Thanks for the instructions. I will get a tool for this.
Shield sight change Picture heavy
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motorcyclejoe
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I use a 25 watt soldering iron. Hold the tip close to the set screw just barely touching for a minute or two. The set screw came out on my FS M&P without any trouble at all.
OP
Gents, it doesn't take much heat to get the set screw out. Be cautious of beating the hex wrench. They can lose their temper easily, especially thin ones. Some of the set screws require no heat at all. Try a little pressure prior to heating. It may pop loose all on its own.
NCW Ray
Member
I used the hex wrench included with my new Ameriglo sights and applied slow & firm pressure and it came loose, no heat required. JMT sight pusher made quick work of removing the factory sights and installing the Ameriglo's, no sanding or filing of them was needed.
The last 2 M&P's I bought (a shield and a 40C) have not required any heat to break the screw loose. The first ones I bought would not break loose without heat. One of the problems with the screws S&W uses are that they are a very loose 1/16". I tried several hex wrenches until I found one that fit the tightest.
OP
Wonder if they may have gotten a batch of set screws with Imperial threads and a metric socket. I've run into hex head bolts made that way, imperial threads and a metric head. More likely just a sloppy tolerance.
I recently bought one of your Mark IV with the S&W pins, I have a question. On the front sight how is the best way to keep the round pin from riding up on the sight. The rear came off without a problem using the S&W pins, but I had problems with the front. I ended up using my MGW Shield pusher to remove the front. After removal it is obvious that I did not have the pin down as far as it should have been as the pin hit the sight close to the top edge of the sight base. It would be nice to have something similar to the half circle pins that are used on the rear.
OP
I try to keep the pin riding on the bottom of the dovetail, or if it won't, I just push on the sight blade. I know folks are scared of breaking or bending them, but the only issue I ever had was with a XD. That one broke the sight base. If you know how thin they are, you'll immediately see why.
I have been looking at some sort of improved push pins for the front sights. If I can find a source of material, I'd make some like the ones for the rear with a smaller head. So far, I've not been able to locate what I need. I still looking.
I have been looking at some sort of improved push pins for the front sights. If I can find a source of material, I'd make some like the ones for the rear with a smaller head. So far, I've not been able to locate what I need. I still looking.
EllDee
Member
Sure wish I had looked here first
I'm one of those old fools that always think they can do this kind of stuff. I'm in the midst of installing an Apex trigger kit and Apex RAM. Of course, my M&P 9 was purchased in 2008, so I had to buy a new sear block assembly from Brownells to get the required 1/8" spring for the replacement sear. Then I got to where I tried to push the rear sight off with various punches, hammers, and vises. After that didn't work I bought an inexpensive (this simple project was starting to cost some significant $) sight pusher on Ebay. Well, of course it was advertised for a Glock, but they also claimed it could be used for most any striker fired semi-auto. Well, it won't move the sight, either. Now I'm either going to have to take it to the LGS or buy a better tool.
Rant over, I can't give too much praise for this thread.
I really wish I would have thought to look here first.
I'm one of those old fools that always think they can do this kind of stuff. I'm in the midst of installing an Apex trigger kit and Apex RAM. Of course, my M&P 9 was purchased in 2008, so I had to buy a new sear block assembly from Brownells to get the required 1/8" spring for the replacement sear. Then I got to where I tried to push the rear sight off with various punches, hammers, and vises. After that didn't work I bought an inexpensive (this simple project was starting to cost some significant $) sight pusher on Ebay. Well, of course it was advertised for a Glock, but they also claimed it could be used for most any striker fired semi-auto. Well, it won't move the sight, either. Now I'm either going to have to take it to the LGS or buy a better tool.
Rant over, I can't give too much praise for this thread.
I really wish I would have thought to look here first.
OP
I'm one of those old fools that always think they can do this kind of stuff. I'm in the midst of installing an Apex trigger kit and Apex RAM. Of course, my M&P 9 was purchased in 2008, so I had to buy a new sear block assembly from Brownells to get the required 1/8" spring for the replacement sear. Then I got to where I tried to push the rear sight off with various punches, hammers, and vises. After that didn't work I bought an inexpensive (this simple project was starting to cost some significant $) sight pusher on Ebay. Well, of course it was advertised for a Glock, but they also claimed it could be used for most any striker fired semi-auto. Well, it won't move the sight, either. Now I'm either going to have to take it to the LGS or buy a better tool.
Rant over, I can't give too much praise for this thread.
Those eBay sight pushers made from square tubing typically work ok on sights that aren't very tight. That leaves out the entire S&W brand. The gen 3 sights tend to be even tighter than the M&P sights, with the possible exception of the Shield rear. The design tends to pull up on the sight rather than push on a line parallel to the dovetail.
jradisch
Member
I recently tried to remove the rear sight on my new shield with no luck. The set screw loosened and was removed easily and I soaked the rear sight in penetrating oil, but I literally pounded the sight with a brass punch and a 2 lb sledge and the thing didn't budge. Looks like the sights on the newer Shields are not removable. Will either have to take it to a smith or buy a sight pusher and hope for the best.
1hatchet
Member
Some people have been successful using a punch to remove the Shield rear sight but few. Buy the sight pusher tool and don't look back. I did and it has earned its pay many times over.
I've heard S&W installs these sights with a hydraulic press. That's why they are so tuff to get out. I have replaced factory sights on my M&P9 Shield & Compact with a sight pusher and with a punch and hammer. The shield was the toughest.
southerncomfort
Member
Great thread. Too bad the pictures no longer work, but I appreciate the OP's effort and the subsequent discussion. In any case, I'm normally game to try DIY, but after reading through this I've decided I'll let a good gunsmith handle this task.
OP
The pictures are still on Photobucket. I'll try to see why they don't work.
OP
Ok. The pictures are working now. You might find its not all that hard to do if you have the proper tools.
Motorsporting
Member
If you buy a good sightpusher, and have a vice, you will be just fine. Take it slow; it's a little scary if you've never done 'em before but it's really not that bad.
OP
You don't have to have a vise, but it does make set up a bit easier.
RONALD HENSLEY
Member
nice instructional, i use one of those polymer barrel flags that comes in a new gun as a punch and a tack hammer, ive used this on several guns, works great and wont scratch or mess up your finish on the sight or gun!
MK III sight pusher
Very good information. I will be trying out my new sight pusher this weekend!
Very good information. I will be trying out my new sight pusher this weekend!
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