For ultimate self-defense, you need to be able to shoot accurately in all lighting situations. This includes low light or even in near-total darkness. After all, nighttime can be a touch scary as that’s when opportunists generally try to take advantage.
That’s why you need one of the best night sights for pistols…
We’ve decided to review the very Best M&P Shield Night Sights that are currently available. In this article, you will find our top eight options broken down into their top features as well as the pros and cons. There’s even a buying guide to ensure you get the right one for your needs.
So, let’s go through them and find the perfect night sights for your M&P Shield…
Contents
- 1 Top 8 Best M&P Shield Night Sights Reviews
- 1.1 1 Truglo TFO Sights – Best M&P Shield Night Sight with Concealed Fiber Optic
- 1.2 2 Trijicon Night Sight Sets – Best Tritium Phosphor M&P Shield Night Sight
- 1.3 3 Truglo Tritium Handgun Night Sights – Best Value for the Money M&P Shield Night Sight
- 1.4 4 Truglo TFX Pro Tritium Sights – Best M&P Shield Night Sight for Self Defense
- 1.5 5 AmeriGlo Tritium I-Dot Outline Sight Set – Best M&P Shield Night Sight with Single Dots
- 1.6 6 AmeriGlo Classic Series 3 Dot Sights – Best Classic M&P Shield Night Sight
- 1.7 7 XS Sight Systems SW-0024S-3 Sight – Best Lowlight M&P Shield Night Sight
- 1.8 8 Streamlight Tactical Pistol Mount Flashlight – Best Tactical M&P Shield Flashlight
- 2 Best M&P Shield Night Sights Buying Guide
- 3 So, what are the Best M&P Shield Night Sights?
Top 8 Best M&P Shield Night Sights Reviews
1
Truglo TFO Sights – Best M&P Shield Night Sight with Concealed Fiber Optic
One of the best options for 24-hour shooting capabilities is made by TruGlo. They make the TFO Tritium and Fiber Optic Sights for S&W handguns.
But how effective are they?
If you want unmatched visibility in all lighting conditions, then you want sights that glow in the dark. You also want something that works at high noon. That’s why TruGlo has combined the two best modern sight technologies.
With the TFO Sights, you get both fiber optic and tritium technology. This means it shines in any light, with no batteries required. We found this to be highly effective, no matter the environment you find yourself shooting in.
Choice of colors…
The front sight glows green, and you have the choice of green or yellow for the rear sights. We found the yellow offers a high contrast with the front green sight. This makes target acquisition quick and easy.
Even better, this sight’s fiber optic is concealed. This means your target will not be able to identify you because of any visible glow. This makes it one of the best night sights for self-defense.
But, will they interfere with your holster?
No, these sights have been cleverly designed to be snag resistant. That means they will work with most standard holsters. We found them large enough for easy target acquisition, but small enough not to be obtrusive.
Plus, they are constructed from CNC-machined steel and given a fortress finish coating. This makes them highly durable, which every shooter will appreciate.
Pros
- Fiber optic and tritium technology.
- Concealed fiber optic.
- Snag-resistant design.
- Glows in the dark.
- CNC-machined steel with fortress finish coating.
- Fits Smith & Wesson M&P models.
Cons
- Larger than some other options.
2
Trijicon Night Sight Sets – Best Tritium Phosphor M&P Shield Night Sight
If you prefer stock white sights, you’re not alone. Luckily, you can keep this look while still improving the site’s visibility in the dark. That’s because Trijicon makes an awesome Night Sight Set that works on most S&W M&P handguns.
If you don’t like fiber optic sights, you might love these…
This set of sights employs tritium-phosphor lamp technology. This works via a tritium-filled glass lamp that illuminates constantly. There’s no need to recharge them in sunlight or any other nonsense. They just work.
They feature a white ring that surrounds a glowing dot. This makes them perfect for shooting in daylight, in low light, or in completely dark conditions. We also like the rear U-notch design, which helps with target acquisition.
Is it built tough?
Yes, this set of sights features protective aluminum cylinders to contain the gas-filled lamps. The lamp is capped with a sapphire jewel to evenly distribute the light coming off from the glass.
This combination of aluminum cylinders and sapphire caps also help keep your sights protected from damage. Heavy recoil, punctures, and even harsh cleaning solvents won’t ruin these sights easily.
A perfect fit…
They are also available in two sizes for Smith & Wesson M&P model pistols, and there is one specifically for the Shield .44, .45, or 9mm.
Pros
- Tritium-phosphor lamp technology.
- A white ring around a glowing dot.
- Great for daylight and nighttime visibility.
- Aluminum cylinders.
- Sapphire jewel caps.
Cons
- Not as bright as some night sights.
3
Truglo Tritium Handgun Night Sights – Best Value for the Money M&P Shield Night Sight
TruGlo also makes night sights without a fiber optic feature. Their Tritium Night Sights are a different variation than the other TruGlo sights reviewed above.
Have you heard of transition sights?
These sights are fantastic for both day and night target acquisition. During daylight, they provide the standard white dot sights many shooters love. In low light, they transition to glowing greed dots.
This is achieved through the use of high-quality Swiss tritium. This provides maximum brightness for unmatched visibility, no matter what conditions you find yourself in.
Do they need to be recharged often?
No, there is no battery powering this unit. Neither does it need a light source to recharge. It simply continues to glow, so you’re always ready for action.
We also appreciate the compact design of this sight set. It maintains the factory sight radius, which means it will fit standard holsters. Not only that, but the rear sight edge is angled for one-handed operation. Put this all together, add a low price point, and you have one of the best value night sights for the money.
What’s the downside?
While we didn’t experience any issues ourselves, we have heard of one complaint regarding this sight. From what we understand, the front sight often doesn’t fit perfectly. However, this may be down to user installation error, but it’s common enough to make us take note.
Pros
- Quality Swiss tritium.
- Traditional daylight white dot.
- Glowing green dot in low light.
- No batteries required.
- Compact design.
Cons
- The front sight can feel loose.
4
Truglo TFX Pro Tritium Sights – Best M&P Shield Night Sight for Self Defense
Next, in our Best Night Sights for M&P Shield review, we have another great option from TruGlo, the TFX Pro Sights. These are similar to the first option in our review, with some notable exceptions.
Are you looking for highly visible night sights?
The TFX Pro Tritium and Fiber Optic Xtreme Handgun Sights are easily some of the best available for the M&P Shield. Like the TFO series, these sights combine tritium and fiber optic technology. This means ultimate visibility in all lighting conditions.
The front sight glows green, as do the rear sights. The main thing that sets this unit apart is the red ring on the front sight. We think this makes it incredibly easy to line up your target.
In fact, we would consider these sights to be some of the easiest to use, especially in low light situations.
What about the glow giving away your position?
No, with these sights, the fiber optic is concealed. This means your target will not be able to identify you from any visible glow. We think this is highly important for anyone who is looking to use the weapon for self-defense.
But, will the sights interfere with your holster?
No, these sights have been cleverly designed to be snag resistant. That means they will work with most standard holsters. We found them large enough for easy target acquisition, but small enough to be unobtrusive.
Plus, they are constructed from CNC-machined steel and given a fortress finish coating. This makes them highly durable, which every shooter will appreciate.
Pros
- Fiber optic and tritium technology.
- Concealed fiber optic.
- Snag-resistant design.
- Glows in the dark.
- CNC-machined steel with fortress finish coating.
- Fits Smith & Wesson M&P models.
Cons
- More expensive than some other options.
5
AmeriGlo Tritium I-Dot Outline Sight Set – Best M&P Shield Night Sight with Single Dots
Not all shooters want the same style of sights for their pistol. That’s why AmeriGlo makes its Tritium I-Dot Sight Set. We found it to be highly visible, but is it the best?
One dot, two dots, but certainly no three-dot…
This option is similar to those we looked at above, and are also wholly different. Similarities include the tritium glowing technology that makes these highly visible in low light conditions. To push the visibility even further, the front green dot is wrapped with an orange outline.
We think this makes it highly visible and easier to center on your target. The rear sight is notched like most options, but that is where the similarities end.
Let us explain…
Rather than having two dots on the rear sight, this option features only one. This means that you’re not lining up the front dot between two rear dots. Instead, you simply line up one front dot and one rear dot.
While we understand that this style won’t be ideal for all shooters, we rather like the simplicity. Not only does this make target acquisition extremely straightforward, but it’s also highly effective.
Great design at a great price…
Plus, these sights are priced aggressively. On the other hand, they do have one downside. These aren’t the easiest sights to install on your own.
Pros
- Tritium glow in the dark technology.
- Front green dot with an orange outline.
- Rear single green dot.
- Provides easy sight alignment.
Cons
- Not the easiest sights to install.
6
AmeriGlo Classic Series 3 Dot Sights – Best Classic M&P Shield Night Sight
AmeriGlo also makes a 3-dot sight series for those who prefer the traditional sight alignment. This option is known as the Classic Series 3 Dot Sights. It’s designed similarly to the other options on our list.
The meaning of ‘classic’ has changed…
For many of us, the term ‘classic sights’ doesn’t bring to mind glow in the dark. However, this is the age of science, and things have gotten rather incredible in the last few years.
So much so that now everyone can have sights on their pistol that truly work in low light conditions. These will even glow enough to be used in complete darkness.
It’s all about the green…
By this, we don’t mean cash or the junk that gives you the munchies. We’re talking about green tritium lamp sights that sit at the front and rear of this sight set.
There are a single front and two rear green dots. This is the ‘classic’ setup that AmeriGlo is referencing.
We also like that all three of these dots feature a white outline. This helps make them usable in all lighting conditions.
However…
We will note that these aren’t as visible in direct sunlight. Unless you have the sun behind you shining on the sights, they aren’t very visible in daylight. They do, however, work wonders in dark and low light conditions.
Plus, even if they don’t illuminate well in full sunlight, it doesn’t matter so much. That’s because you still have the notch/ramp style sights that don’t require any illumination, at least not when it’s bright enough that you can see them.
Pros
- Three green-dot design.
- The white outline helps with visibility.
- Tritium glow in the dark technology.
Cons
- Not the best for daylight shooting.
7
XS Sight Systems SW-0024S-3 Sight – Best Lowlight M&P Shield Night Sight
Another unique setup is provided by XS Sight Systems. Their model #SW-0024S-3 is better known as the Big Dot Tritium Express Sights. It’s a great option for the S&W M&P Shield pistol.
What sets these sights apart from the others?
The Big Dot Tritium Express setup features a vertical white stripe for the rear sight. This sits at the base of a shallow V, making it easy to line up. This is not tritium, but it remains highly visible in most lighting conditions.
The front sight, on the other hand, is composed of an easy-to-see tritium dot. This is lined by a white ring that offers ultimate visibility in any lighting condition.
Why white over green?
The white dot on this setup offers the best visibility in lowlight conditions. Plus, the Express Rear Sight is designed to prevent obstruction of your front sight while you’re on the move.
We also appreciate the snag-free design. This provides you with a comfortable carry and keeps your draw nice and smooth. We put this down to the rounded, low-profile design.
What is it made from?
This option is constructed from blued steel and comes with a matte black finish. This makes it a perfect option for replacing the factory sights.
However, we wouldn’t recommend this sight for shooting in true darkness. This is due to the lack of glow provided by the rear sight. However, it is perfect for lowlight situations.
Pros
- Unique sight design.
- White tritium dot for ultimate visibility.
- Rear vertical white stripe.
- Constructed from blued steel.
Cons
- Non-tritium rear sight.
8
Streamlight Tactical Pistol Mount Flashlight – Best Tactical M&P Shield Flashlight
Just to mix things up a bit, our final entry on our list of the best M&P Shield night sights isn’t a sight set. Instead, we have a Tactical Pistol Mount Flashlight from Streamlight. It’s a different but equally effective option for shooting in low (or no) light.
It’s far more than just a flashlight…
This setup features a C4 LED flashlight and a 640-660nm red laser. That means you can illuminate as well as sight your target.
We think this is a wonderful option, though it does have its drawbacks, such as your position will be highly visible to your target when the flashlight is engaged.
At the same time, you can see what you’re shooting…
This is the main advantage of having a tactical flashlight. It features a parabolic reflector that balances beam strength and spread. However, this isn’t the only advantage of this setup. The red laser also considerably helps your aim.
We also like that the on switch is easily accessed by both right and left-handed shooters. Even better, the batteries can be changed while the unit is mounted.
We think all of this makes it the best tactical flashlight for M&P Shield firearms.
Pros
- Generates less heat than most other night sights.
- Versatile mounting options.
- Rapid installation.
- Good battery life.
Cons
- A green laser is brighter in the daytime.
Best M&P Shield Night Sights Buying Guide
When choosing the best night sights for your M&P Shield, there are three major factors to consider. Next, we’ll break down each one and discuss options in further detail.
So, let’s go through them, starting with…
Design
With this, we are referring to the rear sight design; however, the front sight design can also be crucial. Many shooters prefer a larger front sight, as it makes target acquisition considerably easier.
However, a larger front sight can interfere with your draw. It can also get knocked out of alignment much more easily.
What style notch do you prefer?
Most rear handgun sights come in one of three designs: U-notch, V-notch, and Patridge. Of these, the U-notch is the most common, though it differs only minimally from Patridge sights.
Both of these use the same principle for target acquisition. The only real difference is in the shape of the bottom of the notch.
U-notch rear sights are shaped like a U. You simply line up the front sight with the center of the U.
Are you more of a square?
Patridge rear sights are similar, only the bottom of the sight is squared off. So, rather than looking like a U, it looks more like the bottom of a square.
With either of these designs, you generally are provided with three illuminated dots. These dots can differ in color (between the front and back), which helps you focus on the front sight.
V-notch rear sights have their advantages…
This style of rear sight works in a very similar way. You still line up the front sight down the center of the V. However, there is often one addition to help you to sight in your target.
This is the center rear line at the base of the V. This helps shooters center their target, which can greatly improve your aim.
Technology
Most night sights can be broken down into two categories: tritium lamps and fiber optics. Some night sights even combine these two technologies. But how do they differ?
Fiber optic sights are highly versatile in all lighting conditions, with one exception: full darkness. This is because they only reflect light; they do not produce it.
Don’t we all love things that glow in the dark?
Tritium lamps, on the other hand, actually put off the light. This is accomplished through the use of slightly radioactive material. This is, as you might have guessed, called tritium.
It doesn’t put off enough radiation to cause you any issues, so don’t start stressing. What it does do is glow ever so slightly. This means you can use tritium sights in pure darkness. However, we aren’t sure how you’ll see your target. Unless that also glows, which would be weird.
The Construction Material Used
The options above include housings made of steel, aluminum, and plastic. Of these, steel is the most durable. It also tends to be heaviest.
While these sights are all small enough to not add much weight to your rig, every ounce counts. This is why many manufacturers have switched to use aluminum. This provides a nice balance of durability and weight.
We know you want to save money, but we also know you want quality…
Most top-end night sight manufacturers tend to stay away from plastic housings. It certainly helps to keep the cost down, but it’s also considerably more brittle. Many shooters have been known to break them while attempting to install them. At the same time, plastic night sights are ideal for new shooters, especially if you aren’t sure if night sights are for you.
Are you a lover of the M&P Shield but interested in exploring other models?
If so, check out our in-depth comparisons of the Glock 43 vs M&P Shield, the M&P Shield vs XD-S, the M&P Shield vs Sig P938, and the Smith & Wesson Shield vs M&P Compact.
So, what are the Best M&P Shield Night Sights?
With so many night sight options to choose from, it can be difficult narrowing them down. However, hopefully we have provided all of the information you were looking for. Now it’s just a matter of choosing the one that best fits your shooting style.
If you still can’t make up your mind, we’d recommend the…
Trijicon Night Sight Sets for Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols
These are definitely some of the best M&P Shield Night Sights you can buy at any price. They work super well in lowlight conditions and feature a low profile. And regardless of the high quality, they are still easily the best tritium sights for the money.
Happy shooting and have a superb lowlight aiming experience.