I was considering XS BIG DOT sights for my Glock 42, so I watched the "how to" video from them and they use loctite to secure the sights in place (the rear sight does have a set screw, but they still loctite it).
This seems Micky Mouse to me. Shouldn't an expensive sight ($100+) be properly machined for a nice snug fit without having to glue it? Plus you loose any windadge adjustments you might want to make in the future.
You can skip ahead to the 2:00 mark where the gluing begins. If the video doesn't appear below, here's the youtube link.
I put those sights on my Gen 4 G19 exactly as the video shows and it worked perfectly. I was still able to adjust for windage with no problems even after the locking agent dried. The set screw also holds the rear sight securely in place. I guess maybe the do it that way so the 'Average Joe' can install the rear sight even if they don't own, or have access to, a sight pusher. The XS Big Dot is a great sight, especially for aging eyes! But alas, I sold my G19 to a buddy and 'upgraded' to a Smith & Wesson M&P Compact Mod 2 3.6". :-)
Dovetail sight bases on aftermarket sights are always, always going to be machined oversize. No manufacturer can possibly make a 'one size fits all' dovetail base to fit every gunmaker's sight cut. Even examining several guns of the exact same make & model you'll find variances in the dovetail dimensions. That's why the sight bases are always oversized.
When I install sights, I take a good deal of time to carefully hand fit the base for a precise interference fit into the dovetail cut of the particular arm I'm working on. Once I'm satisfied with the fit I adjust the front until it's spot on the centerline of the gun. Same goes for the backsight. After test firing and adjusting the backsight for windage if necessary, I will seal the dovetail joints with Loctite 290. Bear in mind these aftermarket sight, and factory sights too for that matter, are made from carbon steel. XS Sights are made from stressproof, 10-8's are 4140, similar alloys are used by most every other manufacturer. These alloys will readily rust.
Fitting these sights to a particular gun often results in some of the finish being removed exposing raw carbon steel. In some cases even when the finish remains intact you're often installing a sight on a component of dissimilar metal.
Every gun I work on but especially so for carry guns... I seal those dovetail joints up with Loctite 290. Loctite 290 is the medium strength wicking grade formula. It will wick or seep into the smallest gaps sealing up the joint and preventing moisture or perspiration getting in there which will cause the sight to rust weld in place.
Never had any problems moving or removing a sight that been Loctited in place. Can't say the same thing for sights that were fitted dry and 'rust locked'.
Gluing sights in place
Linear Mode
