measuring sight height
A dial caliper, non digital, from the hardware store or Sears is not expensive. I see them online for $25 and they will be plenty accurate for this. You likely have friends from whom you could borrow one, too.
Measure from the bottom of the slide to the top of the slide, and from the bottom of the slide to the top of the sight. Measure it several times until you get at least two consistent measures.
When you buy, BE SURE you're getting the exact same size. It is worth calling the manufacturer/seller and having them verify it for you. I don't know the "why" of it, but it seems not everyone measures the same way. I think you can't just go by what's on the label.
I recently changed the front sight on a Colt Delta Elite, ordering the stated EXACT height (.018"), BUT, after installation it is just a little taller, so I have to set the rear sight full-down to match it for closer targets. I did not think to measure it just to be sure, before installation. The next lower sight, as sold, is too low.
I wrote up all the changes I made to two Delta Elites that I will publish on the Colt Forum and here, after a range session, and after my editor is through shredding my prose. (And saving me from dreadful boo boos.)