Understanding the Factory Sights
The original sights that come standard on the Glock 19 Gen 3, while functional, are often considered a weak point by many. They’re typically constructed from polymer plastic. This choice, while contributing to the pistol’s lightweight design and cost-effectiveness, presents some limitations. The stock sights can be challenging to acquire and may lack the precision required for more demanding shooting scenarios.
The primary issue with the factory sights lies in their visibility and profile. The front sight often features a small white dot, and the rear sight is typically a basic square or u-notch design with a white outline. In bright daylight, these sights are usually adequate. However, in low-light conditions, such as dusk, dawn, or indoors, they can become difficult to see clearly. This deficiency affects your ability to quickly and accurately align the sights with your target.
Furthermore, the durability of the factory sights can be a concern. Polymer, while strong, is not as robust as metal. They can be susceptible to damage from impacts or wear and tear over time. This damage can compromise sight alignment and accuracy.
The limitations of the stock sights are why a sight upgrade is a very common and recommended modification for Glock 19 Gen 3 owners. Upgrading provides a dramatic improvement in target acquisition speed, accuracy, and overall shooting performance.
Exploring Various Sight Upgrade Options
The market offers a wide array of sight upgrades for the Glock 19 Gen 3, each with its own set of advantages and suitability for different shooting needs.
Night Sights
Night sights are designed specifically to excel in low-light environments. They employ either tritium vials or fiber optic elements. Tritium vials contain a radioactive isotope that glows continuously in the dark without requiring batteries or external power. This feature allows for instant sight acquisition in complete darkness. Fiber optic night sights typically use the same tritium technology, but the light is gathered and amplified by fiber optic rods to produce a very bright visual representation of the sight picture.
Benefits of night sights are undeniable. They greatly improve your ability to acquire and align your sights in low-light conditions, enabling accurate shot placement when it matters most. Many professional shooters and those who prioritize home defense rely on night sights to maintain a tactical advantage. Popular brands like Trijicon, known for their durable and bright tritium sights, are frequently sought after, as are Ameriglo, who produce cost-effective yet quality tritium options. Glock themselves also offer their own OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) night sight options.
Fiber Optic Sights
Fiber optic sights represent another popular choice, particularly for daytime shooting. These sights utilize fiber optic rods that gather ambient light and transmit it to the shooter’s eye, creating a bright, easily visible sight picture. They’re an excellent choice when shooting in bright sunlight or outdoors.
Fiber optic sights offer superior visibility in daylight conditions, leading to faster target acquisition and improved accuracy. The glowing fibers create a clear aiming point, making it easier to quickly align your sights with the target. The fiber optic option has the advantage of being more affordable than the tritium option, and their color can be customized with the substitution of fiber rods.
Adjustable Sights
Adjustable sights are often favored by competition shooters and those who demand the highest level of precision. These sights allow for fine-tuning of the point of impact through adjustments for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down).
Adjustable sights provide the ability to make precise corrections to your point of aim, compensating for wind drift, bullet drop, or other factors. This level of control is essential for achieving consistent accuracy at varying distances. They are generally more robust than the original polymer sights.
Blacked-Out/Plain Black Sights
Finally, a simple but effective alternative is the blacked-out sight. These sights often forgo any bright markings, offering a minimalist approach that focuses on a clean, uncluttered sight picture.
The benefits are subtle but real, especially for some shooters. The absence of bright colors or markings can reduce distractions and allow the shooter to concentrate more intensely on the target. This can lead to improved focus and more consistent shot placement, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Selecting the Right Sights to Suit Your Needs
The best sights for your Glock 19 Gen 3 will depend on how you intend to use the pistol. Are you focused on concealed carry, competing in shooting sports, performing at the range, or prioritizing home defense? Answering this question is the first step.
Consider the lighting conditions in which you typically shoot. If you often shoot in low-light situations, night sights become a primary consideration. If you’re primarily shooting outdoors in daylight, fiber optic sights can be an excellent choice.
Personal preference plays a significant role. Some shooters prefer the simplicity and clear sight picture of a blacked-out sight, while others thrive on the bright, easily-acquired aiming points of fiber optics or night sights. Test various options at a range or with a friend’s gun if possible.
Budget is also an important factor. Sight prices vary widely, from cost-effective options to premium models. Set a budget and choose sights that offer the features and performance you need within that range.
Durability and reliability are crucial. Research the brands and materials used in the sights you’re considering. Look for sights made from durable materials, designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.
Ease of installation can impact your decision. Some sights are designed for easy installation using basic tools, while others may require professional assistance. If you’re not comfortable performing the installation yourself, factor in the cost of professional installation.
Installing New Sights – The Process
Installing new sights can be a straightforward task when approached with care and the correct tools.
The first and foremost rule is safety. Always ensure your Glock 19 Gen 3 is unloaded and the magazine is removed before handling or performing any work on the pistol.
Typically, you’ll need a sight pusher tool, a punch and hammer, and potentially a vice. The sight pusher is often preferred for its ease of use and precision.
Getting Started
Remove the slide from your Glock 19 Gen 3.
Secure the slide in a vice, taking care not to damage it.
Use the sight pusher or punch and hammer to carefully remove the existing rear sight. The direction of removal is usually from left to right (as you look at the rear of the slide). Be patient and avoid excessive force.
Remove the front sight.
Position the new rear sight. If you’re using a sight pusher, follow the instructions provided with the tool. If you’re using a punch and hammer, gently tap the sight into place.
Position the new front sight.
Test and ensure your sights are properly aligned.
Consider professional installation if you’re uncomfortable or lack the necessary tools. Professional gunsmiths have the experience and equipment to install sights correctly and efficiently.
Maintaining Your Sights
After installation, proper maintenance is key.
Regularly clean your sights with a soft cloth or brush. Remove any dirt, debris, or oil that may accumulate.
If you have night sights, periodically inspect the tritium vials for any signs of damage or degradation. The glow of the tritium may fade over time.
If your sights become damaged, worn, or out of alignment, replace them immediately to ensure your safety and accuracy.
Understanding Regulations
When modifying your firearm, it is important to understand and comply with local regulations regarding firearm modifications. It’s best to confirm with local law enforcement or a gun shop expert for your area.
Conclusion
Upgrading the sights on your Glock 19 Gen 3 is a worthwhile investment that can dramatically improve your shooting experience. By selecting the right sights for your needs and installing them correctly, you can enhance your accuracy, target acquisition, and overall performance. The process is straightforward, the benefits are significant, and the results are rewarding.
Take some time to research and choose the best Glock 19 Gen 3 sights to improve your shooting.
Action
Consider researching different sight options. Read reviews, watch videos, and visit a local gun store to handle different sights. Once you’ve chosen your sights, consider getting them professionally installed or taking the time to do the installation yourself. After your sight upgrade is complete, practice regularly, test your newly upgraded Glock 19 Gen 3 on the range, and enjoy the enhanced shooting performance!
