Jim,
What are your thoughts regarding tritium [1] nights sights giving away your position to someone using Gen III or better night vision? – Gung-Ho
JWR Replies: Thanks, Gungie, you raised an important point! Even first generation starlight [1] (electronic light amplification) devices can detect the illumination of tritium sights. For someone looking at you through a starlight scope or NVGs [1], if you are holding a pistol in your hands that is equipped with fresh tritium sights, then it will give the same visual impression as if you had a penlight shining in your face. If holstered, this usually isn’t an issue, depending on the holster design. (This is one reason I like the versatile Bianchi UM-84 holster.When I carry a handgun as a backup to a long gun, I use the Bianchi with the full flap installed. This completely covers the rear sight. When out berry picking in bear country, I remove the flap and use just the “thumb break” retention strap.) For rifles, a tritium front sight post can be quickly shrouded to almost “zero out” its light signature–typically with a short length of black plastic house wiring insulation. I prefer this method because the front sight is still usable–albeit degraded–in a pinch.