I’ve tested various firearms, with one particular favorite – the Smith & Wesson Equalizer. Its reliability and efficiency are unparalleled, but I found that a good night sight could significantly enhance its performance.
After testing, I found a clear winner that stood out from the rest: the HiViz LiteWave H3. Trust me, I’ve been down this road many times, and this particular sight greatly complements this firearm.
In this article, I’ll be taking a deep dive into Best Smith & Wesson Equalizer Night Sights, how I conducted my reviews, and why the HiViz LiteWave H3 emerged as my top choice.
Top 3 Best Night Sights for Smith & Wesson Equalizer
1. HiViz LiteWave H3 – Best Overall
The HiViz LiteWave H3 sight combines Tritium and HIVIZ Litepipe technology, providing round-the-clock illumination in one robust system. Its all-steel construction ensures durability even in the toughest conditions.
Benefits: This sight guarantees quick target acquisition and a bright sight picture, irrespective of the time of day. Its visibility remains unmatched in varying light conditions, and its ultra-bright encapsulated Tritium feature reinforces this strength.
Why to Buy: If you value rapid sight acquisition and need a sight that works as well during the night as it does during the day, the LiteWave H3 is for you. It’s sturdy, reliable, and fits standard holsters, making it an excellent all-around choice.
Why Not to Buy: Despite its superior features, the LiteWave H3 may not be as bright in broad daylight as some may prefer. If you primarily operate in bright daylight conditions, this might be a potential downside to consider.
Who Should Buy: If you’re a law enforcement officer, military personnel, or a private citizen who demands rugged and reliable night sights for personal defense, the LiteWave H3 would be a perfect fit.
My Experience
On testing, the HiViz LiteWave H3 provided a notable improvement to my shooting experience with the Smith & Wesson Equalizer. Its performance in low light conditions was exceptional, and the sight acquisition speed was truly impressive.
Pros
- All-weather visibility
- Ultra-bright encapsulated Tritium
- Factory sight heights
- All-steel construction
- Fits standard holsters
Cons
- Not as bright during daylight conditions
2. R3D 2.0 Night Sights – Robust Construction
The R3D 2.0 Night Sights, complete with Tritium front and rear, boast high contrast glow dots that absorb ambient light and glow in low light conditions. It features a wider-than-usual 0.145″ front sight, an anti-reflective lens, and a corrosion-resistant Black Nitride surface finish.
Benefits: The wide notch rear, combined with serrations and an anti-reflective lens, ensures faster sight alignment even in poor lighting conditions. The photoluminescent glow dot is a unique feature that significantly enhances visibility.
Why to Buy: If you seek a sight with fast alignment, high visibility, and excellent resistance to wear and tear, the R3D 2.0 should be your top pick. Its upgrades in tritium lamps and black PVC ring offer improved sight pictures and differentiation.
Why Not to Buy: Despite its impressive features, installation might be a challenge as it requires professional handling. This could be a drawback if you prefer a more straightforward setup process.
Who Should Buy: This sight is perfect for private citizens with concealed carry. Its high performance makes it a reliable companion for daily carry.
My Experience
My experience with the R3D 2.0 Night Sights on my Smith & Wesson Equalizer was nothing short of impressive. The enhanced visibility it provided, especially in low-light situations, significantly improved my shooting accuracy and speed.
Pros
- High contrast glow dot
- Anti-reflective lens
- Fast sight alignment
- Corrosion-resistant Black Nitride finish
Cons
- Requires professional installation
3. Trijicon Bright & Tough – High Visibility
Trijicon’s Bright & Tough night sights are built with unique features, including a white ring around the glowing dots for daylight visibility and a Tritium-Phosphor lamp for enhanced illumination in low-light conditions.
A sapphire window caps each lamp, ensuring light distribution and protection from solvents and punctures.
Benefits: These sights provide superior visibility in both daylight and low-light scenarios, thanks to the Tritium-Phosphor lamp and white rings. The sapphire window and protective aluminum cylinders add to their durability, making them resistant to harsh conditions.
Why to Buy: If you need a sight that offers exceptional visibility in all lighting conditions and can withstand the rigors of heavy recoil and harsh cleaning solvents, Trijicon Bright & Tough should be on your list.
Why Not to Buy: Despite its rugged build and illumination features, these sights may add a bit of weight to your firearm, which could be a potential drawback for some users.
Who Should Buy: The Bright & Tough sights are ideal for firearm enthusiasts who frequently operate in varied lighting conditions and demand a durable, robust sight that can endure rough
handling.
My Experience
When I fitted my Smith & Wesson Equalizer with the Trijicon Bright & Tough, the difference was significant. Despite adding a bit of weight, the improved visibility and reliability it offered was a worthy trade-off.
Pros
- Superior daylight and low-light visibility
- Durable and resistant to harsh conditions
- Tritium-Phosphor lamp for superior illumination
- The sapphire window for protection and light distribution
Cons
- Adds extra weight to the firearm
Final Verdict
After meticulous testing, all three sights demonstrated commendable performance. However, the HiViz LiteWave H3 emerged as the top choice. Its all-weather visibility, encapsulated Tritium, and robust construction fit perfectly with the Smith & Wesson Equalizer.
The R3D 2.0 Night Sights and the Trijicon Bright & Tough also proved impressive, but certain limitations, such as installation challenges and added weight, respectively, made them slightly less preferred.
Nevertheless, the choice of sight boils down to individual preferences, and these three options cater to a wide range of shooter needs.
FAQs
What are the best night sights for the Equalizer?
The best night sights for the Equalizer include HiViz LiteWave H3, R3D 2.0 Night Sights, and Trijicon Bright & Tough.
Do night sights need to be charged?
No, night sights do not need to be charged. They’re self-powered, producing consistent luminosity.
How long do night sights last?
Tritium-based night sights typically last around 12 years.
What are the benefits of night sights?
The primary benefit of night sights is the ability to aim effectively in low-light environments without giving up your position, unlike using a flashlight.
