Replacing rear sight questions?

[duboismd]

I have a Kimber custom target I would like to swap out the rear sights on. Is there a safe way to drift it out myself without doing damage? Also thinking about doing the same on a Browning hi power mk III. Would it be the same process? Thanks!

[pa_guns]

Hi

Most rear sights are held in by pressure in a dovetail. Occasionally you will find one that has a set screw in it or a pin. Be sure the set screw or pin is out before you start banging.

The slide normally is off the pistol when you do the work. You need to support it and to hold it in place. Wrapping it with a piece of leather is a good way to keep from scratching things.

A brass drift punch is the normal tool to use. These generally come from the factory with big long noses on them. I keep the beat up old ones and knock the nose down to about 1/2 inch. That makes things like banging on sights a lot easier.

Hope that helps

Bob

[duboismd]

Thanks Bob!

[pa_guns]

Hi

No problem!

The toughest thing is knowing when to *stop* bashing. Much better to stop and have the old sight milled out than to damage the slide. You never know when a sight is going to have "welded" it's self in place.

Bob

[bearboy]

A word to the wise Kimber sights are REEEAAALLY tight.

[pa_guns]

A word to the wise Kimber sights are REEEAAALLY tight.

Hi

Some things are better done by a pro. If it gets to the point that you feel like you should stop bashing, stop. Let your local gunsmith smack it.

Bob

[Desmond]

Dovetailed sights traditionally are inserted into the dovetail from right to left as you look down on the top of the slide with the muzzle end pointed away from you. The replacement sight comes out left to right.

I just replaced the rear sight on my Glock 19 with the Glock adjustable sight. I used a nylon bolt as a punch so as not to damage the plastic Glock sight.

Des

[pa_guns]

Hi

At least in theory a dovetail rear sight should be installed so it can be "drifted" with a punch to adjust for windage. They should never be in there so tight they just won't move at all. I have seen multiple examples of slides and sights that simply never read that chapter in the book :D :D :D

Bob