, but here are some of our top picks:
Best Value: Ameriglo I-DOT Pro
The Ameriglo I-DOT Pro provides great value and performance. These sights have a single dot tritium front sight and a U-notch rear sight, allowing for easy sight acquisition in both day and night conditions. The front sight’s bright tritium insert is easily seen, and the U-notch rear sight offers a good balance of visibility.
Best for Self-Defense: Trijicon HD XR Night Sights
Trijicon is a well-respected name in the industry. The HD XR night sights are a top choice for personal defense. They provide a high-visibility front sight with a tritium insert, and the wide U-notch rear sight enhances your ability to quickly acquire the target, especially in low-light conditions. The front sight is designed to be quick and visible.
Best for Competition: Dawson Precision Adjustable Sights
Dawson Precision is a popular choice for competition shooters. Their adjustable iron sights offer precise adjustments and are built for precision. The front sight is typically fiber optic, to provide a bright and easy to see aiming point, and the adjustable rear allows for windage and elevation adjustments.
Best Overall: Trijicon RMR Type 2 with Ameriglo Suppressor Height Sights
Red dot sights provide significant benefits, and the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the gold standard. With a durable and reliable construction, as well as a bright and easy to see aiming point, it greatly enhances target acquisition and shooting accuracy. The Ameriglo Suppressor Height Sights provide co-witnessing with the RMR, allowing you to have iron sights as a backup.
Maintenance and Care
After choosing and installing your sights, proper maintenance is essential. Regularly inspect your sights for damage or wear. Keep the lens of red dots clean from fingerprints, dust, or debris, and be sure to tighten any screws. Clean your sights when you clean your pistol and regularly inspect them. This will ensure your sights remain reliable.
Conclusion
Choosing the best sights for M&P 2.0 Full Size is a crucial decision that directly affects your shooting performance. By understanding your specific needs, considering the different types of sights available, and focusing on key factors like sight picture, durability, and installation, you can make an informed decision that will elevate your shooting skills. Remember to research various brands and read reviews before making a purchase. Prioritize the features that best suit your needs and remember to practice with your upgraded sights. With the proper sight setup, you can fully unlock the potential of your M&P 2.0 Full Size and improve your accuracy and confidence.
