I'm trying to remove the Novak fixed sights from a Model 4046, as the "night sights" no longer glow and I'm going to replace them. I was able to remove the front sight using my Maryland Gun Works Sig tool, but it will not fit the slide to remove the rear sight. A bronze rod and hammer do not budge the rear sight in its dovetail at all. Does anyone know of a sight removal tool that will work, or do I have to make one?

Since you have over 2,000 posts so I expect you've taken out the set screw and are hammering from left to right.
Bottom line is you need a bigger hammer.
Don't forget, you can also send your whole slide to Trijicon to re-lamp your sights for around $60.

LIke HCH said, once you've done the set screw the bigger hammer comes into play.

I ground down a Brownells brass replaceable tip punch about half way to give more surface contact to the sight base.
NYLON/BRASS DRIFT PUNCH | Brownells



Make sure you mask off the slide and use some leather padding in a vice. Right to left, it will move in time.

On tough ones you can put the slide in the freezer overnight to shrink the metal. That worked on the front sight of my M&P.

Dave

Yes, I did remove the set screw and was going from left to right. I didn't know that Trijicon would replace the sights, thank you for the info. I've already ordered a set from Brownell's though.

Right to left? Always thought it was from left to right. May try the freezer trick. Thanks.

Yes I got that wrong, sorry I was doing a search for a pusher at the same time.

Dave

OK, found the link.

Made by member epj. Post #111 shows a Beretta with the similar Safety/Decocker.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/accesso...d-rated-3.html

I've never used one but it would be better then hammering on night sights if you slipped.

Dave

Thank you, just what I need.

bgrafsr, I've been working on a Beretta, which is what made me think of it. Also why I said right to left with the sights, that's how they work.

If you get one of those pushers I would appreciate your opinion on it. I've been considering one.

Dave

I'm waiting for a response from the seller, as I will order a MKIII from him.

I still think sight removal is from left to right and installation is right to left.

I thought it was remove L-R also and install R-L, now ya got me second guessing. If all else fails check the manual or call the mfg'r. Also I like to give the dovetail a spritz of pb blaster, liquid wrench, marvel, or some type of penetrating oil and let it work a bit first. just keep an eye on the bluing/finish.

Yeah most pistols are remove to the right install to the left but Beretta is just the opposite. You remove Beretta to the left and install to the right.

Dave

I got tired of screwing around and bought one of these: P500 UNIVERSAL SIGHT TOOL | Brownells It will push out the most stubborn sights.

I thought about one of those B & J pushers a while back but I just don't do enough sight work to justify the expense.

Years ago I bought MGW pushers for Glock and S&W and used them once or twice. They are now on permanent loan somewhere. Friends just pass them along and I'll probably see them some day. The pushers were less than $60 when I bought them.

Dave

I looked at that one too, but for the little I will use one, I will go with the tool that epj sells.

I found one on fleabay for a few bucks less, but I wish now that I'd gotten the one in the link - sometimes those sights are some kind of tight.

BTW, I'm sure you know that there are a couple of little surprises hiding under the rear sight. If you order some spare springs from S&W you won't need them. They are special springs with little tiny legs that run and hide if they get loose.

I'm in that boat, it doesn't get used often, but, it's one of those things where when you need it you NEED it. Kimber rear sights are particularly nasty to remove.