red or green fiber optic front sights?

petespoiled630 · February 16, 2017, 08:08 PM

red or green front fiber optic sights. which do you prefer? and why?

tahunua001 · February 16, 2017, 08:19 PM

for indoor use I prefer green. green is a higher spectrum light that contrasts with soft lights better. outdoor use the green tends to blend in with foliage and tends to be harder to acquire so I prefer red for outdoor application.

Don P · February 16, 2017, 08:24 PM

Red cause piss poor eye sight says its so.

turtlehead · February 16, 2017, 08:38 PM

Everything here is dirt colored. Either works great.

bedbugbilly · February 16, 2017, 09:05 PM

What little I've ever used them, I couldn't really tell the difference. My eyesight is not the best and I'm older - plus I've had some extensive laser treatment in both eyes. I find that I much prefer a white dot on the front.

And if it makes any difference . . . I wear white socks as well as I doubt I could "match colors" . . . at least my wife says so . . .

UncleEd · February 16, 2017, 10:06 PM

Red is traditional.

Blue for cloudy days.

Green is whatever.

White or yellow are very nice and easy to see..

Etc. Etc.

Truth is that the colored fiber is slightly below the top of the sight and if focusing intensely on the colored fiber, your sight is going to be higher than
your intended point of aim.

For fast "combat" shooting at close-in ranges, any color will do or no color will do.

But the fiber optic front sight is a selling point and they are cute.

TunnelRat · February 16, 2017, 10:16 PM

Green stands out much better for me.

Dave T · February 16, 2017, 11:23 PM

This is so much a matter of individual preference it's kind of pointless to even ask this question. If I were to give you a dozen reasons for my preferred color, if you didn't like it my recommendation would be worthless.

Dave

**Aguila Blanca** · February 16, 2017, 11:58 PM

For me it isn't a question of preference. Like many Caucasian males, I have red-green weak color vision. I basically can't see red sights, whether fiber optic or red dots. For me, green is the only option.

eos · February 17, 2017, 12:10 AM

I have both, prefer green, neither is a deal breaker for me.

TXAZ · February 17, 2017, 12:19 AM

I bought a multi colored pack. The yellowish-orange was the best overall. I didn't like the red, but the green wasn't bad. Like AquilaBlanca, I'm Red-Green 'color deficient' but can tell the difference in bright lights.

petespoiled630 · February 17, 2017, 01:03 AM

I understand it comes down to preference, but asking what that is is not a waste of time. knowing someone elses reasons for certain color can help.

rodfac · February 17, 2017, 08:02 AM

Quote:

White or yellow are very nice and easy to see..

Yep, I like the white contrast since most defensive encounters occur in dim lighting. In fact, I've gone over to tritium based night sights on my bedside gun as well as the Sig I CC at night. I do have a pair of S&W revolvers that I carry as well and both have dabs of white paint on the front sight for better acquisition.

Nothing against the fiber optic front sights, but I see them as fragile in some respects. I have one on my Marlin .44 lever gun (shielded by the sight hood but still works well) and it's a god-send for early morning deer stand work.

YMMV, Rod

zincwarrior · February 17, 2017, 08:20 AM

It depends on the person. I see the red easier but its less focused for me.

Regardless I find fiber optic sights dramatically superior than simple post sights.

jmhyer · February 17, 2017, 08:48 AM

Between red and green, I prefer green. To me, they both show up well in lighted conditions; but I can see the green better in low light. So, for multi-purpose, anytime use, I prefer green.

TunnelRat · February 17, 2017, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Nothing against the fiber optic front sights, but I see them as fragile in some respects.

With most of them even if the rod breaks the housing works as a sight by itself with just a little hole in it. So even if the rod breaks you basically have a plain black front sight.

DMK · February 17, 2017, 11:58 AM

Quote:

I find that I much prefer a white dot on the front.

This is one reason that I really like Truglo TFX sights on my defensive guns. It gives you a white dot and in the center of it is a fiber optic with a tritium vial behind it, all in a traditional square front sight post. So you really do have a sight that is good for all conditions. (Their 'Pro' sights have an orange dot instead of white, but I don't like those. I can acquire the white dot much quicker.)

I just wish they sold those with the white dot and fiber optic, but without the tritium vials for my range toys.

zincwarrior · February 17, 2017, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Nothing against the fiber optic front sights, but I see them as fragile in some respects.
With most of them even if the rod breaks the housing works as a sight by itself with just a little hole in it. So even if the rod breaks you basically have a plain black front sight.

Actually mine was like a tiny peep sight. I had one break in mid competition, and I just kept shooting with it, even without the fiber it was still pretty good and I didn't bother replacing it until after.

RickB · February 17, 2017, 01:12 PM

At times, I've had yellow, red, and green fibers in use at the same time, and have no real preference.
I think occasionally changing the color, from any color to any other color, keeps my eyes' "interest", maybe a single color becomes "boring" and doesn't attract the same attention?
Dunno, but if I need to replace a fiber, I just use whatever is handy.

JDBerg · February 17, 2017, 01:24 PM

A green F.O. front and a blind rear sight works for most pistols. Although I'd like to get a domed gold bead frontsight put on my DW Valor

Pahoo · February 17, 2017, 09:24 PM

I think it depends on the application. I did a non-scientific test on one of my handguns and understand that this was my application and may not work for yours. Suggest you find out for yourself. ...

For my test, I use both red and green and slowly dimmed the lights. I have used red for years and was hoping to see an improvement with the green. The first to fade away, was the green. So, on that firearm, I went with the red.. ...

Be Safe !!!!

MarkCO · February 17, 2017, 09:30 PM

I use Green mostly. Best for outside and sunny where the red flares. I have used violet, yellow, orange, pink and blue. I have had times where I use one color for a few stages and then switch back to green for common full light stages.

Buy a few 1 meter long strands, clip to 1/2" or so and put in your range bag with a torch lighter and try them out.

Here is an article that might help you: http://nebula.wsimg.com/0fb91dbc2237...&alloworigin=1

rodfac · February 18, 2017, 09:03 AM

Thanks Tunnel & Zinc, that hadn't occured to me (broken fiber rod leaving the housing to be used instead.). Have you had any trouble with the rod loosening or breakage...and what brand are you using. I've got a Fire Sight on my Marlin and it's really good in these KY woods. Rod

Chris_B · February 18, 2017, 09:11 AM

I installed a rear patridge type sight on my Ruger MKIII Hunter, and blacked out an f/o rod for the front.

I have to admit, the V notch and f/o front really wasn't for me. I found the V notch strange and the f/o distracting. I string vertically with it.

If I was using it to hunt squirrels etc, I think that the f/o sight would be much more useful, but I don't.

P5 Guy · February 18, 2017, 11:21 AM

A thing to think about that may not have a thing to do with this question. Red end of the spectrum will save your night vision.
My preference is green or yellow. A bright color sight catches my eye quickest.

February 16, 2017, 08:08 PM	#1
petespoiled630 Member Join Date: September 4, 2016 Posts: 23	red or green fiber optic front sights? red or green front fiber optic sights. which do you prefer? and why?

February 16, 2017, 08:19 PM	#2
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	for indoor use I prefer green. green is a higher spectrum light that contrasts with soft lights better. outdoor use the green tends to blend in with foliage and tends to be harder to acquire so I prefer red for outdoor application. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

February 16, 2017, 08:24 PM	#3
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,213	Red cause piss poor eye sight says its so. __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

February 16, 2017, 09:05 PM	#5
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,290	What little I've ever used them, I couldn't really tell the difference. My eyesight is not the best and I'm older - plus I've had some extensive laser treatment in both eyes. I find that I much prefer a white dot on the front. And if it makes any difference . . . I wear white socks as well as I doubt I could "match colors" . . . at least my wife says so . . . __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

February 16, 2017, 10:16 PM	#7
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,426	Green stands out much better for me. __________________ Know the status of your weapon Keep your muzzle oriented so that no one will be hurt if the firearm discharges Keep your finger off the trigger until you have an adequate sight picture Maintain situational awareness

February 16, 2017, 08:38 PM	#4
turtlehead Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,203	Everything here is dirt colored. Either works great.

February 16, 2017, 10:06 PM	#6
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Red is traditional. Blue for cloudy days. Green is whatever. White or yellow are very nice and easy to see.. Etc. Etc. Truth is that the colored fiber is slightly below the top of the sight and if focusing intensely on the colored fiber, your sight is going to be higher than your intended point of aim. For fast "combat" shooting at close-in ranges, any color will do or no color will do. But the fiber optic front sight is a selling point and they are cute.

February 16, 2017, 11:23 PM	#8
Dave T Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2000 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,458	This is so much a matter of individual preference it's kind of pointless to even ask this question. If I were to give you a dozen reasons for my preferred color, if you didn't like it my recommendation would be worthless. Dave __________________ RSVN '69-'71 PCSD Ret

February 16, 2017, 11:58 PM	#9
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,051	For me it isn't a question of preference. Like many Caucasian males, I have red-green weak color vision. I basically can't see red sights, whether fiber optic or red dots. For me, green is the only option.

February 17, 2017, 12:10 AM	#10
eos Member Join Date: March 25, 2014 Posts: 33	I have both, prefer green, neither is a deal breaker for me.

February 17, 2017, 12:19 AM	#11
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	I bought a multi colored pack. The yellowish-orange was the best overall. I didn't like the red, but the green wasn't bad. Like AquilaBlanca, I'm Red-Green 'color deficient' but can tell the difference in bright lights. __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

February 17, 2017, 01:03 AM	#12
petespoiled630 Member Join Date: September 4, 2016 Posts: 23	I understand it comes down to preference, but asking what that is is not a waste of time. knowing someone elses reasons for certain color can help.

February 17, 2017, 08:20 AM	#14
zincwarrior Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2011 Location: Texas, land of Tex-Mex Posts: 2,261	It depends on the person. I see the red easier but its less focused for me. Regardless I find fiber optic sights dramatically superior than simple post sights.

February 17, 2017, 08:48 AM	#15
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 917	Between red and green, I prefer green. To me, they both show up well in lighted conditions; but I can see the green better in low light. So, for multi-purpose, anytime use, I prefer green.

February 17, 2017, 01:12 PM	#19
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,559	At times, I've had yellow, red, and green fibers in use at the same time, and have no real preference. I think occasionally changing the color, from any color to any other color, keeps my eyes' "interest", maybe a single color becomes "boring" and doesn't attract the same attention? Dunno, but if I need to replace a fiber, I just use whatever is handy. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

February 17, 2017, 01:24 PM	#20
JDBerg Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2015 Location: PA Posts: 1,835	A green F.O. front and a blind rear sight works for most pistols. Although I'd like to get a domed gold bead frontsight put on my DW Valor __________________ Words to Live By: Before You Pray - Believe; Before You Speak - Listen; Before You Spend - Earn; Before You Write - Think; Before You Quit - Try; Before You Die - Live

February 17, 2017, 09:24 PM	#21
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Test your application I think it depends on the application. I did a non-scientific test on one of my handguns and understand that this was my application and may not work for yours. Suggest you find out for yourself. ... For my test, I use both red and green and slowly dimmed the lights. I have used red for years and was hoping to see an improvement with the green. The first to fade away, was the green. So, on that firearm, I went with the red.. ... Be Safe !!!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

February 17, 2017, 09:30 PM	#22
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,362	I use Green mostly. Best for outside and sunny where the red flares. I have used violet, yellow, orange, pink and blue. I have had times where I use one color for a few stages and then switch back to green for common full light stages. Buy a few 1 meter long strands, clip to 1/2" or so and put in your range bag with a torch lighter and try them out. Here is an article that might help you: http://nebula.wsimg.com/0fb91dbc2237...&alloworigin=1 __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

February 18, 2017, 09:03 AM	#23
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,657	Thanks Tunnel & Zinc, that hadn't occured to me (broken fiber rod leaving the housing to be used instead.). Have you had any trouble with the rod loosening or breakage...and what brand are you using. I've got a Fire Sight on my Marlin and it's really good in these KY woods. Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

February 18, 2017, 09:11 AM	#24
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	I installed a rear patridge type sight on my Ruger MKIII Hunter, and blacked out an f/o rod for the front. I have to admit, the V notch and f/o front really wasn't for me. I found the V notch strange and the f/o distracting. I string vertically with it. If I was using it to hunt squirrels etc, I think that the f/o sight would be much more useful, but I don't.

February 18, 2017, 11:21 AM	#25
P5 Guy Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2005 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,804	Colors A thing to think about that may not have a thing to do with this question. Red end of the spectrum will save your night vision. My preference is green or yellow. A bright color sight catches my eye quickest.