M&P New Rear Sight Fitting - Best Technique Suggestions Wanted

[BigSky!]

I've finally decided to see what all the fuss is about by installing an Apex DCAEK into one of my M&Ps. I also decided it would be the best time to change sights. Getting the rear sight out was relatively easy. Getting the new rear sight in, as it arrived, is impossible.

I know that I need to file the rear sight. I just wanted to get input on what any of you have determined is the best means of filing it to get it to work. My first inclination is to get a flat, fine, file and run the bottom of the sight back and forth on the file a few times, test fit, repeat as necessary. Please let me know what has worked for you and any other tips or tricks that aid in doing this as expeditiously as possible. Thanks in advance.

 

[BigSky!]

Really? I'm the only one who ever deals with this?

 

[epj]

You pretty much have the program in mind. Don't file any on the slide unless there is an obvious burr or other rough spot. I like seeing the sight go in 1/3 of the way or better by hand pressure.

 

[mobiless2]

I purchased a Pittsburgh 6" digital caliper, and sanded till new sight measured exactly like oem, then tapped in.

 

[CB3]

You are correct in gently filing/sanding only the bottom of the sight to get it to fit. Take your time. You can always take a little more, but you can't put it back. One third the way in from the right side (pistol pointed away from you) by finger pressure is a close approximation of what works for most people.

 

[BigSky!]

You are correct in gently filing/sanding only the bottom of the sight to get it to fit. Take your time. You can always take a little more, but you can't put it back. One third the way in from the right side (pistol pointed away from you) by finger pressure is a close approximation of what works for most people.

This is exactly how I chose to do it.

 

[jim46ok]

I use oiled wet/dry sandpaper on a perfectly flat surface, like a peice of glass, mirror, etc. 320 grit cuts pretty fast, and true. Just rotate it end to end every few strokes, to avoid taking one side down way more than the other......

 

[ultratec00]

I've changed out numerous sights on M&Ps, to include Shields. Typically take the finish off the bottom by running over a stone. Note I said stone, not file. Have never had an issue installing sights from Ameriglo, Truglo, and one other who's name eludes me. Some were a bit tighter than others, but none so tight the pusher couldn't install.

 

[weblance]

I have used 600 Wet/Dry sandpaper on the bottom of a sight to get it to ease into the dovetail of a slide a bit easier. I just put Meprolight Tru-Dots on my 2.0, and they required NO sanding. The key, as far as I'm concerned, is using a proper sight pusher. Mine is a cheapo NC Star Vism. $45, works like a charm

 

[nksmfamjp]

Filing the bottom of the dovetail is standard, but I find that these sights are just slightly oversize....meaning once you get it to start into the slide, switch methods to only filing where it hits. Then once you get it 1/3 to 1/2 way in, push it the rest of the way. If it has set screws, file until it goes 1/2 way in, so it can be slightly adjustable with some raps of the hammer.

 

[CB3]

Filing the bottom of the dovetail is standard, but I find that these sights are just slightly oversize....meaning once you get it to start into the slide, switch methods to only filing where it hits. Then once you get it 1/3 to 1/2 way in, push it the rest of the way. If it has set screws, file until it goes 1/2 way in, so it can be slightly adjustable with some raps of the hammer.

I'm unclear as to what you mean. "Switch methods to only filing where it hits" can mean a lot of different things--some of them very wrong.

The sights are purposely oversize to allow for fitting on the various dimensions of mass manufactured slides.

Reducing the bottom of the oversize sight reduces the dovetail width of the sight. It is the only reduction necessary to fit a sight into a slide dovetail. By slightly reducing the height of the sight, and therefore the width of the sight dovetail, the sight will fit in the corresponding slide dovetail as designed.

There is no filing of the dovetail on the slide. There is no filing or sanding of just the edges of the dovetail on the sight. There is really no sanding or filing of any dimension where the sight "hits", other than the bottom. There is no switching of fitting methods.