Is This Sight Fixable?
- Thread starter GL9CK
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NewToGuns17
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If it's specified, it's probably so it comes out with the sight over the striker safety block, easier to catch, less chance of your tool mashing the plunger if going right to left (since the plunger is on right) for the rear sight. But the dovetail are cut symmetrical. I promise.
Stock sight is not tapered at all. It measures .259" on both ends.
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Gunsmithing is just not as easy as it looks.
Rastoff
US Veteran
This statement confuses me. If the sight was all the way in, why did you take it out? If it was all the way in and crooked, that took a serious amount of force.
Sight pushers should be used carefully. They can generate a lot of force, much more than really necessary. If you have to crank on the sight pusher, something is wrong.
I started the sight by hand. About 1/3 of the dovetail was in when I pushed it by hand. It was never all the way in.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Got it. Yep, the recommended depth before using the sight pusher is 1/2 way.
I think you've got it now. Live and learn. I look forward to seeing the completed project.
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It sure can. I put an XS big dot on my 2.0 compact. I got the front site right but on the rear I went from "no way that is going on" to a bit looser than I wanted in that one stroke on the file. Even with steel sights a file can take off a lot of metal quickly. Next time I am using sandpaper.
The only other sites I have changed have been on Glocks where I was able to borrow a brand specific tool that holds the slide in place using the rails and was a lot more secure than a generic tool that holds the slide in place by gripping it on sides. I didn't have any trouble installing the new sights but the factory front was hard to break loose. I kind of wish I had bought a vice instead of the tool and used a punch.
Some good info here, some not so good.......I prefer wet-or-dry sandpaper (320grit is good) with oil upside down on a mirror or glass. Super flat, and by rocking the sight slightly either way can control how much is taken off, front, rear, both, etc. VERY difficult to make a cut that flat with a file. If the sight is steel, as most are, a little cold blue on a Q tip will help hide the damaged areas. This takes no longer than a file, and will give you a much cleaner result. Almost any Smith has buggered up a sight at one time or another. As far as the pusher, I have a real cheapo and a very expensive one as well. With proper setup, I find I use the cheap one mostly with good results. Don't beat yourself up too much over this..!! Good Luck
jakebrake
Member
jakebrake
Member
I give you credit for trying. if it the sight tool I started with, recycle it.
if You must use a file, SLOWLY. one half a swipe too much and You're hosed.
a dab of lube may not be an awful idea....a drop...
if You must use a file, SLOWLY. one half a swipe too much and You're hosed.
a dab of lube may not be an awful idea....a drop...
I received a response from S&W. It does NOT matter which direction the sights are removed or installed. Hopefully people stop spreading false information.
I'm torn between ordering an MFW Rangemaster or taking it to a gun smith. He returned my call and left a voicemail, but didn't give a price like I asked.
I'm torn between ordering an MFW Rangemaster or taking it to a gun smith. He returned my call and left a voicemail, but didn't give a price like I asked.
Rastoff
US Veteran
You were told this by S&W. I was told to install right to left from S&W. One of us got bad info and both of us got it from the manufacturer. Oh well, in the end it doesn't matter does it.
Thanks for reporting what you were told.
Here's proof of what I was told. I did respond, as a triple check, to ensure they can also be installed from either direction.
Rastoff
US Veteran
I never doubted you.
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