The M1911 Pistols Organization Forums Site

Fireman Ron

27th June 2006, 19:23

I am going to put a set of Night sights on a Rock Island Armory I recently traded into. Is the stake tool a must have item or is there another way to do it for a one time job?
Thanks.

Hunter

27th June 2006, 20:12

The stake tool is by far the best way. If you plan on doing right many it would be a good investment but for just 1 or 2 I might would let my gunsmith do it. Welcome to the forum.

FJM25

27th June 2006, 21:51

FWIW - I just replaced the sights on my AO1911A1PKZ - AO high profile, white dot - staked front, dovetailed rear. Gunsmith (Santurri in RI) charged me $25 on Saturday and did it while I waited. The tool with shipping will set you back at least that.

wakani

27th June 2006, 22:23

But the joy of doing it yourself; PRICELESS. :)

seagiant

1st July 2006, 17:08

Hi,
I don't know what you're hobbies are personally I'm hobby poor and it is mostly things that deal with metalworking. All that to say you might want to make the tool you're self. I just made the tool illustrated in the small book '45 Auto Custom Touches" Brownells has this at this time and it shows how to do some basic things to the stock 45. It is dated though. I replaced the sights on a Brazilian Military slide I was mating to an Essex frame. The tool worked great and I "saved" $25 (that was a joke of course) Good luck!

wakani

1st July 2006, 17:37

Thanks Giant, will check that out. Actually, I love making tools that cause things to go easier.

robot1911

1st July 2006, 19:39

Ron, if you're talking about Trijicon sights, the proper tool for the front is a must. Trying to do it with a regular arsenal tool will destroy the glass tube inside.

Bob

John

2nd July 2006, 03:40

If I was to install tritium sights, I would cut a dovetail on the slide and mount the sight that way. The tritium vial can break from the pounting, if you are not experienced.

Gammon

5th July 2006, 01:56

Brownells carries the Trijicon staking tool which works like a charm but costs $200! I bought one when they were made by MMC for $100 and it has paid for itself many times over. John has the right idea, get a dovetail cut fot the front sight, it should cost about $60. You can then install any front sight you choose.