Big Dot vs. Standard Dot Sights

Big Dots are the best night sights for defensive shooting. The bright glowing golfball is impossible not to see, especially when under stress! Standard Dots are better for precision shooting at a distance. Big Dots measure 0.188" wide and Standard Dots measure 0.140" wide. Sight pictures and front sight width preferences are very personal, but either of our front sight options are larger than most competitors on the market today.

Ideally, Big Dots are best for 25-yards and in, and Standard Dots excel for 25+ yards.

Big Dot
The large surface area and the convex dot reflects the most light to the shooter's eye. The large surface allows thephotoluminescent properties to absorb more ambient light, which will help the dot glow longer in low-light in conjunction with the tritium lamp. As carry guns are getting smaller, they become harder to shoot and control. A big sight on a small gun makes it easier to shoot accurately at defensive distances.

An unintended benefit of the Big Dots size is it helps people with poor eyesight. A common issue with aging is decreasing vision. Do you struggle to see your sights with both eyes open? Can you see your front sight without wearing glasses? If things go bump in the night, you may not have time or remember to put on your glasses and will need a large, easy-to-see front sight.

Standard Dot
Standard dots are ideal for more precise shooting and are good options for shooting are farther distances. Competitive shooters prefer the standard dot for sport, as many stages will run some targets out to 50 yards.

Standard dots are the first sight we made 25+ years ago. Back then, 1911's and revolvers were still heavily used in duty rotation. Front sights were a lot smaller, and most didn't have tritium. We quickly realized we could push the front sight width wider and launched the Big Dot within about 6-months of starting the business.

We sell more Big Dots vs. Standard Dot, as most people want the fastest front sight acquisition, and the brightest glowing front sight possible. The Big Dots large surface area accomplishes these tasks better than the standard dot. A common issue we see with newer shooters is that they tend to get hung up on front sight widths. Trigger control and proper alignment play a more significant part in shot accuracy within 25 yards than the front sight width. Also, we do not judge accuracy by shot groupings on paper targets at a static range. Tight groups, while not moving, do not equate to defensive shooting accuracy.

We make night sights for defensive shooting.
Typical defensive altercations take place at short to moderate distances. During a defensive situation, you will focus on the threat, experience an adrenaline rush, and both parties will likely be moving. Everything besides your attacker will be out of focus. At this moment, combat accuracy is critical. We consider combat accuracy to be a 6" to 8" area known as the cardiovascular triangle. Big Dots are the way to go for defensive shooting because the large, bright golfball will appear fuzzy, but will still be in your field of view. Put two to three rounds in this area and you will stop the threat.

Shooting is a skill that takes practice, especially defensive focused shooting. Internet folklore and bad shooting fundamentals are not fixable by gear. Though these tools provide a benefit, you still need to get out to the range and train! We make big, easy-to-see sights day or night; that aid in low light sight alignment, maintain visibility when under stress, and helps overcome vision issues. With consistent training and the proper tools in your belt, you will have the confidence you need, should a defensive altercation occur.

Click here to learn more about our sight benefits or what makes a good set of defensive night sights.

About the Author:
XS Sights is known for making the fastest sights in any light. For more than 20 years, the XS team has created some of the most innovative sights on the market today for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Whether used for personal defense or hunting, these sights are designed and built to be the absolute best for their specific purpose. American Made. Texas Proud. 2A Strong.