Updated: 9.21.23: Added Tyrant Designs and HIVIZ to list.
The Glock 19 is one of the most popular concealed carry weapons for a reason. It’s affordable, comfortable to lug around, and it packs a powerful 15+1 capacity punch.
But when you’re trusting your life with a handgun, you don’t want it to simply be close to perfection – you want it to be flawless. For a number of Glock 19 owners, this flawless design was interrupted by Glock’s OEM sights.
It’s not that the factory sights were inherently bad…they just didn’t go above and beyond to improve accuracy, precision, and target acquisition.
The good news about owning a Glock 19 (or any Glock, really) is that you’ve got unlimited access to aftermarket parts that can improve your performance. And if you’re going suppressed, you’ll want some suppressor-height sights.
And for a gun like the G19, which was designed for concealed carry, you want sights that do a better job of attracting your attention than the OEM sights.
Today, we’re looking at some sights that will turn your compact pistol into a concealed carry masterpiece.
Table of Contents
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Summary of Our Top Picks
Why You Should Trust Us
We here at Pew Pew Tactical believe in bringing you the best information based on testing we’ve done. Every model we recommend is based on hours of research, range testing, and concealed carry with the sights equipped on our various Glocks.
We spend hands-on time with every model to make sure that it can withstand the rigors of range days, home defense, and concealed carry.
Best Glock 19 Sights
1. Trijicon HD XR Night Sight Set
Trijicon’s HD XR Night Sight set aims to maximize durability and target acquisition through its illuminated design, which is set up to immediately draw your eye to the front post.
Unlike some of the other night-sight sets out there, the HD XR is heavy-duty and able to withstand repetitive drawing without wearing down. Also, sturdy aluminum cylinders built into the sight help protect the tritium-phosphor lamps from any damage that could happen while operating your gun.
Another great feature about the HD XR, which sets it apart from some of Trijicon’s other iron sights, is the narrow front post, which is .022 inches thinner than other sights. While this doesn’t seem like a major change, it does help with making target acquisition faster by improving the shooter’s field of view.
In terms of functionality, the HD XR does everything that iron sights are supposed to do and then some.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Zeroing in on your target is as simple as lighting up the front dot between the two rear dots, which is made easier thanks to the brightly colored lamps built into the sight.
This attention-grabbing design makes it less likely for you to overlook the sights in a high-stress situation where your adrenaline’s pumping and you don’t have time to think before you react.
What do you think of the Trijicon? Rate them below!
2. DXT2 Big Dot
If you want to break away from the standard 3-dot sight picture, the DXT2 Big Dot is a great option.
As the name makes it sound — you use a big dot and set it on top of a vertical line, basically aiming using a lowercase “i.”
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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For some, this can be much faster and more intuitive than trying to align 3-dots and check for spacing on either side.
Combined with the fact that these are Tritium night sights and are always visible, the DXT2 has some major pluses going for it.
And you get to pick from Orange or Yellow!
3. TRUGLO Tritium Sights
One of the most cost-effective options is the TRUGLO Tritium Sights.
Simple and to the point with inner tritium and nice visible white outlines.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you’re looking for a no-muss, no-fuss wallet-friendly option, this is what you want.
4. XS RAM Night Sight
Big, Tritium Night Sights, 3-dot system — the XS RAM Night Sights are simple but very effective. There isn’t much to say about these since they are fairly straightforward, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t awesome.
These are some of our favorites.
One of the best-hidden features is what they call their Ember Glow Dot Technology. This is a cool set of words to mean that the front sight glows brighter than the rear.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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A brighter front sight really helps draw your eye to it and keeps you focused on where you should be, and assists in accurate, fast shots while in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Add in a 10-year warranty and rock-solid construction, and the XS RAM speaks for itself.
5. Night Fision
Got a suppressor, RMR, or want a super easy-to-see orange front sight? Check out the to the Night Fision.
They claim to have the brightest tritium available and have been making compasses for the military for years using the same material.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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I got my hands on one in suppressor height that is super easy to acquire in the daytime and lights up bright in the dark.
Also co-witnesses with my Trijicon RMR, so I’m a happy camper.
6. Tyrant Designs Glock Compatible Sights
While not tritium-based, these 7075 Aluminum are tough and offer high contrast for sight acquisition.
You’ll notice the serrations and matte finish are intentional, designed to eliminate glare.
The angles have been laid out in a manner intended to draw the eye forward.
Overall, these work as intended and also offer a nice little aesthetic touch.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Honorable Mentions
- AmeriGlo Fiber Optic Sight: The most cost-efficient way to venture into fiber optics…note only the front is fiber optic but still great on a budget.
- TruGlo TFX: Tritium AND fiber optic for the best of both worlds.
- HIVIZ Litewave H3: This one uses a combo of Tritium and the company’s “Litepipe technology” for bright, illuminated sights.
Does Color Really Matter?
Bright, illuminated sights are better than your standard iron sights for the following reasons:
- They do a better job of attracting your eyes to the front sight, which is easy for the untrained shooter to forget to do in a high-adrenaline situation.
- These make it easier to see the target in a low-light setting.
- Colors help prevent your sights from becoming hardily visible in low light.
But does it matter which color you choose?
Some people claim that bright green is proven to attract your eye quicker than any other color.
But in my experience, it’s the brightness that draws my eye to the front sight – not the color. For me, it doesn’t matter what color my sights are as long as they’re bright enough to capture my attention when I’m aiming.
With that said, some people who use Trijicon sights like to have contrasting colors for their rear and front sights. Their rear sights might illuminate orange, whereas their front sight has a bright green dot.
The idea behind this is that the contrasting colors make it more likely for the shooter to focus on the front dot in the middle since it’s a different color than the rest. Whether that works or not depends on the person.
Installation
Glock sights come on and off pretty easily…check out How to Install Glock Sights Without a Sight Tool.
But for those that still want a tool (if you have other handguns besides Glock), take a look at our round-up of the Best Sight Pusher Tools.
Rating score
Final Thoughts
Night sights can make a world of difference for Glock users who want to ditch OEM sights for something better.
Whether you want sights to see over your suppressor or just want to add some color to make aiming easier, these recommendations will help you get on target.
What night sights do you run? Let us know in the comments below! Need more parts for your Glock? Check out the Best Glock Upgrades for more inspiration.
FAQ
What sights do the FBI use on their Glocks?
Standard-issue night sight for the FBI is the Ameriglo Agent.
What is the most accurate Glock sight?
TruGlo, Trijicon, Ameriglo, DXT2, Night Fusion, and XS are all quality sights.
Is it hard to install new sights on Glocks?
Glock sights are easy to remove and swap out but you will need a special tool to make life easier.
Do I need tools to install new sights on Glocks?
Yes! A sight pusher tool is very handy when installing Glock sights. A vise grip also helps hold the gun in place while you install new sights.
35 Leave a Reply
Dawson Precision is hands down the best. You didn't even give them an honorable mention?
Black out the white on the factory rear sights and you will notice great accuracy improvements for free. Glock is a point and shoot weapon... assembly line product made to last but not for accuracy. That's why it comes with three 15 round mags. Save yourself money and stop reading these ads. Jus' say'n'
Looking to change out oem sights on my gen 5 Glock 19 moa for something better. Currently running a vortex venom dot on it but if the battery dies or it goes down and I need to use irons which would you recommend?
I'm a fan of Trijicon Night Sights, personally. They just work best for me, so that's always my recommendation.
FYI!!! I bought Truglo Titanium off Amazon advertised for Gen 1-5. THEY WILL NOT GIVE A ACCURATE SIGHT PICTURE ON GEN 5 19's!!!!!!!!!!! Gen 5 front sight has to be sightly larger it turns out!
See Glock talk!!
For something also a bit different, I'd point you towards "speed sights" prior to red dots becoming more main stream, these were very good at quickly putting rounds on target with the tip of the diamond being point of aim /impact at 25 yards. speedsights(dot)com
XS Sight Systems DXT2 Big Dot - not for everyone.
These are primarily for close range engagement under 15 yards.
Yes, people scream "not accurate" about them, well, its not true. I have some on a few guns and I don't have any problem hitting 12 inch plates at 30 - 50 yards.
Its all in how you define 'accuracy'. If you want consistent 1 inch groups on a 2 inch spot on a target at 30 yards these are probably not for you. But if you want to hit a 4 inch plate and put all rounds on the plate at 30 yards these are 'accurate' if your skills are up to it.
These are basically 'combat sights' intended to put rounds on target, work best to do that up to 15 yards but with a little practice with them 40 yards is not a problem. They are not intended to shoot neat tight 1 inch groups at 40 yards.
The thin front blade "so you can see your target" is pure unmitigated BS! The front blade should be wide enough to fill the notch in back like my OEM glock night sights and you view the target OVE THE TOP OF THE SIGHTS, DA, not around the front post. JEEZ!---Former Marine
Nice comment and true. If you want to be a marksman practice muscle memory and just shoot every chance, join the military, and/or find a friend that practices the two previous statements.
That being said persons will tell you put your target right on top of your sights if not using electronics but the most simplistic way to start is point the firearm at the target and gently squeeze the target. That should almost gaurantee the item you are shooting at should get hit somewhere. People will also tell you to concentrate more on the front site then rear and if your front site is on target you should hit said target.
No matter the sites, optics, stance (Isosocolese, weaver, modified weaver) it all boils down to practice and muscle memory.
If your going to do the right thing and spend money on a firearm its a little more useful then trying to throw a rock at a person but even that takes practice. Practice, Practice, and practice. Dont worry if you havent shot in awhile its kinda like riding a bike you never forget but w/out practice you could put y ourself or loved ones in danger. Other than safety this should be your number one priority.
Im all for having the latest greatest but if you dont practice it wont matter. Also I noticed for the Glock they have a 50 round drum. Who in the heck needs this. You cant use for CCW. if your practicing do you really wanna keep loading a box of shells into a drum every5-10 minutes?
Lastly, whether its an extended round mag, flashlight (you see on cops many have the light on rail under gun.....bad idea. All the bad guy needs to do even if they cant see you is aim for your light (your silhouetted) and then you wont be protecting anyone.,), etc.... Best is always keep it simple.
depending on the Glock you have. If your not set up for a Reflex sight (holo-sights on the 5.56 invaluable)save your money and for instillation, site, plate needed for pistol, and probably a gunsmith use the $500 you just save and get a case of shells and practice. Thats all you really need. My two cents.
I wear Color blind glasses Red and Green version for ( shade blindness ). I would to know what color replacement sights do you recommend , for Glock 19X Coyote brown in color.
My favorite (iron) pistol sights are Speed Sights. I have Trijicon, TruGlo, Heinie etc. but I shoot the Speed Sights quicker and more accurately than anything else.
Agreed. That’s what I use too now that my eyes aren’t as good as they once were.
How about some suggestions for S&W and Taurus pistols.
Conclusion: Skip the G19 and buy a Sig P365 with factory night sights. :)
G19 is not a comp to the p365.
I love the Ameriglo Spartan sights I installed on my Glock 43X. In addition, I installed a Ghost 3.5 pound trigger connector and a Shield Arms steel magazine catch. Now my baby Glock is a 15-round monster!
Night Fision is pretty awesome too and the price is right.
The XS "F8" night sights are tall and bright. I give them an edge over the other XS sights mentioned in the article. They are BY FAR the easiest for my eye to pick up. I like them because there are only two vertical dots rather than three horizontal dots. Faster in both daylight and low light. I was not a big fan of XS until these came out. The big-dot express sights were not my thing.
If your going to go with night sights for your Glock, I've been there and the DXT2 Big Dot is what you want.
Currently I have the trijicon on my G19 and factory night sights on my G17.
WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST FOR A GLOCK 43X SIGHT
Does the Trijicon HD XR sight fit the G26 gen4?
There's different models for each size of Glock, and there is one that fits a 26/27.
Same question. I am a new Glock owner. Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS. Don’t want red dot optics. Just want decent fiber iron sights for daytime. Searching all the major manufactures, emailed a few, and no luck. Wondering if it was a mistake to get the damn MOS! Any help appreciated.
Trijicon is normally what I go for in fiber optic sights. I don't know if the normal gen 5 will fit the MOS but I think they will.
I have a G19 Gen 5 MOS. This is my very first gun so I'm not ready to drop the cash on a red dot yet, but would still like to upgrade the stock sights though. Can you tell me which of the Glock Night Sights are compatible with MOS?
ALOHA! I CANT SEE ANYMORE!!!! WITH A GLOCK 19 @ 25 YARDS I'M HAVING A VERY HARD TIME. I HIT THE SILHOUETTE.......KIND OF A BIG GROUP TOO BIG......WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THEM DXT BIG DOT SIGHTS? MAHALOS, TIM
My new HD XRs can only be described as perfection. Trijicon really did these right. I always loved the old thin front sites for target picture.
I own a glock 19x with glock night sights, they're alright.. I've been thinking about switching out the front sight and leaving the back. They're kinda hard to focus on in some lighting conditions
Interesting! Would you be switching back to the Stock G19X front sight, but keeping the rear nightsight?
Now you have to test out Strike Industries new Glock sights. They have a different design that seems interesting and are
relatively inexpensive
Absolutely love your site. Thanks for all of your hard work. I have no problem with your list and I’m happy to see that the XS Big Dots I have on my 19 made it to #2. If the title were best combat sites, I think XS would be #1. The extremely fast target acquisition at close range is the reason I put them on. Thanks again Eric and to the other contributors.
I'm surprised that you didn't even mention the TruGlo sights, such as the TFX Pro sights which incorporate both fiber optics and Tritium, plus all the other features that you mentioned on the other sights. I have these on my Glock 19 and love them. And I only paid around $100 for them!
You're right...they are one of my favorites too.
Exactly, at $104 on Amazon, I'm surprised that the TruGlo TFX Pro didn't even make it to the top five list ? Regardless of price, They're really my first choice. Not a single bad review on these, at least that I've seen.