Removing sights

[isthatafireparade]

I'm pretty new to gun smithing but I managed to install the entire Apex Tactical FSS kit except I can't get the rear sight off to install the sear and spring! Any one have this problem with an M&P9? Everything on this gun seems much tighter than it should be. I put the slide in a vise and hit it the rear sight with a plastic hammer and still doesn't budge. Any suggestions? I am planning on installing different sights in the next couple weeks, should I be investing in a sight tool to remove both of them? Is the front even harder?

 

[chuckles46]

Watch the you tube video of Apex Tactical's Randy lee installing the USB in a M&P. He uses a aluminum rod wrapped in tape and taps it out left to right. I bought a MGW sight puisher tool and it works perfectly. Be sure and loosen the set screw before trying to tap it out. Take your time and don't just start whacking your sights with a hammer. The hard sear doesn't require the sight removal as it is in the frame action, not the slide. The USB requires rear sight removal.

 

[LeMans]

If you are going to do several sight installations I recommend the MGW sight tool, it works perfectly and will make your life much easier.

 

[TeaQue]

Just for future reference, when you guys are tapping the front and rear sights out and you say "From Left to Right"

Is the "Left to Right" reference with the barrel pointing away or towards you?

 

[D Rock]

Just for future reference, when you guys are tapping the front and rear sights out and you say "From Left to Right"

Is the "Left to Right" reference with the barrel pointing away or towards you?

Barrel away from you.

Dave

 

[Lost Lake]

I mounted my slide in a vice with some heavy plastic on each side. I smacked the sights really hard with a hammer and brass punch. Really hard.

 

[chuckles46]

Again, just be sure you loosen the set screw. I'm sure you see that but it never hurts to be detail oriented. The mgw sight tool is the best way but it's also $95.

 

[TeaQue]

Barrel away from you.

Dave

Thanks, I don't want to damage anything if I ever mess with the sights myself.

 

[D Rock]

TeaQue, just make sure you put tape around areas on the slide in case you slip.

I've only removed the sights twice on the rear (for cleaning)and once on the front. The front was very tight.

I've read where people put penetrating oil on the front to soak but what worked for me was to put the slide in the freezer overnight. It shrinks the metal and it worked very well. Not my original idea but I thought I'd pass it along.

Dave

 

[Jhp147]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/102453-sight-installation-tricks.html
I put every idea about sights I had ever stolen/purchased/borrowed in this thread. I also bought an MGW sight tool, works great. I noticed that Speed Shooter's Specialties RENTS the sight pusher for $25.00 plus shipping for a week.

 

[isthatafireparade]

Thanks very much for all the help! I am going to try it tomorrow.