Installing Trijicon HD sights?

[NCavi8tor]

When installing the front Trijicon HD sight on my M&P 45C, do I need to use a locking compound like Loctite or similar product?? Thanks.

NC

 

[Fastbolt]

I only use a thread locker on the front & rear screw threads, and I don't get over exuberant with it.

 

[NCavi8tor]

There is no screw on the front sight.

NC

 

[Fastbolt]

When I install front sights which are of the post/screw design, versus the dovetail design, I use a small amount of thread locker on the threaded screw used to secure the front sight post.

Generalized comment. As armorer for some different designs, my general comment covers the possibility of installing different types of sights.

For the M&P, I use a thread locker on the set screw of the rear sight base. Not anywhere else.

Is that what you were asking? Or, were you talking about applying thread locker on some other part of the sights other than the set screw?

 

[NCavi8tor]

My question was specific to the front sight of my M&P only. No set screw. Just a dovetail. I have seen some folks suggest using a thread locker in the groves of the dovetail. My question is if that is necessary and/or recommended?? Thanks!

NC

 

[Neumann]

You usually have to file the dovetail on the sight to make it fit. The filing should create a taper for the sight to be installed from right to left, which is only a convention not a requirement. You should be able to insert the sight half way with finger pressure only. You need a 60 degree file with a safe side (no teeth), which costs about $20 from Brownells. File only the slanted part of the dovetail, and only the sight itself.

It's easy to go a little too far, so that the sight eventually shoots loose. In that case, use LocTite designed for filling gaps (there's often a lot of space between the bottom of the sight and the slide.

Do not hammer on the blade. The capsule is easily broken. Use a sight pusher, or a brass half-round punch on the sight base, with the slide in a padded vice.

 

[TucsonMTB]

I believe Mr. Neumann nailed it.

Here is a video by Dave Dawson that demonstrates the process. As a rule, he does use Loctite.

Installing Dovetail Front Sights with Dave Dawson - YouTube

 

[NCavi8tor]

Thanks for the response. I have a file and a sight pusher. Also I have seen the Dawson video which was one reason I asked about using the thread locker. Thanks again.

NC

 

[NCavi8tor]

All done and looks great. Love, LOVE these sights!!

NC

 

[Hill_Country]

You usually have to file the dovetail on the sight to make it fit. The filing should create a taper for the sight to be installed from right to left, which is only a convention not a requirement. You should be able to insert the sight half way with finger pressure only. You need a 60 degree file with a safe side (no teeth), which costs about $20 from Brownells. File only the slanted part of the dovetail, and only the sight itself.

It's easy to go a little too far, so that the sight eventually shoots loose. In that case, use LocTite designed for filling gaps (there's often a lot of space between the bottom of the sight and the slide.

Do not hammer on the blade. The capsule is easily broken. Use a sight pusher, or a brass half-round punch on the sight base, with the slide in a padded vice.

Kind of the hard way to do it. Ever thought of just filing the bottom? No special tools, no gap, much less chance of screwing up the sight.

 

[NCavi8tor]

No filing required. The front sight fit just like the factory original. The MGW pusher is a great tool!!

NC