Welcome to my detailed review of the best Ruger GP100 night sights currently available on the market.
As an experienced shooter and an enthusiast of firearm optimization, I have meticulously tested five of the top night sights for the Ruger GP100 to give you the most comprehensive guide.
After rigorous assessment, XS Sight Systems DXW2 has earned the top spot in my list due to its superior qualities, but we’ll get into the specifics later.
This article aims to provide an in-depth review of the five best Ruger GP100 night sights, guiding you in selecting the most suitable one for your specific needs.
Top 5 Best Ruger GP100 Night Sights
1. XS Sight Systems DXW2 – Best Overall
The XS Sight Systems DXW2 for the Ruger GP100 is a state-of-the-art night sight powered by tritium. It’s designed to amplify your everyday carry pistol’s capabilities with a focus on defensive situations.
The front dot measures 0.188″ and comes in high contrast colors, catering to different user preferences and visibility requirements.
Benefits: The sight features a unique photoluminescent Glow Dot on the front sight that absorbs ambient light, glowing efficiently in low light conditions. This design makes the sights big, bright, and easily visible in both daylight and low-light settings.
What I Love: The low-profile V rear provides an expanded field of view, allowing for more accurate shooting. Furthermore, the DXW2 features a simple dot-the-“isight picture that aids in distinguishing the front and rear sights in high-stress situations
Drawback: On the downside, some shooters might find the front sight dot a bit too large, which can affect the overall sight picture. However, this is quite subjective and largely depends on personal preference.
Reason to Buy: This sight is machined from solid steel, providing high durability, and comes with a substantial 12-year warranty on the tritium element.
My Testing
On the field, the XS Sight Systems DXW2 held up incredibly well. The visibility was clear and bright, both in daylight and in low-light situations. The sight was easy to align, and the Glow Dot performed exactly as promised, glowing brightly in low light. Even in high-stress shooting drills, the dot-the-“i” sight picture made it easy to keep track of the front and rear sights.
Pros:
- High visibility day or night
- Tritium powered front sight
- Glow Dot that absorbs light
- Low-profile V rear sight for a wider field of view
- Built from durable CNC machined steel
Cons:
- The front sight dot might be too large for some shooters
- Might need some time to get used to the sight picture.
2. MEPRO Tru-Dot – Best Adjustable Tritium Night Sights
The MEPRO Tru-Dot is a high-quality adjustable night sight, compatible with the Ruger GP100 and the Super RedHawk. Offering windage and elevation adjustments, this sight lets you tweak your aim based on various factors like wind, elevation, bullet weight, and shooting distance.
The Tru-Dot sight is powered by tritium vials, giving it 24/7 operational readiness for up to 12 years without the need for batteries or external light charging. These sights are encased in steel for high durability and are designed to be shock and drop-proof.
Benefits: One of the key advantages of the MEPRO Tru-Dot sight is its adjustability. It allows shooters to compensate for environmental factors and ballistic characteristics, enhancing your accuracy significantly.
The tritium vials offer continuous illumination without needing any power source, ensuring the sight is always ready for action. The reflective white material surrounding the tritium boosts the brightness, aiding in faster target acquisition in both daylight and low-light conditions.
What I Love: During testing, I found the MEPRO Tru-Dot sight impressively accurate. The adjustability of the sight allowed me to adapt to different shooting scenarios, improving my shooting precision. The constant light produced by the tritium was also a standout feature, eliminating the need for batteries or light sources for charging.
Drawback: One potential drawback is that the front sight is fixed, limiting adjustment capabilities to the rear sight only. This might take some getting used to for some shooters, especially those accustomed to adjustable front sights.
Reason to Buy: If you’re seeking enhanced shooting accuracy, the MEPRO Tru-Dot adjustable night sights would be an excellent addition to your Ruger GP100.
My Testing
In my field tests, the MEPRO Tru-Dot sight performed exceptionally well. Adjusting the windage and elevation on the rear sight was straightforward, allowing for quick changes on the fly. The tritium-powered illumination was visible and bright in both daylight and low-light conditions.
Pros:
- Adjustable for windage and elevation
- Tritium powered, offering continuous illumination
- Bright, visible sights in all lighting conditions
- Durable, made of steel
- 12-year guarantee for tritium illumination
Cons:
- The front sight is fixed, limiting full adjustability
- Some shooters might need time to adjust to the fixed front sight setup.
3. HIVIZ GPLW01 – Best Interchangeable Handgun Sight
HIVIZ GPLW01 is a versatile sight with interchangeable LitePipes, providing customization to cater to the shooter’s preference.
Benefits: This sight allows for an adaptable shooting experience due to its interchangeable feature.
What I Love: The flexibility offered by the interchangeable LitePipes makes this sight a favorite.
Drawback: Some users might find switching out the LitePipes a bit cumbersome.
Reason to Buy: If customization and flexibility are what you seek, the HIVIZ GPLW01 will serve you well.
My Testing
The sight lived up to its promise of flexibility, and changing the LitePipes gave distinct sight pictures.
4. Ruger Rear Sight for GP100
Product Description and Specifications: This is a genuine Ruger product with a robust design, ensuring durability and long-lasting service.
Benefits: As a Ruger product, compatibility with the GP100 is guaranteed, providing an efficient sight picture.
What I Love: Its straightforward design and reliable performance stand out.
Drawback: It only includes a rear sight, which means you’ll need to find a matching front sight.
Reason to Buy: For Ruger GP100 owners seeking guaranteed compatibility, this is your best bet.
My Testing
It showed great performance, providing a consistent and clear sight picture during my tests.
5. Ruger Front Sight for GP100
The Ruger Front Sight for GP100 is a sturdy, high-quality sight that fits seamlessly on your Ruger GP100. The sight is constructed from a durable material designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. It is designed to provide a clear, well-defined sight picture, helping to improve your accuracy when shooting.
Benefits: The primary benefit of the Ruger Front Sight for GP100 is its reliability. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, you can trust its compatibility and performance with your Ruger GP100. The sight enhances target acquisition, enabling you to aim and shoot more accurately.
What I Love: As an expert shooter, I appreciate the simplicity and functionality of the Ruger Front Sight for GP100. It’s simple to install, highly durable, and provides a clear sight picture, even in challenging conditions. As an OEM part, its fit and finish are exceptional, and it feels like an integral part of the gun rather than an add-on.
Drawback: One potential drawback is that the sight is not tritium-illuminated or fiber-optic-enhanced, which may limit visibility in low-light conditions compared to other night sights on the market.
Reason to Buy: If you’re looking for a reliable, straightforward, and durable sight for your Ruger GP100, the Ruger Front Sight is a great choice. Its superior compatibility and performance make it a worthy addition to your handgun.
My Testing
During my hands-on testing, the Ruger Front Sight for GP100 performed impressively well. It provided a clear and crisp sight picture, making target acquisition much quicker. Despite its lack of low-light enhancements, it functioned admirably in daylight and decently lit environments.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable construction
- OEM part, ensuring compatibility and reliable performance
- Provides a clear sight picture
- Simple to install
Cons:
- Not illuminated, limiting visibility in low-light conditions
Conclusion
My top 5 Ruger GP100 sights provide a range of features, from the XS Sight Systems DXW2’s rapid target acquisition to the MEPRO Tru-Dot’s adjustability, the HIVIZ GPLW01’s flexibility, the Ruger Rear Sight’s compatibility, and the TruGlo TFO’s brightness.
All the sights listed are exceptional in their rights, and the choice depends on your specific requirements. If you value speed, opt for the XS Sight Systems DXW2.
For adjustability, consider the MEPRO Tru-Dot. If you need customization, HIVIZ GPLW01 is your best bet. For compatibility, go for the Ruger Rear Sight.
FAQs
What is the best night sight for the Ruger GP100?
The XS Sight Systems DXW2 has earned the top spot in my list due to its superior qualities.
Why should I consider getting a night sight for my Ruger GP100?
Night sights enhance visibility in low light conditions, allowing you to aim accurately at your target even in poor light. This makes them a valuable addition for self-defense and low-light shooting scenarios.
Can I install a night sight on my Ruger GP100 myself, or do I need a gunsmith?
While some night sights can be installed at home with the right tools and a bit of know-how, it’s often recommended to have a professional gunsmith do the installation to ensure proper fit and alignment.
How long does the tritium in night sights last?
Tritium, used in many night sights for its glow-in-the-dark properties, typically has a half-life of about 12 years. This means that after approximately 12 years, the tritium’s brightness will be about half as bright as when it was new.
Are night sights for Ruger GP100 legal everywhere?
Yes, night sights are legal to use and own in most places. However, it’s always best to check local laws and regulations in your area to ensure compliance.
