TFB Review: XS Sights’ New Pro Series Big Dot Sights on the Glock 48
If you’re looking to upgrade your Glock 48 sights for a more defensive-focused setup, the XS Sights DXT2 Pro Series Big Dot sights may be exactly what you need. I recently swapped out my traditional tritium night sights for the DXT2 Pro Series Big Dot sights and found them to be a great departure from my traditional sight setup. With their larger dot, tritium glow, and user-friendly installation, the new DXT2 Pro Series should offer a different experience compared to the standard three-dot sight setup.
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TFB REVIEW: XS Sighs New Pro Series Big Dot Sights On the Glock 48
Product Link: https://xssights.com/products/dxt2-pro-series-big-dot-night-sights-fits-glock.html
XS Sights has designed these sights with the DIY user in mind, encouraging you to install them yourself if you have access to some basic tools like a small armorer’s hammer and a proper punch. Speaking of tools, I also had the chance to use the XS Sights Glock Sight Pusher tool during my installation. The Glock Sight Pusher tool is designed to work with Glock pistols specifically and will make the job of replacing or adjusting your sights much easier. XS offers this tool for a couple of different types of handguns for around $100.
For hobbyists or anyone who enjoys tweaking and tuning their pistol setups, this tool is worth considering. It’s a reusable accessory that helps you get consistent and accurate adjustments, so if you frequently change or upgrade sights on different Glock models (like me), it’s a smart investment. On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers to “set and forget” their sights (most people), the Glock Sight Pusher might be more than you need. For a single installation, a visit to a gunsmith or a simpler but longer method of punch, vise, and hammer might be more cost-effective.
Back on the subject of the sights, I appreciated the slip-fit design of the rear sight combined with the hex screws to secure it to the dovetail on the top of the slide, which made the installation straightforward and hassle-free. A little thread locker on the set screws ensured everything stayed in place.
Compared to the installation process I went through with my traditional tritium sights, the DXT2 Pro Series was significantly simpler. With traditional sights, I had to spend extra time making sure everything was aligned, cleaned, and oiled perfectly. The DXT2 Pro’s easier rear sight attachment method meant I could quickly get everything mounted with minimal adjustments. This whole installation process took less than 5 minutes with the Glock sight pusher tool available for removing the old friction-fit sight.
If DIY isn’t your style, XS Sights does offer installation services, but this isn’t a job that requires expert-level skills. If you’re comfortable with screwdrivers, you’ll find that swapping your old sights for the DXT2 Pros can be an easy project you can take care of in less than 30 minutes.
DXT2 Pro Series Big Dot Sights – Behind the Sights
These sights, according to the press release that XS sights put out, are entirely focused on defensive shooting. In addition to having a pretty unique front and rear sight setup, the DXT2 Pro series features a lot of product durability and longevity updates. The sights are made from CNC-machined steel which is then finished off with a black nitride which should keep the sights corrosion-free and protect them against minor bumps as well as daily holster wear.
The most notable feature of the DXT2 Pros is the 0.188-inch Big Dot front sight with a green glow dot. This sight isn’t just for show—the oversized front sight makes it easy to find your sight picture quickly, which can be critical in defensive situations. The glow dot absorbs ambient light, giving you a bright point of reference in low-light conditions. Plus, the upgraded tritium lamps are durable, ensuring they’ll last longer than those in standard night sights.
The rear sight features a low-profile V shape that aligns with the front dot in a “dot-the-i” configuration. This setup is faster and simpler than traditional three-dot sights, making it ideal for quick target acquisition. The high-contrast green color is particularly effective in daylight, while the tritium helps maintain visibility as light fades.
Comparing DXT2 Pro Sights to Traditional Tritium Sights
If you’re planning on making the switch from more traditional sight designs to the DXT2 pros, you’ll want to take a few things into consideration. I’m pretty intimately familiar with my Glock 48 – I’ve had all sorts of sights mounted on it and the DXT2s almost completely change how I can use the pistol. Traditional tritium sights are great for precision, but in high-stress situations where defensive accuracy is crucial, the Big Dot sights are a clear advantage that ends up sacrificing longer-range precision capabilities.
The green glow dot provides a high level of visibility in both bright and low light, which I found more effective than the standard tritium’s performance in transitional lighting. The “dot-the-i” alignment is intuitive and quick, allowing you to focus on getting that front dot on target without having to line up multiple points. Traditional sights might slow you down in these fast-paced scenarios, as you’re aiming for exact alignment rather than immediate visibility.
In terms of construction, the BlackNitride finish of the DXT2 Pro provides more durability and corrosion resistance than the Black Oxide finish of older DXT2 models. This means you’re getting a sight that can stand up to more rigorous use and varying environmental conditions. I often carry my Glock 48 in sweaty and/or wet and rainy conditions so corrosion resistance is pretty high on my list of things to look for when it comes to my life-saving equipment.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of the DXT2 Pro Series:
Improved Visibility: With the glow dot and tritium combination, the DXT2 Pro is optimized for visibility in both bright and low-light conditions. This is a step above traditional tritium sights, which can be less visible in daylight.Quick Target Acquisition: The oversized front sight and simple alignment are perfect for defensive situations where speed is critical. You won’t waste time trying to line up multiple dots—just place the Big Dot on your target and you’re good to go.Durability and Corrosion Resistance: The BlackNitride finish and robust construction give these sights a durability edge over standard tritium sights, which might not handle prolonged exposure to elements as well.Ease of Installation: XS Sights’ user-friendly design allows for straightforward DIY installation, which is less common with more intricate tritium setups.
Disadvantages of the DXT2 Pro Series:
Limited Precision: While great for defensive accuracy, these sights might not be ideal for precision shooting. If you’re focused on fine-tuned accuracy, the larger front sight might feel less precise compared to the smaller dots of traditional sights.Color Limitation: Currently, the DXT2 Pro is only available in green. The standard DXT2 series offers yellow and orange options, which might be preferable for shooters who want the highest glow in low light (yellow) or the most contrast in daylight (orange).Entirely Defensive-Focused Design: These sights are designed for defensive shooting rather than precision. If you’re planning to use your Glock for range shooting or competitions, the Big Dot system will be extremely imprecise compared to traditional rear notch sights or even Glock factory sights.
Final Thoughts
I’m fairly new to using the DXT2 Pro series but from what I’m noticing with my dry fire practice so far, the Big Dot does seem to help you shave off some time from your draw to your first shot – at least if you don’t care too much about accuracy. Even at shorter ranges, it can be difficult to get the big dot seated just perfectly in the v-notch of the rear sight and thus I find I have about a 6” circle where my shots will land at a distance of about 10 yards. While it’s not pinpoint accuracy, I think for my entirely defensively focused Glock 48 pistol, it’s a better overall fit that I think I’ll become more proficient with over time with more practice. As always I’d like to hear your thoughts on these sights, and your experience with them or other sights light them. Do you prefer traditional iron sights or do you opt for larger front sights or night sights for your EDC guns?