Hi there, fellow firearm enthusiasts. In my years as a seasoned shooter, I’ve had the privilege to extensively test a wide variety of firearms and accessories, including the FNS 40 & FNX 40. I’ve explored their every nuance, mastering their handling, and testing them in varying light conditions.
The one accessory that consistently stood out in my trials was the Trijicon HD XR night sight. It’s the sight that enhanced my shooting experience, regardless of the light condition. A
The purpose of this article is to provide an in-depth review of the Best FNS 40 & FNX 40 Night Sights.
Top 5 Best Night Sight for FNS 40 & FNX 40
1. Trijicon HD XR – Overall Best
The Trijicon HD XR is a robust night sight equipped with a thin front post, a glow-in-the-dark photoluminescent painted front outline, a U-notch rear, and black painted rear outlines. Inside the front post, a tritium phosphor-filled glass lamp sits protected by a sapphire jewel cap.
Benefits: This sight’s slim design promotes a larger field of view, enabling fast target identification even at long ranges. The photoluminescent painted front outline, combined with the U-notch rear, ensures rapid eye focus regardless of lighting conditions.
Why to Buy: Trijicon night sights are favored by law enforcement agencies and discerning pistol sports participants because they’re designed for rapid target acquisition in any light.
Furthermore, they can withstand rough handling while maintaining accuracy.
Why Not to Buy: While the Trijicon HD XR is a fantastic piece of kit, its premium features come with a premium price tag, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy: Whether you’re a professional law enforcement officer needing a reliable night sight, or an avid shooter looking to upgrade your FNS 40 or FNX 40, the Trijicon HD XR will exceed your expectations.
My Experience
After extensive field-testing on my FNS 40 and FNX 40, the Trijicon HD XR has proven to be exceptional. Its visibility in diverse lighting conditions and enhanced field of view really improved my targeting speed and accuracy.
Pros
- Excellent visibility in all lighting conditions
- Promotes a larger field of view
- Robust and durable
- Trusted by law enforcement agencies
Cons
- Premium price tag
2. TRUGLO TFX – High Visibility
The TRUGLO TFX is a compact day and night sight that ingeniously blends fiber-optic and tritium technology within a patented capsule design. It flaunts a snag-free profile, a long sight radius, and Focus Lock technology in its front sight, all within a CNC-machined steel body protected by a rust-resistant Fortress Finish.
Benefits: TRUGLO TFX’s hybrid design ensures an always-on glow, intensifying in brighter light. The sight doesn’t require batteries or light exposure to function, providing maximum brightness and visibility day or night.
Why to Buy: The TRUGLO TFX is impervious to oils, chemicals, cleaning solvents, and ultrasonic cleaning processes. The concealed fiber is invisible to the target, ensuring your shots remain discreet.
Why Not to Buy: Despite its high-quality construction and performance, the TRUGLO TFX is considered a high-end sight, which means it comes with a substantial price tag that may not suit all budgets.
Who Should Buy: Shooters needing high visibility in various light conditions and desiring an ultra-durable sight for their FNS 40 or FNX 40 will find the TRUGLO TFX worth every penny.
My Experience
In my rigorous testing with both the FNS 40 & FNX 40, the TRUGLO TFX proved its mettle. It was always ready to glow bright, whether in low-light conditions or the blazing sun. Its durability and reliability were impressive.
Pros
- Exceptional brightness in all lighting conditions
- Durable construction
- Requires no batteries or light exposure
- Focus Lock technology for fast and accurate shooting
Cons
- Higher price point
3. TRUGLO Tritium Pro – For Professional Use
The TRUGLO Tritium Pro is a professional-grade night sight that merges the brightness and durability of original Tritium sights with added Pro features.
The front sight boasts a highly visible white Focus-Lock ring, all encased within a compact design.
Benefits: The TRUGLO Tritium Pro sight offers unmatched visibility in all shooting conditions without the need for batteries or light sources. Its Focus-Lock ring helps to quickly lock onto targets for accurate shooting.
Why to Buy: With its Swiss tritium and Focus-Lock ring, the TRUGLO Tritium Pro is a reliable choice for professional shooters, ensuring a clear sight picture day or night. Its compact design also fits standard holsters and facilitates emergency one-hand operation.
Why Not to Buy: Despite its impressive features, I noticed a slight gap upon fitting the TRUGLO Tritium Pro sight, which could affect precision for some shooters.
Who Should Buy: Professional shooters who require top-tier night sights with 24/7 visibility and rapid target focusing capabilities will find the TRUGLO Tritium Pro an excellent addition to their FNS 40 or FNX 40.
My Experience
Upon testing the TRUGLO Tritium Pro on my FNS 40 & FNX 40, I was delighted with its day and night functionality. The Focus-Lock feature added speed and accuracy to my shooting, though I did note the slight gap when fitting.
Pros
- High visibility in all conditions
- No need for batteries or light charging
- Compact design compatible with standard holsters
- Focus-Lock feature for fast and accurate shooting
Cons
- Possible slight gap when fitting the sight
4. Trijicon Fiber Optic Sight – Good Value for Moey
As an industry leader, Trijicon has done it again with their Fiber Optic Sight. It’s built with the best fiber optic technology and combines years of manufacturing expertise. This sight fits perfectly on FN models including the FNS 40, FNX 40, and FNP 40, enhancing the shooting experience for all pistol enthusiasts.
Benefits: The Trijicon Fiber Optic Sight offers a brilliantly bright aiming point while maintaining strength and clarity. The thin sights create the perfect aiming point for rapid and precise targeting.
Why to Buy: Invest in Trijicon if you demand excellence in any light condition. If precision and speed are your game, these sights, used by law enforcement and discerning shooters worldwide, will offer you an unparalleled experience.
Why Not to Buy: While there’s much to love about this sight, its fiber optics may not glow as brightly in daylight conditions, which can be a potential drawback for daytime shooters.
Who Should Buy: It’s perfect for professionals who need an edge in fast-paced environments, as well as personal protection enthusiasts who demand optimal accuracy and precision.
My Experience
From personal use, the Trijicon Fiber Optic Sight seamlessly enhances your shooting precision. It feels comfortable, natural and provides a significant edge when it comes to quick target acquisition, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Pros
- Brilliantly bright aiming point
- Thin sights for rapid and precise targeting
- Built with the best fiber optic technology
Cons
- Fiber optic visibility may diminish in daylight conditions
5. HiViz LiteWave – Best Affordable Option
The HiViz LiteWave sight truly sets the bar high for sights. This interchangeable front sight incorporates LitePipes in six different colors, allowing customization based on your preference or conditions. The state-of-the-art exoskeleton frame allows an impressive amount of light to enter the LitePipe for maximum brightness.
Benefits: With HiViz LiteWave, you enjoy a consistently clear sight picture. The recessed LitePipe eliminates any halo effect and reveals a crisp, clear dot. Add to this its chemical-resistant material, and you have a sight that promises durability and high performance.
Why to Buy: For those who seek personalization, this sight comes with interchangeable LitePipes. Moreover, HiViz offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty which guarantees the quality and durability of this sight.
Why Not to Buy: The main drawback is that it’s only a front sight, which may not be ideal for those looking for a comprehensive front and rear sight system.
Who Should Buy: Shooters who appreciate customizable options in their gear, and those who prioritize brightness and a clear sight picture, would find the HiViz LiteWave an excellent choice.
My Experience
After testing the HiViz LiteWave on my FNS 40 & FNX 40, the sight exceeded expectations. The brightness is unparalleled, and the ability to interchange LitePipes based on shooting conditions provides flexibility and convenience.
Pros
- Maximum brightness with the exoskeleton frame
- Interchangeable LitePipes in various colors
- High-quality, chemical-resistant material
Cons
- Only includes a front sight
Final Verdict
As a seasoned shooter, I understand the importance of a good night sight for precision and
speed, particularly in low-light conditions. Each of these sights offer unique features that make them viable choices depending on your specific needs and budget.
However, in my experience, the Trijicon HD XR emerged as my top choice due to its all-round performance, durability and reliability. Its thin front post and U-notch rear facilitate rapid eye focus, while its robust construction ensures longevity. It is indeed a premium sight with a price to match, but the payoff in performance and reliability is undeniable.
FAQs
How long should night sights last?
Night sights, particularly those using tritium, have a rated half-life of approximately 12 years.
Do night sights need to be charged?
No, radioluminescent night sights are self-powered and do not require charging.
How long do night sights last on a gun?
Tritium-based night sights gradually dim over time, typically maintaining half of their original brightness after about 12.5 years.
What makes night sights glow?
Tritium, a radioactive material, is used in night sights and produces a weak beta particle causing them to glow.
