TFB Review: Fiber Optic XS Sights for Glocks – Worth $60 to Upgrade?

Posted August 15, 2024 by in Firearms, News 7

Why a design that is over 40 years old has so deeply and indelibly penetrated the firearms market is a bit perplexing. Everywhere you turn at the gun range, it is Glocks as far as the eye can see. Gaston Glock obviously was onto something because here we are 42 years later deploying them for military, law enforcement, competition, self-defense, and general tomfoolery at the range purposes. One of the hallmark downsides to a factory Glock pistol though are their sights. They are plastic… a dull white color… and prone to breaking if you’re doing one of those YouTube brutality tests for some internet clout.

So, what are your options for upgrading the factory sights on your newly acquired Glock – whether it is brand new or previously owned? Well, the gamut runs from the expensive to the simplistic, and XS Sights offers the whole gamut. Today, we are going to take a gander at their modest yet mindfully-designed fiber optic sight sets for Glocks. Is the $60 upgrade to fiber optic worth it? Stay tuned, rapscallions, as we venture down the Glock rabbit hole.

XS Sights @ TFB:

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Specifications – XS Sights Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks

As previously mentioned, these sights are very straight-forward in their presentation. You have a green fiber optic front sight (which can be switched out for a red fiber optic pipe as well) set against an all-black serrated rear sight.

Green fiber optic insert is bright and easy to see in bright lightSerrated rear sight to prevent glare and reduce distractions from the frontUser replaceable fiber optic insertCompatible with Glocks Gen 1-5, including MOS modelsProudly manufactured in Fort Worth, TX

The stark contrast of a semi-glowing, fiber optic front sight paired with an all-black rear is meant to catch your gaze quickly for fast target engagements. Similar to what red dots look to accomplish except this XS Sights offering requires no batteries, no 21st century tech, or the loss of multiple Benjamins from your wallet.

Glock Compatible Models

Full Frame: 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 45, 47Slimline: 42, 43, 43X, 48

The MSRP for either of these two basic Glock handgun sizes is set at $59.99.

A Word from XS Sights on their Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks

While these sights are simplistic in their appearance, that does not mean they are low on features and attributes. XS Sights expands upon all of the secret sauce that they poured into the making of these sights in their press release statement below:

“Upgrade your competition or training pistol with Glock Fiber Optic Sights from XS Sights! Featuring a precision CNC machined, serrated rear sight and our steel front sight with a fiber optic insert, the XS Fiber Optic sights were designed for fast sight acquisition, precision sight alignment, and easy installation.Our .215” tall, .125” wide front sight is big enough to be visible yet narrow enough for extreme precision. The .060” diameter fiber optic gather’s light and fluoresces for extreme visibility in the bright light conditions common to practicing at ranges and competition shooting events. The .145” wide notch and crisp, defined edges on the rear sight allows for good visibility around the front sight blade for fast acquisition and precision alignment. The serrated rear face prevents glare to increase the ease of front sight focus.”

Elevator Pitch – Why Upgrade?

So, where does the rubber meet the road with these sights? What is the value proposition, and why should you invest your hard-earned dollars into a simple upgrade like this? Well, glad you asked because XS Sights has an answer for that as well:

“Looking to customize your Glock? Sights are the perfect upgrade. Factory sights on Glock handguns have a few issues, and XS Sights has you covered! The first common problem with factory sights is the plastic construction, causing them to malfunction by breaking or moving after use. XS Sights are constructed from steel, ensuring they are durable and will hold up to the wear and tear of training. The second major issue with factory sights is the sight picture itself being difficult to see in different scenarios. Our fiber optic sights address this issue by including a vibrant front sight that is hard to miss in bright light settings. These are just a few of the many reasons to make your first Glock upgrade, an upgrade to XS sights!”

Install – XS Sights Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks

If you are a newly-minted Glock owner or a veteran to the brand, installing these sights is incredibly easy. XS Sights provides you with the necessary 3/16” Hex head nut driver for the front sight installation. Simply follow these steps for the front sight:

Unscrew the current Plastic Front SightPut a small dollop of Loctite on the Screw for your new XS Sights Front SightScrew in your new XS Sights Fiber Optic Front SightDone!

It’s that simple. When it comes to the rear sight removal and installation, I would highly recommend deploying a sight press tool (if you own one). If you don’t, then you can use a brass punch and a small mallet. Just don’t go Hulk Hogan on this thing, brother! If you try to prove your manhood Hulk smashing in your rear sight, you might just smash your thumb, your gun’s finish, or who knows what else. Precision and “ugga-dugga” control are our friends.

Field Use – XS Sights Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks

So, you invested the 60 bucks, installed these bad boys, how do they fare in the field?… You might not be surprised to hear this, but XS Sights delivers on their promise. Where factory sights may fail us on oppressively bright days at the range, this set of XS Sights is easy to see and glows like a lightbulb in the dark.

Additionally, if you are someone with vision impairments and see red better than green, or vice versa, XS Sights has you covered with multiple color selections. So, whatever your personal preference is for a sight picture – whether you are competing, defending, or recreationally shooting – they have you covered.

I deployed these in varying light environments like dusk, dawn, middle of the day, inside my house, etc, and they were easy to see in every lighting situation except complete darkness (I know, shocker). For that, I’d simply recommend checking what XS Sights has in the way of night sights.

Final Thoughts – XS Sights Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks

So, what are my final thoughts on the XS Sights Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks?… Is it worth the coin they’re asking?… I would say: yes. Factory Glock sights are uninspiring and not that great at all. A simple upgrade to fiber optic sights is a night and day change. Instead of squinting like you’re reading the warning label on your 4th energy drink of the day, you have a better sight picture instantly. For $60, this is a worthwhile upgrade to anyone’s Glock.

In closing, I want to say thank you to XS Sights for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their XS Sights Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks. That is greatly appreciated.

As always we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the XS Sights Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks is something worth spending your money on? Would you add some to a hunting pistol? Maybe a 10mm Glock? Shoot a league or competition? Potentially deploy them for EDC (everyday carry)? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about XS Sights and their Fiber Optic Sights for Glocks in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.