Darkened rear sights

[Desert Rat]

I have seen a few places advertise darkened rear sights and a few people commented that they have darkened rear sights in another thread.

What is the benefit or thought process for darkened rear sights?

I would think you would want to be able to easily see both front and rear sights especially in low light conditions.

[RufusXG]

My take is that since you're not really focusing on the rear sight, being able to see the gap between the front and rear sights is more important, and a black silhouette works just as well for that. But that might just be me.

[Gunslinger808]

It’s more for target and bullseye shooting than anything else.
Forces focus on the front sight.
Back in the old days they used to use burning pine sap and other things that made heavy smoke to temporarily black out sights.

[Desert Rat]

Rufus, I agree with what you say during a “daytime” environment. But I don’t see how those would work in low light conditions.
It seems that the manufacturers of sights have been heading towards a more prominent front sight for probably the very reason you mentioned.
I have seen an option to purchase a completely black rear site, I don’t understand why you would want to do that. I am in the process of upgrading to night sights and was confused when I saw that.

[Desert Rat]

Gunslinger, I can definitely see the benefit during a daytime event. I am looking for new sights on my EDC and I don’t see a benefit for darkened rear sights during low/no light conditions.
But, I might be missing something here.

[RufusXG]

Personally, and I emphatically emphasize "personally", I've abandoned using night sights. I just can't see them well enough with my aging eyes to get any value from the added expense. When I hit the switch on my light though, my completely black (or other) sights are clearly visible. Not saying that's the ideal protocol for everyone, but it seems the best for me at this point.