Changing Sights on a Springer 1911 loaded?

Phantom8 · September 11, 2009, 07:06 PM

.... i want to know if you can change out the front and rear "fixed" 3-dot sights on a Springfield 1911 loaded??? They look like they are dove-tailed into the slide.... how difficult is this process? Can they be changed out for a XS sight system? ( of course, if they have such) ...Any information would be great! Thanks!!

Harry Bonar · September 12, 2009, 09:11 AM

Sir;
If dovetailed use an aluminum or brass punch - put a matchbox between it and the sight and drive them out from left to right with the slide firmly mounted in padded vise jaws. (looking at the slide as you would shoot)
Harry B.

Phantom8 · September 12, 2009, 10:41 PM

... Harry, when you say "matchbox"... do u literally mean, take a cardboard matchbox, empty out the matches and use the material?... or is that another term for some kind of padding. Sorry if this is a stupid question...i have never changed sights before... thanks for your help in advance!

Harry Bonar · September 14, 2009, 09:15 AM

Sir;
Just use some cardboard about the thickness of a common match cover from Bob Evans - a folding set of matches. Some sights are really in there - secure the slide in a good vise with cardboard to protect the sides and have at it. Be sure to drive out the pin in the front sight if there is one.
Now, if your new sights are too tight always file the SIGHT DOVETAIL - not the slot!
Harry B.

Nowhere Man · September 14, 2009, 09:52 AM

Many manufacturers have different style cuts in the slide. You will need to buy sights that fit an SA.

Also, that front sight is pinned. You need to take out the pin before you try to remove the sight.

Dave

Phantom8 · September 14, 2009, 05:09 PM

thank you for all your help!

September 11, 2009, 07:06 PM	#1
Phantom8 Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 84	Changing Sights on a Springer 1911 loaded? .... i want to know if you can change out the front and rear "fixed" 3-dot sights on a Springfield 1911 loaded??? They look like they are dove-tailed into the slide.... how difficult is this process? Can they be changed out for a XS sight system? ( of course, if they have such) ...Any information would be great! Thanks!!

September 12, 2009, 09:11 AM	#2
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	sights Sir; If dovetailed use an aluminum or brass punch - put a matchbox between it and the sight and drive them out from left to right with the slide firmly mounted in padded vise jaws. (looking at the slide as you would shoot) Harry B.

September 14, 2009, 09:15 AM	#4
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	sights Sir; Just use some cardboard about the thickness of a common match cover from Bob Evans - a folding set of matches. Some sights are really in there - secure the slide in a good vise with cardboard to protect the sides and have at it. Be sure to drive out the pin in the front sight if there is one. Now, if your new sights are too tight always file the SIGHT DOVETAIL - not the slot! Harry B.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

September 12, 2009, 10:41 PM	#3
Phantom8 Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 84	... Harry, when you say "matchbox"... do u literally mean, take a cardboard matchbox, empty out the matches and use the material?... or is that another term for some kind of padding. Sorry if this is a stupid question...i have never changed sights before... thanks for your help in advance!

September 14, 2009, 09:52 AM	#5
Nowhere Man Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Location: North Port, FL Posts: 172	Many manufacturers have different style cuts in the slide. You will need to buy sights that fit an SA. Also, that front sight is pinned. You need to take out the pin before you try to remove the sight. Dave

September 14, 2009, 05:09 PM	#6
Phantom8 Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 84	thank you for all your help!