XS Sights has been offering an alternative to the traditional three-dot sight picture for some time.
They are also available with an orange dot.
They are available for most handguns, including the full line of Springfield Armorys XD series of products.
While the standard sights on the Springfield XD-S are excellent, many people like the Big Dot set XS Sights offers. The author evaluates the kit in this review.
Sight Installation Tools The Building Blocks
But first, the sights must be installed on the handgun.
One option is to get your gunsmith to install them for you.
Some gun shops will even offer installation services (maybe discounted or free if you buy them there).
XS Sights offers a range of sight replacement options for the XD-S, Hellcat and other Springfield Armory pistols.
And then there is the DIY method, which is the route I always take.
You dont have to have expensive and elaborate tools to change pistol sights.
It can be accomplished with very simple hand tools if you know what youre doing.
XS Sights are designed for fast, accurate fire in self-defense situations. The large, bright front dot helps you get on target fast while the wide V-notch allows for easy alignment.
Heres the rub: As the sophistication of the tool decreases, the skill of the installer must increase.
You get my point.
There are tools available at nearly every price point from $50 to $500 or more.
A sight pusher like this one from Sight-Pro allows you to slide the XD-S rear sight from the slide.
That said, the process is the same regardless of the tool.
If they are the factory sights, expect them to be very tight.
Be sure there is no set screw holding the rear sight.
The same sight tool can also help you slide the XS Sights rear sight into the dovetail cut on the XD-S slide.
Springfield XD-series pistols use a dovetail mount for both front and rear.
The sights should be drifted out in one direction and drifted in, in the opposite direction.
Also, inspect the dovetail cuts in the slide for any damage and give them a quick cleaning.
Front sight removal is also made easier with a professional sight installation tool like this one.
Hand-start the sight into the dovetail as far as you possibly can.
Examine it carefully to see it is headed in straight and level.
Use a slow and steady technique.
The XD Big Dot front sight fits the factory dovetail on the Springfield Armory XD-S slide.
Getting a bad job done faster is almost never the goal.
Wood or nylon are ideal.
Once you think youre centered measure.
Once installed on the XD-S, this is the sight picture you can expect from the XS Sights on a Springfield Armory XD-S.
Done from both sides with a caliper, it will tell you if you are centered.
The proof of a set of sights lies in how well you could shoot your gun with them.
With the XS Big Dot set, it was clear immediately that I was going to like them!
A defensive pistol can be set up in a variety of ways. Many people find a sight upgrade enhances their performance with a pistol.
From tee-ball through golf, we are used to putting the ball on the tee.
The design of the rear sight is also very helpful.
For me, this is a must-have for a carry gun with a mounted optic.
Many owners install a red dot sight on their pistols. You can expect this sight picture when a Crimson Trace RAD red dot is paired with the XS Sights on an XD-S.
The other good news about their size is that they will fit your existing holsters.
These are excellent sights that work perfectly on the XD-S OSP.
Go to forum thread
XS SightsDXT2 Big Dot Night Sights for Springfield Armory
XD-S Mod.2 OSPTMSeries
