Handgun automatic sighting system

A weapon sighting system for attachment to a weapon, said weapon sighting system comprising:

• a sight rib housing;
• said sight rib housing including an electronic circuit having a power supply, a photocell, a reed switch, and a front sight including a light emitting diode (LED);
• a fastening arrangement for securing said sight rib housing to the weapon, whereby the light intensity of said LED is controlled by said electronic circuit in relation to the ambient light measured by said photocell;
• wherein said sight rib housing includes an electronic control unit compartment including said reed switch;
• a current limiting resistor;
• a parallel bypass resistor;
• and
• wherein said reed switch, said current limiting resistor, and said parallel bypass resistor are embedded in silicone rubber.

A method of activating the sighting system of a weapon upon withdrawal from a holster, said method comprising:

• a) providing a non-magnetic sight rib housing for attachment to the weapon, said sight rib housing including an electronic circuit having a power supply, a photocell, a reed switch, and a front sight including a light emitting diode (LED);
• b) securing a magnet in said holster in such a way that said magnet is in close proximity to said reed switch when said weapon is placed in said holster;
• c) providing said reed switch with a held open state, whereby withdrawal of the weapon from the holster switches the reed switch to the normally closed state thereby activating the LED and the electronic circuit;
• d) providing said reed switch with a normally closed state, whereby return of the weapon to the holster brings the reed switch of the weapon in close proximity to the magnet in said holster and switches the reed switch to its held open state, thereby deactivating the LED and the electronic circuit;
• e) providing said electronic circuit with a current limiting resistor to limit the current passing through said LED and a parallel bypass resistor to provide a minimum current flow to operate said LED in total darkness;
• and
• f) embedding said reed switch, said current limiting resistor, and said parallel bypass resistor in silicone rubber.