New Gen3 Sight Pusher?

[epj]

First of all. THIS IS NOT AN AD!!! This tool does not yet exist and may never exist, other than the prototype.

A number of folks have inquired about a sight pusher for the Gen3 pistols that did not require that the safety levers be removed. I have had this design floating around in my head for several months, but did not have the necessary equipment to make it. With the addition of a verticle mill, I now have that capability.
This pusher is an adaptation of the Mk lll pusher which I currently make for XD's and M&P's. There are slots cut in the spacers to house the safety levers.
Here's what it looks like:

My question is whether there is sufficient demand for this type tool to justify the time and aggrivation necessary make jigs, etc. I believe this same design will work with the Beretta 92/M9, but I'll have to get my daughter's 92 back so I can check the dimensions.

I solicit your comments, suggestions, etc., both pro and con. BTW, cost would probably be slightly higher than the Mk lll, but still half of what the commercial models cost. Anyway, what do ya'll think?

 

[epj]

You should make a tool for the M&P 5" Pro Series or L versions. As far as I know, nobody has or makes one that will work for pushing out the front sight on these models.

With a little ingenuity and a couple of strips of 3/32" shim material the Mk lll can probably be made to work on the 5" version.

 

[BruceB]

I think this mod to the sight pusher might finally convince me that I need one.

 

[skeeterbait]

I would buy one. I am tired of the inacuracy of drifting sights. It would be cool to also have a calibrated gauge mounted on the pusher to indicate the amount you move the sight.

 

[epj]

One full rotation of the jackscrew will move the sight 1/18".

 

[Gunhacker]

That's a great improvement... would you offer an "upgrade kit" for those of us that have the original sight pusher design and want to not have to mess with removing the safety from the slide?

 

[epj]

Not sure that is feasible. There are some minor dimensional differences in the Mk lll and the potential Mk lV. For example, the pin retaining the lower block in the Mk lll had to be relocated down .125" to clear the depth of the cut. If the block were made higher or taller, the distance to the pusher position would be too short. I'll look at the possibility though. I see little practical way to modify the Mk ll, but I'll think on that some as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[18DAI]

I think you are very talented and if you make one, it will sell!

Great idea for those who may not know how, or be inclined, to disassemble their pistol just to move the sights. Good luck with your new design! Regards 18DAI

 

[epj]

Kinda like "If you build it, they will come." ?

 

[D Rock]

I'd definitely be interested if it did both 3rd Gen and Beretta.

I have a 92A1 Beretta with removable front sight, do you know if this would work on that. The slide is just slightly wider but I don't have a measurement here.

If you get enough interest, let us know what the final price would be.

Thanks

Dave

 

[Hill_Country]

I really like what you've done - much more elegant than my homebrew adapter. I would purchase one if I hadn't already picked one up on fleabay and made my own adapter. I first used slivers of HMW plastic - which worked OK, but was a little crude. I later made a set similar to yours from red oak scraps. Easy to work with a die grinder and no concerns about scaring the finish.
I think you'll sell a few if you can keep the price competitive with the fleabay offerings, but the 3d gen market is pretty small compared to other models. Your market will be much broader if you can sell just the adapter to people who already have a pusher.
Certainly looks like you do nice work and I admire you filling this obvious need for our beloved 3G's.

 

[epj]

I wasn't aware of the A1 variation of the 92. That front sight looks a bit challenging for any pusher. It may be no worse than the M&P, however. It would definitely require an offset jackscrew like the Mk lll uses. No pusher design is going to work well unless it can be securely clamped to the slide. Some slides don't lend themselves to this very well. I'd need to get my hands on one to really tell for sure.

 

[D Rock]

Yeah, I was wondering about the 92A1 front sight.

It's more contoured to the slide. Most of the dovetailed Beretta front sights stick up a bit more and are staked.

Dave

 

[epj]

With a lot of front sights there is very little vertical surface to push on except the sight blade. This may be the case with the beretta. Most aftermarket sights seem to have a more generous base to push in the replacement.

 

[epj]

Still looking for comments, questions, and suggestions. At some point I will probably produce a small batch of these. Right now I have my hands full with the other two models. Cost will probably be in the area of $75. Personally, I'd just take the safety levers off and use a Mk ll. however I'm pretty fearless about taking things apart. Some folks may have better sense.