A night sight question

[ThePeaceMaker707]

Looking into getting some new sights for my Glock, and while doing some research, I made a realization. The tritium night sights advertise, "you can see your sight even in complete darkness".

Why would I need to see my sights in complete darkness? Complete darkness suggests either one of two things:

1. I cannot see my target, therefore I have no business discharging my weapon.
2. I can see my target, but only because I'm hiding in a dark closet, ready to ambush them. I won't be using my handgun for this purpose..

Is there a #3 that I'm not thinking of? Or is this just a ploy to market the sights as doing something cool, but which is actually totally unnecessary (like HDTV's with refresh rates faster than your brain could ever possibly process)

[PsychGuy274]

Just because they can be used in complete darkness doesn't mean that's their only use. Think about a low-light scenario; they make a huge difference.

[davbog44]

If nothing else, in complete darkness, you'll be able to find your pistol.

[MossbergMan]

Night Sights really shine (pun intended) in the low light arena of armed conflict. Think street lights, parking structures, places where you can see and ID a threat but not enough light to clearly see your sights....night sights rock. Except for the forest on a moonless night or a cellar/attic there are few totally blacked out environments that you may find yourself in need of gunfire as a solution to your immediate problem(s).
As posted above, if you have no ID on your "target" you have no business engaging, period. Daybog44 is right "If nothing else, in complete darkness, you'll be able to find your pistol."

When considering a night sight, consider having an orange or red rear sight. I have found with the green on green 3 dot system, the rear sight has the ability or "over power" the front sight dot. Heinie Straight Eights are a pretty good set up.
Personall I have tried a set of Tru-Glo True-Brights fiber optic/tritium sights on my G-17. Although they are all green they are big enough that front sight wash out isn't an issue, But, these sights are NOT target shooting sights. They are large and lend themselves best to fast shooting where only "combat accuracy" is required.

[ThePeaceMaker707]

Pretty much what I thought.. No doubt as to their benefit in low-light conditions. Just wanted to share my thoughts on how they market them. Visibile in zero-light conditions wouldn't be a selling point I would push personally, when they have other great selling points to advertise.
Looking at the TFO's, green front/orange or yellow rear, though not sure if they have TruGlo's with orange rear, anyone know? I've only seen yellow. Also saw in another thread someone had mentioned Advantage Tactical Sights, although they're not night sights. Ugly as hell, but seems like a good idea. Can anyone attest to how well they work?

[QuarterBoreGunner]

MARKETING!
Back when night sights were relatively new, I had customers that claimed they'd read that night sights = night vision.

Yeah... no.

The whole different color night sight for your front vs rears is still up for debate, in my opinion.

[golfrj]

I personally have NO use for night sights, Want to see where your gun is pointed in the Dark? ** Laser ** and flashlight...

[QuarterBoreGunner]

I personally have NO use for night sights, Want to see where your gun is pointed in the Dark? ** Laser ** and flashlight...

And what if something breaks? Batteries go dead?

Back-up plans are nice.

[drifts1]

in complete darkness;
* they help you find your gun, especially when waking up in the middle of night.
* if fired upon, you might not be able to identify the BG, but you will see his muzzle flash.

Low-light is where they really help.

[Bug Splat]

I use them for low light. I keep a surefire in my other hand to flash areas I can't see in the dark. If i'm at the indoor range alone I will turn down all the lights except for one and practice shooting in low light. Night sights help a lot in the right environment.