How to remove sights on my M&P Shield

[rmm911]

I want to install new sights on my Shield. Has anyone done this?
What size Allen wrench is needed to remove the set screw on the rear sight?
I have read that S&W uses red locktite on the Allen screw. Any suggestions on how to break it loose without causing damage.
All experienced advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ken158]

Removing the Allen screw will be the easiest part - those sights are very hard to remove. Borrow or invest in a universal sight tool - others will pop in with preferences.

 

[Protected One]

I want to install new sights on my Shield. Has anyone done this?
What size Allen wrench is needed to remove the set screw on the rear sight?
I have read that S&W uses red locktite on the Allen screw. Any suggestions on how to break it loose without causing damage.
All experienced advice will be greatly appreciated.

My suggestion would be to take it to a gunsmith and pay them the $25-30 to do it.

I noticed that the front sight on my shield was about 3/32" to the left of center. I took it to a smith for correction and the sight was seated so firmly that he BROKE his tool trying to reposition it! He ended up moving the rear sight to compensate. I told him that I would soon be getting night sights, and asked how would he install it. He said "By cutting the front sight out". Point is, sometimes things aren't as easy as they seem, and for the negligible cost it's not worth messing with.

 

[epj]

You might find this thread helpful:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/363455-shield-sight-change-picture-heavy.html

 

[rmm911]

I am inclined to agree about taking it to a gunsmith. I used a soldering iron to heat up the Allen set and eventually, it broke free. It is covered with red locktite. I bought this gun new.......
I managed to get the front sight out but only after pounding on it using a brass punch. Now I am working on the rear sight.
If I had to do this all over again, I would take it to a gunsmith.

 

[mike72ss]

I just installed Ameriglo night sights on my Shield. The allen screw on the rear sight came right out without any problem. I clamped the slide in a big vise between a couple pieces of nylon for protection and knocked the rear sight out easily with a brass punch and hammer. The front sight was another story. I used the same punch and hammer. At first, I used the same force I did on the rear sight, which only took a few wacks, but it would not budge, so I used a lot more muscle and it did finally come off without any damage.

The new sights went on without any problems. If you have the right tools and patience, I say go for it. If not spend the money and have it done professionally.

Mike

 

[Prasko]

Brass punch, or brass screw fashioned into a punch, and a dead blow hammer. Not a regular hammer.

The brass cleaned up off my rear sight with nothing more then some rubbing with paper towel.

If the brass punch gets a little deformed, flatten it with a file.

I did it with a c-clamp, on my wood computer desk.

Didn't feel like trudging through 3 feet of snow to the -20F garage

 

[dullh]

How to remove sights on my M&P Shield

With an allen key and a sight pusher tool.

 

[rmm911]

I got the rear sight out without too much trouble. No scratches and no problems. The new sights were comparatively easy to install.

 

[curlysir]

I got the rear sight out without too much trouble. No scratches and no problems. The new sights were comparatively easy to install.

I am beginning to believe that S&W has changed something on the way they install Shield sights. The sights on my first shield were very difficult to remove, the set screw had to be heated. And the sights were also hard to remove. My 2nd shield was a lot easier, the set screw came out without having to be heated and the sights were not nearly as tight as the first one. Used a sight pusher on both Shields.

Reading more and more about people not having as much trouble with the later guns and there was with the earlier shields.