I Tested the best Glock 42 Night Sights currently available in the market, so now I know why Night Sights are such a rush! Check out my personal ranking and read my hands-on reviews to find the one that’s perfect for your Glock 42.
Top 5 Best Night Sights For Glock 42
1. XS SIGHTS 3-Dot – Best Overall sight for glock 42
XS SIGHTS 3-Dot are a set of tritium night sights, made right here in the USA. Its robust design and excellent illumination characteristics work seamlessly with the Glock 42.
It is self-illuminated, giving you the ability to see clearly even in low light.
Benefits: One of the standout features of the XS SIGHTS 3-Dot is the bright, bold glow it provides. Unlike many other sights on the market, its visibility remains consistently strong, whether you’re shooting under a scorching midday sun or in the wee hours of the night.
Its availability in three sizes means that you’re bound to find a perfect fit for your Glock 42.
Why to Buy: If you’re after a sight that doesn’t compromise on visibility and fits your Glock like a glove, the XS SIGHTS 3-Dot is a worthy contender.
Its tritium lamps are bright, and their self-illuminating nature means you’re never left squinting in the dark. Coupled with its American manufacturing, you can rest assured you’re investing in a product that is durable and designed to last.
Why Not to Buy: However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with the XS SIGHTS 3-Dot. For one, you won’t receive a front sight tool in the package, which can make installation a bit tricky if you’re a DIY kind of person. Additionally, while its features are impressive, some might find the price point a little steep.
Who Should Buy: This sight is ideal for anyone looking for improved visibility and a snug fit for their Glock 42. If you’re comfortable with professional installation or already have a front sight tool, you’re all set. Despite the price, the value it provides, especially in low-light conditions, can’t be overstated.
My Experience
As for my personal experience with the XS SIGHTS 3-Dot, I’ve found it to be a reliable partner for my Glock 42. The brilliance of the sight, even in daylight, is genuinely commendable. While the lack of an included installation tool did require me to be a little more prepared, it was a minor inconvenience rather than a major roadblock.
Pros
- Exceptionally bright, enhancing visibility under any light
- Quality American craftsmanship for long-lasting durability
Cons
- Does not include a front sight tool for installation
- Some may find the pricing slightly on the higher side for the given features
2. TRUGLO TFX Pro – Best for Professional Use
This device offers a unique blend of both tritium and fiber optics, a combination becoming increasingly popular in recent years.
This fusion allows for the best of both worlds: rapid sight acquisition under bright light with the fiber optics, and perfect visibility in the dark with the tritium dots.
Benefits: The TFX Pro isn’t just about visibility. With the implementation of what Truglo has dubbed a Focus-Lock ring, the front sight can be quickly locked onto, providing fast focus on the sight dot.
The rear sight features a U-notch and an angled front edge, which allows for emergency one-handed slide manipulation—a key attribute in high-stress situations.
Why to Buy: If you’re after a sight that can transition smoothly from the sun-soaked day to the starless night, then the TFX Pro Tritium and Fiber Optic Xtreme is a remarkable choice. Its contrast-colored front sight Focus-Lock ring gives it an edge, allowing faster focus.
Additionally, it is hermetically sealed and impervious to oils, chemicals, cleaning solvents, and ultrasonic cleaning processes. This resilience, combined with Swiss-made tritium for maximum brightness, creates a sight built to endure the harshest conditions.
Why Not to Buy: However, for all its strengths, the TFX Pro isn’t without its potential pitfalls. The primary concern is the fragility of the fiber optic rods, which are crucial for its function. Should these rods break, the sight won’t be as effective, making it less ideal for environments where it might be exposed to significant wear and tear.
Who Should Buy: The TFX Pro is best suited to Glock 42 users who want a sight that offers outstanding visibility across a wide range of light conditions. It’s also a solid pick for those who appreciate rugged, durable sights that can withstand exposure to harsh cleaning processes and environmental factors.
My Experience
When I tested the TRUGLO TFX Pro, I was genuinely impressed by its performance. The sight provided a seamless transition between various light conditions, and the Focus-Lock ring did indeed enable quicker focus. The fragile nature of the fiber optic rods did give me pause, but with careful handling, it remained functional and reliable.
Pros
- Combines tritium and fiber optics for optimal performance in varied light conditions
- Focus-Lock ring allows faster focus on the sight dot
- Hermetically sealed and resistant to oils, chemicals, and cleaning solvents
Cons
- Fragility of the fiber optic rods raises durability concerns
- Potential for performance reduction if the fiber optic rods get damaged
3. Trijicon Bright and Tough – Premium Night Sight
It boasts a white ring surrounding the glowing dots for daylight visibility and a tritium-phosphor lamp that illuminates effectively in no light or low light conditions.
This sight’s unique features don’t stop there. Each tritium lamp is protected with a sapphire window, ensuring light distribution and resistance against punctures and solvents.
Benefits: The Trijicon Night Sight offers an alternative to traditional iron sights by presenting a self-luminous, three-dot night sight capability. Its unique U-shaped notch rear sight allows for faster sight alignment and target focus.
The front sight, enhanced with photoluminescent paint, promises a clear sight picture, regardless of the level of darkness around you.
Why to Buy: Investing in the Trijicon Night Sight is a wise move if you’re seeking a sight that provides speedy target acquisition and superior visibility, day or night. Trijicon is a trusted name in the industry, boasting a stellar reputation for quality and innovation.
Why Not to Buy: While the Trijicon Night Sight’s features and performance are exemplary, it does have a minor downside. It’s recommended to have the sight professionally installed.
Who Should Buy: The Trijicon Night Sight is the perfect match for Glock 42 owners who need enhanced performance in low light situations. Whether you’re a tactical shooter, home defender, or a law enforcement officer, the sight will elevate your performance when the lights go dim.
My Experience
Testing the Trijicon Night Sight on my Glock 42 was a game-changing experience. This investment was one I’ve found worthwhile each time I used my Glock in less than ideal lighting conditions.
Pros
- Exceptional performance in low light conditions
- Unique U-shaped notch for rapid target acquisition
- 12-year warranty on the tritium
Cons
- Professional installation recommended, which could mean extra costs for some
4. TRUGLO Tritium – Maximum Brightness
The TRUGLO Tritium Night Sights for the Glock 42 are a revelation in sight technology. These sights transition from standard white dot sights during daylight, to glowing green dots in the dark.
With a compact design that maintains the factory sight radius, it fits standard holsters, and even includes an angled rear sight edge for emergency one-hand operation.
Benefits: The TRUGLO Tritium Night Sights are a beneficial upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their shooting performance. The seamless transition from daylight white dots to glowing green dots in the dark makes for a versatile tool.
Why to Buy: If you’re looking for an upgrade that brings substantial value, the TRUGLO Tritium Night Sights is a clear choice.The fact that it uses Swiss tritium, a top-tier light source, adds to its appeal.
Why Not to Buy: While the TRUGLO Tritium Night Sights boast many positive attributes, a minor concern has been noted. The tritium vials on the rear sights may back out a bit during recoil.
Who Should Buy: If you’re a Glock 42 owner who regularly shoots in varying lighting conditions, these sights are an excellent fit for you. They’re also ideal for anyone who prefers an all-conditions sight solution that needs no external power source.
My Experience
My experience with the TRUGLO Tritium Sight has been largely positive. Despite the initial issue with the tritium vials on the rear sight, they remained in place during shooting. Overall, I highly recommend these sights, but advise having them installed by a professional.
Pros
- Swiss tritium provides maximum brightness
- Transition from white dot to green glow in different light conditions
- Compact, durable design that fits standard holsters
Cons
- Tritium vials on rear sight may back out a bit during recoil (likely an isolated issue)
5. MEPROLIGHT Tru-Dot – Fast Target Acquisition
The MEPROLIGHT Tru-Dot Night Sights are top-of-the-line, offering reliable illumination for day or night shooting. The white reflective material around the tritium vials maximizes their brightness for faster target acquisition.
Benefits: The MEPROLIGHT Tru-Dot Sights are the epitome of convenience and reliability. With no need for batteries or charging, they’re always ready to perform.
The 12-year guarantee for tritium illumination also means you can trust in the product’s longevity.
Why to Buy: Investing in the MEPROLIGHT Tru-Dot Sights is a smart move for any Glock 42 owner. The tritium-powered sights ensure you’ll always have illumination when needed.
With these sights, you can aim instinctively under pressure, which can be a huge advantage in tense situations.
Why Not to Buy: While the MEPROLIGHT Tru-Dot Sights are an excellent choice, there are a couple of minor issues to be aware of. Firstly, color options for the front sight are limited to green only. Secondly, for those new to tritium sights, it might take some time to adjust to them, especially in terms of quickly picking up the sight picture.
Who Should Buy: If you’re a Glock 42 owner who needs a reliable, always-on sight solution that performs exceptionally in low-light and nighttime conditions, the MEPROLIGHT Tru-Dot is for you.
Also, professionals in law enforcement or military personnel would find these sights particularly useful due to their durability and ease of use.
My Experience
In my time testing the MEPROLIGHT Tru-Dot Sight, I’ve been consistently impressed with their performance. Despite initial unfamiliarity, I quickly adapted to the bright, clear sight picture provided by the tritium vials.
These sights lived up to their reputation for high durability, withstanding the usual knocks and drops without any impact on performance. I can vouch for their dependability and highly recommend them.
Pros
- Reliable illumination for day and night shooting
- No need for batteries or external light sources
- Multiple color options for the rear sight
- High durability and shockproof design
- 12-year guarantee for tritium illumination
Cons
- Limited color options for the front sight
- Might take time for new users to get used to
Final Verdict
As a shooter, I was able to experience firsthand the diverse capabilities of each sight and how they catered to different lighting conditions and use cases.
After rigorous testing and analysis, the XS SIGHTS 3-Dot emerged as my top choice due to its reliable performance and uncompromised visibility, both during the day and at night. Its superior brightness and durable American craftsmanship cemented its place as the clear winner for my Glock 42.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Night Sights For Glock 43
FAQs
Do night sights make a difference?
Yes, night sights do make a difference as they don’t compromise daytime aiming and provide clear visibility in low light or against bright muzzle flash. They can also help locate your pistol in the dark.
What is the most a Glock 42 can hold?
The Glock 42 can hold a maximum of 6 rounds plus one in the chamber.
Is Glock 42 too small?
No, the Glock 42 is not too small. Despite its compact size, it’s designed for optimal handling and concealment.
How many bullets can a Glock 42 hold?
The Glock 42 can hold up to 6 rounds.
