The Shallow Dovetail Cut in the M&P Series Slides
The M&P series pistols are designed with a shallow dovetail cut in the slide, which can make it difficult to achieve a secure fit for standard night sights. This is because the standard night sights are designed for a tight fit in the dovetail cuts of most other firearms. When installed in the M&P slide, the standard night sights may be loose and prone to shifting, which can affect accuracy and reliability.

Custom Fitting the Dovetail Blade
To overcome the shallow dovetail cut in the M&P slide, it may be necessary to custom fit the dovetail blade of the night sights. This involves removing a very small amount of material from the bottom of the sights dovetail blade to ensure a tight fit in the M&P slide. This process should only be done by a qualified gunsmith or experienced gun enthusiast with proper tools and knowledge.

The custom fitting process is critical because removing too much material from the dovetail blade can cause the night sights to be too loose in the slide, while removing too little material may not result in a secure fit. It is essential to remove only a small amount of material and carefully test the fit after each adjustment to ensure a secure and proper fit.

Tools for Installing Night Sights on the M&P Series of Pistols
The proper tools for installing night sights on the M&P include a high-quality sight press or pusher. The use of a punch is not recommended, as it may cause damage to the sights or the pistol. The sight press or pusher should only ever make contact with the sights dovetail blade, never the upper portion of the sight that contains the tritium. Doing so may damage the sight, crack the tritium, and render it useless for nighttime illumination.

Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Night Sights on the M&P Pistols

Step 1: Prepare the Night Sights Before installation, make sure the night sights are clean and free of any debris or oil. This will ensure that they fit properly in the M&P slide and prevent damage to the tritium.

Step 2: Remove the Old Sights. To remove the old sights, use a sight pusher or press to push the old sights out of the dovetail cut in the slide. Be careful not to damage the slide or the sights during this process.

Step 3: Custom Fit the Dovetail Blade. If necessary, custom fit the dovetail blade of the night sights to ensure a tight fit in the M&P slide. This process should only be done by a qualified gunsmith or experienced gun enthusiast with proper tools and knowledge. PRO TIP - You can always remove more material, but you cannot add any back. It is absolutely critical that you remove a VERY small amount of material (start with just the finish on the bottom of the dovetail blade) and check the fit. If you need to remove more, remove a VERY small amount of material and so on until you are able to safely press the tight fitting sight into place.

Step 4: Install the Night Sights. Use a sight pusher or press to install the night sights in the dovetail cut of the M&P slide. Make sure the sights are securely in place and centered in the slide.

Step 5: Test the Fit After installation. Test the fit of the night sights to ensure they are secure and properly aligned in the M&P slide. If necessary, make any adjustments to the dovetail blade to ensure a proper and tight fit.

We STRONGLY Recommend You Have the Sights Professionally Installed!

While it is possible to install night sights on a Smith & Wesson M&P series pistol yourself, it is highly recommended to have them installed by a professional gunsmith. The reason for this is that improper installation can cause damage to the night sights and the pistol, leading to potential safety hazards and affecting accuracy and reliability.

For example, if the dovetail blade is not custom fitted correctly, the night sights may be too loose in the slide and prone to shifting. If the night sights are not installed correctly, they may not align with the barrel, affecting accuracy. In addition, if the sight press or pusher makes contact with the upper portion of the sight that contains the tritium, it may crack the tritium, rendering it useless for nighttime illumination.

Another reason to have the night sights installed by a professional is that damage caused by improper installation will void your ability to return the sights for a refund and also void the manufacturer's warranty. This can be costly and result in the need to purchase new night sights, leading to additional expenses.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to install the night sights yourself, it is highly recommended to have them installed by a professional gunsmith. This will ensure that the night sights are properly installed and functioning correctly, providing a secure and accurate shooting experience.

Ameriglo night sights are available in several different styles, including the classic "dot" style and the newer "U" notch design. The dot style features a small, round tritium-illuminated dot at the front and rear of the sight, while the U notch design has a tritium-illuminated U-shaped notch at the rear and a small dot at the front. Both styles provide a clear and highly visible aiming point, even in low light conditions.

One of the key benefits of Ameriglo night sights is that they require no batteries or other power source. The tritium gas capsule provides a constant, self-illuminating glow for years, making these sights ideal for use in situations where batteries or other power sources are not available. Additionally, the tritium illumination system is extremely durable and resistant to shock and vibration, ensuring that the sights will continue to function even in harsh environments.

Another advantage of Ameriglo night sights is that they are easy to install (except for the Smith & Wesson M&P line of sights, which we'll explain in a future blog post). Most models are designed to be a direct replacement for the original factory sights, and can be installed by anyone with basic firearms knowledge and the proper tools (such as a sight press/pusher). This makes it easy for anyone to upgrade their firearm with this type of sight, regardless of their experience level.

In terms of performance, Ameriglo night sights are known for their accuracy and reliability. The tritium illumination system provides a bright, highly visible aiming point, even in low light conditions, allowing the shooter to focus on the target rather than on the front and rear sights. This can help to improve overall accuracy and make it easier to shoot quickly and accurately in high-stress situations.

Another factor that sets Ameriglo night sights apart from other night sights is their affordability. While some other night sight systems can be quite expensive, Ameriglo night sights are available at a more affordable price point, making them accessible to a wider range of shooters.

Some of the more popular sets of Ameriglo Night Sights are as follows:

Ameriglo GL-5113: This Classic 3 Dot Sight set fit's most GEN 5 Glock models, including the extremely popular Glock 17, Glock 19 and Glock 19x. 

Ameriglo GL-430: This Classic 3 Dot Sight set fit's the Glock 42, Glock 43, Glock 43x and the Glock 48.

Ameriglo GL-433: This Ameriglo Hackathorn tritium front and serrated rear sight set fits most GEN 1 - GEN 4 Glock pistols that are chambered in 9mm & .40 S&W. This includes the Glock 17, 19, 23, 26 & 27.

In conclusion, Ameriglo night sights are a high-quality, reliable, and affordable option for anyone looking to improve their aim in low light conditions. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or just starting out, these sights are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their shooting ability and take their accuracy to the next level.

The MagLula UpLula magazine loader is a compact, durable, and easy-to-use device that makes loading magazines quick and effortless. It's compatible with a wide range of magazines from various manufacturers and can be used with 9mm Luger, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, .45 ACP calibers. The MagLula UpLula also comes in multiple colors, black (UP60B), Lemon (UP60L), OD Green (UP60DG), Brown Orange (UP60BO), Pink (UP60P) and Purple (UP60PR).

One of the key benefits of the MagLula UpLula is that it reduces the strain and fatigue on your fingers and hands, making it ideal for those with arthritis or other hand conditions. It's also great for those who simply don't want to spend the time and energy manually loading each round.

The UpLula is made of high-quality, durable materials and is built to last. It's also very easy to clean and maintain, so you can continue to use it for years to come. 

Another benefit of the MagLula UpLula is its compact size. It's small enough to fit in your range bag, so you can take it with you wherever you go. This means you can quickly and easily load magazines at the range, in the field, or anywhere else you might need to use your pistol. 

Overall, the MagLula UpLula is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to make their pistol loading process quicker, easier, and more efficient. Whether you're a seasoned gun enthusiast or just starting out, this magazine loader is a must-have accessory. So why wait? Get your UpLula today and start experiencing the benefits for yourself!

Tritium night sights are popular among military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters because they provide a clear, bright aiming point in low-light conditions without the need for an external light source or battery. This makes them ideal for use in tactical, defensive, and hunting situations, where the shooter needs to be able to quickly and accurately aim their weapon in any lighting conditions. Tritium night sights are also durable and long-lasting, with a typical service life of about 10 to 15 years, depending on the manufacturer and the type of sight.

There are several different types of tritium night sights available on the market, including front and rear sight systems, reflex sights, and holographic sights. Some of these sights use a single tritium tube to provide a glowing dot that serves as the aiming point, while others use multiple tubes to provide a more traditional sight picture. Some tritium night sights also use fiber optic or other materials to amplify the light emitted by the tritium, increasing the brightness and visibility of the sight picture.

Tritium night sights are also available in different colors, including green and yellow, to help improve sight acquisition and accuracy. Additionally, they are often designed to be adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing the user to precisely align the sights with the target.

Overall, Tritium night sights are a reliable and effective solution for low light shooting, and are widely used by military, law enforcement, and civilian firearms enthusiasts.

The use of tritium night sights is regulated by various national and international laws and regulations, including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These regulations limit the amount of tritium that can be used in these sights, and they require manufacturers to follow strict guidelines for the production, storage, and disposal of tritium-containing products.

In conclusion, tritium night sights are a versatile and effective solution for low-light aiming in firearms and other weapons. They are durable, long-lasting, and provide a clear, bright sight picture in any lighting conditions, making them ideal for use in a variety of applications. However, it is important to follow regulations and guidelines for the use of tritium in these sights, as well as to properly manage and dispose of tritium-containing products to minimize risks to human health and the environment.

The M&P Shield has a polymer frame and a stainless steel slide, making it lightweight and durable. It also features a striker-fired action, a short and crisp trigger, and an ambidextrous thumb safety. These features make the M&P Shield easy to operate for both right and left-handed shooters.

The M&P Shield is available in 9mm and .40 S&W calibers, with magazine capacities of 7 or 8 rounds for the 9mm and 6 or 7 rounds for the .40 S&W. The compact size and low profile design make the M&P Shield ideal for concealed carry, while its accuracy and reliable performance make it a popular choice for personal defense.

The M&P Shield also has an excellent reputation for being a low-maintenance pistol, with a durable finish and a design that is easy to disassemble and clean. Additionally, it has a Picatinny rail for the attachment of lights, lasers, or other accessories, making it a versatile and highly customizable pistol.

Overall, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a popular choice for concealed carry and personal defense due to its compact size, reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. With its durable construction, low maintenance requirements, and versatile design, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable and effective compact pistol.

TruGlo TFX PRO Features:

• Two-dot rear sight with angled rear surface for increased strength
• Front sight is a dot surrounded by a circle
• CNC machined steel construction for durability
• Tritium and fiber-optic illumination for quick and easy target acquisition in any light condition
• Snag-resistant design with a low profile for concealed carry
• Suitable for use with most firearms including revolvers, shotguns, and rifles
• Available in different models to fit a wide range of firearms.

TFX PRO Night Sights are widely used for self-defense, target shooting, and hunting, and are appreciated by shooters for their high-visibility design, durability, and accuracy.